REVIEW: “AS JOE COCKER” Starring Alan Kaye with Mad Dogs & Americans
“THE SYCAMORE MARKET PLACE” FRIDAY NIGHT JAN. 18Th
The SOLD-OUT crowd at “The Sycamore Market Place” was primed for “As Joe Cocker”, the Tribute Act that recreates a Joe Cocker Concert. When Alan Kaye as Joe Cocker came on stage his Nine-piece band, “Mad Dogs & Americans” launched into “Bad, Bad Sign” with a throbing beat and backup singer wailing, Multi-colored lights lit the stage. Alan Kaye has that Mad Dog / Joe Cocker look.
Alan Kaye not only looks like Joe Cocker, he sings like Joe Cocker. There was no mistaking the power and passion of his voice, the wild energy released through his hands. He threw back his head and belted out all of Cocker’s big hits to the delight of the crowd, which responded repeatedly with thunderous applause that culminated in a standing ovation.
A stand out song was “She Came In Through The Bathroom Window” with inspired backup from Kevin Silva’s piano, Jay Young’s tastful sax playing, and the searing electric-guitar lead. The song “I’m Your Man” had everyone in the room bobbing to the solid drumming of Greg Bond. All of the hit songs like “The Letter”,”Feelin’ Alright”, and “You Can Leave Your Hat On” got immediate applause recognition. However, lesser known tunes such as “Stick & Stones”, Prince’s “Five Women”, and “Put Out The Light” had magic all their own thanks to Alan and his band of Mad Dogs.
Everyone in this show contributes and shines at different points in the show. “Unchain My Heart” was truely driven by the bass player, George Bower’s percussive yet melodic bottom signatures paced the song with a hearty thump.
The crowd was on its feet for “Hitchcock Railway” and again as they closed on “High Time We Went” The audience was calling out for more so Alan Kaye returned to applause with Kevin Silva for the encore of “You Are So Beautiful”. he sounded exactly like Cocker when he hit that last tortuous high note. The rest of the band came out to finish the night “With A Little Help From My Friends” fitting for the erzats Englishman to sing about, after all it was a full house of locals. What a great show—and right here in Kokomo, Indiana!
The Sycamore Market Place, I’m sure was delighted with a show of this caliber. I hope they continue to bring this kind of show to their intimate, hometown venue where great entertainment is appreciated.