Steven Tyler, Out On A Limb
Steven Tyler, Aerosmith front-man and American Idol in his own right, has officially gone country this summer. He brought his solo effort, “Out on a Limb”, to the Comerica Theatre in Phoenix last Wednesday night. Tyler is backed by Nashville-based, hippie-chic, band, Loving Mary, and gave Phoenix a shot of some southern, rootsy, rock that pleased old fans and new. Decked out in an outfit that would make a pirate proud, Tyler reminisced during the show, name dropped “Paul McCartney”, and spoke fondly of Nashville as the place he wants to create music now.
Fronting Loving Mary is Aerosmith collaborator, Marti Frederiksen, a songwriter, record producer, and musician known for his work in rock, pop, and country circles. Marti plays acoustic and steel guitar and the comradery between him and Tyler is easy to read. Rebecca Lynn Howard, Suzie McNeil, and Elisha Hoffman add their lovely harmonies to the group while displaying superb musicianship and grace on stage. In an iHeart Radio interview recently, Tyler said of Loving Mary, “Three of us sing, so the background is delicious. I got three girls in the band, so we’re beautiful to look at.”
Steven Tyler is a pro, and he gives the audience what they come to hear, so even though this is a solo effort, you won’t have to wait long to hear, “Sweet Emotion”, “Crazy”, or “Jaded”. Tyler rips on “Come Together”, technically a Beatles song, which Tyler put his stamp on with his performance in the 1977 cult classic, “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”. His new material, “I Make My Own Sunshine”, “RED, WHITE & YOU”, and “We’re All Somebody from Somewhere” released on July 15th, is happy-go-lucky and sweet sounding. His cover of “Piece of My Heart” made the crowd roar with approval, and the connection he had with Loving Mary was evident from jump street. Singer-guitarist Suzie McNeil played everything from acoustic guitar, harmonica, maracas, piano and the cowbell on “Walk This Way”. We were impressed with the vocal prowess he still exhibits and made note of what great shape his voice was in during this performance.
Steven Tyler is a “real” musician, and his actions reflect an interest in creating and sharing music with the public, making a difference philanthropically (http://www.janiesfund.org/ ), mentoring other musicians, and connecting with fans. Rumor has it; he’s such a down to earth rock star that he took the time (in 100+ degree weather) to acknowledge the fans outside. That, to us, is a real class act. Steven Tyler may be “Out On a Limb” — but he’s holding on with a firm grip and doesn’t appear to be letting go anytime soon.
Grade: A
Special Thanks to Danielle and Jill @Live Nation, and all the staff at the Comerica Theatre.
