Kasim Sulton's 2006 Tour

Saturday 22nd July 2006

The Tin Angel, Philadelphia, PA

Set List:
Somebody Loves You
Yellow Cab
Where Is My Soul
Before She Was Gone
Jane Doe
Drive
Sacrifice
The One Sure Thing
Libertine
I Don't Mind At All
Minutes Slipping Past
There Goes My Inspiration
Don't Hold Me Back
Across the Universe

Kasim Sulton at The Tin Angel - 22nd July 2006, photo by Marc Israel

Click here for some great photos of this gig by Jennifer Salyer.

Review by Jennifer Salyer:
A strong thunderstorm at the start of the evening did not dampen the mood or the event taking place at The Tin Angel Saturday night. Kasim Sulton packed the house and did not disappoint the crowd - he sang his heart out and played various guitars with melodic ease, much to the delight of his receptive audience.

There was almost no empty seat in the house, but you wouldn’t have known it because the rather large crowd were enraptured, for the most part, by Kasim’s performance. There were a few occasional yells in the crowd, for requests for a song or two, as well as cheers for Kasim and Kasim’s main guitarist, Doug Kennedy, but overall the audience listened to the set intently and without rude chatter and commotion.

Fans had come from as far as Washington DC and Buffalo, New York, to see this show, and while introducing The One Sure Thing, Kasim talked about the couple from DC that loved the song so much, they made it their wedding song.

Kasim opened the show with, I believe, Somebody Loves You, and was accompanied by Doug Kennedy, formerly of the band Isle of Q, and Dennis DelGaudio, whom Kasim worked with in the Billy Joel musical Movin’ Out on Broadway. Dennis not only played guitar but also sang backup vocals. His harmonies with Kasim, on the various songs, added a whole new element to the show. Doug is usually positioned somewhat behind Kasim (and onstage at the Bitter End, the first show Kasim did on this tour, he was even sat in a chair that positioned him much much lower then Kasim as well), but the guitar work Doug does onstage helps him to stand out even without him trying to.

Having seen the opening tour performance at The Bitter End, I must say that this show was so much better. Kasim’s vocals alone seemed stronger; maybe because he wasn’t quite as distracted by bar noise, or the fact that the sound system at The Tin Angel decided to cooperate, but he belted out each note better then the last and seemed to relay the emotions of the songs so much better as well. The guitar harmonies from the three performers blended melodically and sounded beautifully together. Kasim even broke out a few stories and jokes between songs, and seemed much more at ease then that first performance night. Doug, again, had a few guitar solos and several audience members were there to cheer him on. Dennis will hopefully make more appearances with Kasim, as his guitar playing and vocals were a wonderful addition to the set. I’m sure with each show, it will only get better. Don’t miss this tour!

Kasim Sulton at The Tin Angel - 22nd July 2006, photo by Marc Israel

Review by Marc Israel:
Those who came to see Kasim Sulton last night in Philadelphia were rewarded with a newly arranged & fun show. The Tin Angel was packed pretty tight, but respectful throughout, and that allowed Kasim to deliver a relaxed show surely worth the river-like navigation neccesary to make it there safely from Washington, D.C. Thanks to our hosts Dave & Roni!

So up the long flight of steps and we then immediately got the flavor of this venue. Modern mural walls encased a thin and dark, but smartly lit, room. The bar was street side while the back of the room is where the raised stage is located and also where we quickly were told we’d be sitting. Tentative smiles quickly broadened with excitement….

While the pre-show dinner at Serrano (downstairs) had potential, the dinner table banter easily surpassed the food expectations. Knowing that there was an entirely different act after our show that would need us cleared out, I found myself glancing down at my wrist watch often to ensure we didn’t miss a lick! So back upstairs we ventured, passed the others who had been waiting, to our table up front and then within minutes Kasim came out at 7:50. (The show was billed at 7:30, but the sound check was delayed due to the late arrival of George, the soundman, pushing everything back a few minutes)

Below is what I believe was the set list - with a few of my comments

Somebody Loves You
I never had heard of this song and it took me a moment to drink it in, so to speak. I mostly remember interesting guitar progressions and it was nice for a more powerful "Sacrifice" to be saved for later in the set as opposed to being the opener as in the past two solo tours.

Yellow Cab
I was looking forward to seeing this performed after hearing it for a while on the website and I was really psyched that it plays so well live! This is a good time to point out that not only was Doug Kennedy, Kasims’ safety net, present as always (on Kasims’right) but so was a new guitarist, Dennis Delgaudio, (opposite side) who was also singing back up. Kasim explained their tie through "Movin Out" and they seemed to be having a great time and very comfortable performing together.

Where Is My Soul
Look Ma! No Piano! … My neighbor, who took my wife’s ticket this night, really was going on about how much this song stands out (but after the show he almost crashed my enthusiasm by telling Kasim he’s never heard of him before! Thanks Rob! Remind me to send you a book on how to avoid backhanded compliments in foreign cities!)

Before She Was Gone
Dennis rhythmically pumped this song up a bit and, although I’m not a fan of a gazillion guitars on stage (it’s not an Eagles concert!) the three guys were really playing parts that were complimentary and I found myself focusing on everything BUT Kasims’ guitar playing! Kasim still wraps it up beautifully with his singing that hovered above the music beautifully.

Jane Doe
This song might need a few listens to follow. I just didn’t get it…

The One Sure Thing
The absolute favorite of my wife & mine. To try to place our personal meaning here, would not do it justice. Kasim’s clear understanding of this only added to my embarrassment as he spotlighted my sentimentality & history, sustaining groans from all in attendance, to whom everyone there I’ll simply state "Deal With It!"

Sacrifice
Doug's ripping lead, perfectly matched to the original) was a pleasant shock as this song has definitely graduated to a new live level of performance!

Minutes Slipping Past
A brand new song somewhat reminiscent of Traffic's "Can’t Find My Way Home" that I can’t wait to hear in it’s full production. He’s gotta record this one!

Drive
Kasim proved that a New Car indeed can lose it’s value as soon as it is driven off the lot! Not because the song tanked (quite the opposite) but because we were told that when The New Cars regroup, after Elliot Eastman’s collarbone heals, Kasim may not be there (I’m assuming there are Meatloaf commitments, and I’ll let you come up with your own punch-line!)

I Don’t Mind At All
It was at this time that a guy in the back with one funny line that seemed to launch him into a wanna conversation about Kasim not wanting to name drop. I was actually thinking it was pretty cool to let folks figure it out. Instead some Jersey talk was needed to overtake each attempt to continue the interruption. So we all know that Kasim has some "Pals who do …Things, bud-a-bing!" Oh, by the way, the song was a gem!

Libertine
Again Doug raised the show a notch with his Roger Powell lead and it still amazes me how much I listen to & love the Network Nine album "Utopia" and that it never sent Utopia over the top. I know that our NY friend Michelle would have been there with me singing every harmony part!

There Goes My Inspiration
See above comments! (Somebody’s gotta sing Kasim's harmony! I hope the folks in front of me didn’t mind much!)

Don’t Hold Me Back
Powerful at the set's end.

Across The Universe
It was sweet but I thought the vocals got lost in the larger arrangement. I absolutely loved the way Kasim did this solo in the past, with every line seemingly being re-enforced by its delivery. It’s only a suggestion!

The crowd roared its’ appreciation more and more as the show came to a close and to listen and see to everyones thrill at expressing their affection for the music and the evening was pretty cool to see. All signings and photo ops were clearly available this evening and nobody walked away without a smile, despite the sore backsides from those hard chairs!

Kasim Sulton at The Tin Angel - 7/22/06, photo by Jennifer Salyer

Review by Doreen McCafferty:
Last night was Kasim's night to shine at the Tin Angel. This was by far the best performance I have seen. The addition of Dennis on guitar was truly awesome as he and Kasim really played well together and had the additional vocals were superb. Doug always adds to these gigs.

The venue was quiet and less frenetic than the Bitter End lending a perfect atmosphere to introduce his new song "Minutes Slipping Past". Hearing this song performed for the first time was special and I think it is the most touching song he has ever written.

If you haven't seen Kasim solo you are missing out. You will love the man and his music from start to finish. There are several more gigs scheduled over the next few months and I hope to be at most of them. I'd love to see you ALL there.

Review by Amanda Ayre (who organises the Soundcheck Package):
Kasim’s night at the Tin Angel was off to a great start. The people who had purchased the sound check package arrived right on time. Due to bad weather in the area and some distance to travel, Kasim was not there yet. When he did arrive he took the time to go greet everyone who had come for the sound check and thank them for coming. Everyone was thrilled to be there and to get to talk up close with him. He had Doug Kennedy there as usual, but this time he was also joined by Dennis Delguardo, who he has played with in the Movin’ Out show. They took their time setting up guitars, monitors and micro phones. As Kasim said, "this is the longest sound check I have ever done." They played through three songs and worked out all the kinds. Kasim then asked for a request from someone in the audience and they settled on "My Sweet Lord." They guys seemed to know the notes but they were not to sure of the lyrics so they sang the save verse over and over. It was a lot of fun and everyone got involved. After they had finished tuning and warming up the voices Kasim came down and took pictures with everyone there. They were then each given a demo copy of his new single, "Minutes Slipping Past." It was a one of kind gift. The Sound Check was a big hit and as one person put it, "Thank you very much. It was very fulfilling. I very much enjoyed the single. This was a very fulfilling experience"

Kasim played to a full crowd at the Tin Angel, but unlike the previous gig at The Bitter End in NYC the audience was very attentive, they were enthralled with his performance. You could also tell that he was really enjoying himself. I even caught him smiling during the middle of a song because he was so enjoying himself in that moment. It was great to see. His outfit also looked great.

Kasim opened the show with "Somebody Love You." Both these songs sounded clear and crisp. Kasim has a voice that carries itself so well. Doug was on stage for the first song and Dennis joined him for "Somebody Loves You." Dennis not only added a lot with his stellar guitar playing, but he also sang some great harmonies that added even more to the songs and Kasim’s voice.

Kasim then moved onto "Before She Was Gone" and "Where Is My Soul," two songs from his solo album. Both of these were outstanding, and "Where Is My Soul" really stood out. He had so much emotion and I especially loved the part where he spoke "where is my soul" it was captivating. I also loved the song "Jane Doe" by Nik Kershaw who Kasim said was from the UK I believe. This song had great guitar parts and once again a great harmony added by Dennis. Doug also has his moment in the sun with his solo during "Libertine" and also did Elliot Easton’s part in "Drive" very well as well. That guy is great, and we always love to see him on stage.

After seeing both of Kasim’s performances so far this one was notably better and he seemed so much more confident. I am looking forward to seeing the show again. Also the Interactive Sound Check was a ton of fun and would definitely be recommended to anyone thinking of attending. In fact besides being unique, it was as much as the show itself.

Kasim Sulton at The Tin Angel - 7/22/06, photo by Jennifer Salyer

Review by Donna Goat:
Well my sister Pam and I traveled by the end 6 hours, due to horrible rain, from Rochester, NY to the show, because I was chosen as the free tix contest winner because of my story of my sister Pam's #1 Fan Of Kasim story!!!

Thank goodness we took a taxi into the city from our hotel, not ever being there, arrived very excited. Met Amanda, works for TNC and Kasim, and Keith. They were so kind and a pleasure to meet before the show, handed me my "gift" from Kasim before the show, autographed CD to me, PLUS the best part, a single, "Minutes Slipping Past", which was performed IMO, quite perfect!!

Ventured upstairs, got a few bar stool seats, comfortable, glad we didnt pick those chairs, few feet from stage!! COMPLETELY enjoyed the show, Kasim's voice just gets you entranced, Doug and Dennis's back up was well approved by all. Esp. loved Kasim's intimate interaction with the crowd, with family stories and even giving his brother the 3rd degree, all in fun of course!!

Met him afterwards, he knew who we were from previous emails of our past benefit, which made us feel special and giddy, this was our first meeting with him, ok!!!! And I thought the wedding story with all the AWWWHHHHSS from the crowd was a hoot.

Enjoyed the city afterwards we've never been to, back to hotel safely via taxi, ride home in bright sunshine was a great welcome compared to the rain on the way there. We only listened to the 2 CD's 4 times, my sister Pam crying in a good way over happiness of the whole experience everytime she heard "Remember", not his tune, but made her "Remember". Discussed every song with glee over and over again from the CD's and the show!!

Well worth the trip, loved Philly, loved the intimate venue of The Tin Angel and esp loved the music and people playing it!!! Would repeat in a heartbeat. Thanx to the friendly bar stool neighbors we chatted with before and after the show!! Thanx Kasim from the bottom of our hearts!!!!!

Donna and Pam!! PEACE!!!!

Kasim with Pam
Kasim Sulton and Pam at The Tin Angel - 7/22/06

Pre-show page on KasimInfo.com:
Click here

Kasim Sulton at The Tin Angel - 7/22/06, photo by Jennifer Salyer

Many thanks to Marc Israel and Jennifer Salyer for the photos on this page - more will be added soon!

Kasim's 2006 Tour

Copyright © 2006 KasimInfo.com
All Rights Reserved
counter to
blogger