For some crazy and odd reasons I ended up at 2 shows out in CA to see Todd Rundgren featuring Kasim on bass guitar.

TR proves beyond a reasonable doubt that he deserves every accolade bestowed upon him. If anyone ever doubted where his heart and soul is - it is absolutely presented to us in these venues filled with mostly die hard/true blue/loyal fans. Maybe after doing NC material for so long - his own music was just bursting to be expressed. He does not disappoint. I met a few TR virgins in the crowd - who came with their friends I'm sure because they can never stop talking about how great Todd is. I can hear them "just come to the dang show and see for yourself". I am sure they left in amazement like I did.

Todd cannot take all the credit because he only puts the best around him. Jesse is and always has been a great guitar player and put next to TR is just simply perfection. Prairie is admired as one of the best drummers in the business and he proves it every night. But then there's the bass player.

Now I think Kasim shines in his solo gigs - presenting his heart and soul - with his own music and style that is uniquely him. But there is this other side to Kasim that breaks through when he is on stage with TR. Is this because I admire them both so much and their dedication to music and their fans? I do hear and see a musical connection that I have never encountered before. And it is worth traveling to experience. Maybe it's seeing the history and roots of where it all started or maybe it's just good music blasting through me. But I never know when they will play again together - and I never know if I might not be able to see them. So I go.

I have always wondered what it would feel like to be on the making end of music - to be on stage - to be the giver of great sound. But I know I was made to be on the other end - the music enters - swirls around - transforms my thoughts - makes me dance and sing - and leaves me one happy person. I wonder if they can understand how great it is to be on this side?

Comments posted by fans on mailing lists include:
"This is the best rock and roll band to have ever hit the planet. You think I am exaggerating? Well really I cannot think of a band right now that is better. They are rock solid and played with such charisma and intensity that it literally shook my soul."

"Watching Jesse play is in itself worth the price of admission. I have never seen Kasim so relaxed and just plain having fun as he was this time. And the guy on sticks...well what can you say except awesome! Then there is Todd. The guy sang and played every song like it was the last song he would ever play in his life. Such emotional intensity and sheer force to say that he took it to the next level would be an understatement."

"There is real chemistry between these guys, you can see it, feel it, and hear it! This is THE band! I hope right after this tour they immediately head straight into the studio and start jamming. Go see this show!"
"Thank you Todd, Jesse, Prairie and Kaz for showing up, giving your fans what they want and doing it with such style, humor, enthusiasm, and energy. "

"As I was entering into the House of Blues, who should walk right by me, but Kasim himself! The bouncer at the door did not recognize Kasim and was giving him a hard time about getting in. He finally got in and I took the opportunity to shake his hand and tell him how much I loved his playing, especially with Todd and Utopia, and wished him a good show. He thanked me and then went on his way to get ready."

Other websites:
TRConnection.com has some reviews here.

The venue (taken from the KasimInfo.com Blog that day):
Tonight Kasim Sulton plays the 4th concert of the 11 date Todd Rundgren 2007 Tour. The concert is at The House Of Blues in San Diego, CA. The address of the venue is 1055 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101. Click here to view the venue website.

The concert tonight starts at 8.30pm with the doors opening at 7.30pm. Standing tickets at only $27.50 are available at this link or on the door. It also appears that there may be seats available in the balcony for $40. This is a 21+ concert.

This venue only opened in 2005 and this is the first time that Kasim Sulton has played here although he's played in several venues in San Diego, the last time being at the Pala Casino on 23rd February 2007 (with Meat Loaf).