|
Vol. 1 No. 6 (Jan. 1, 2004) |
An unofficial newsletter for fans of the rock group BETTER THAN EZRA |
|||
|
IN THIS ISSUE:
Xmas Shows NOLA Sights Trivia Etc. A Gift for Our Readers Fan Profile Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Archives |
FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK Looking Back: The Street Serenade. The first edition of the SERENADE was published on March 1, 2003 and the cover story was a review of the 2002 Christmas shows in New Orleans. And here we are again – this edition brings you coverage of the 2003 Christmas Extravaganza. I’d like to think the publication has been a success and has included some worthwhile material. People have certainly been kind enough to say they enjoy reading it. Thanks are definitely due to all the folks who have contributed stories, reviews, photos and the like. Special thanks go out some of the "repeat offenders" (you know who you are). You make the editor’s job a lot easier, let me tell you. And let’s not forget Kevin, Tom, Travis, and Stella for their general support of the project and for submitting to interviews etc. I urge every reader to consider contributing in the coming year. You might think you have nothing to offer, but you most certainly do. Even if it’s just an idea for a story, I’d like to hear it. And for you techies out there, I can definitely use some technical assistance. Looking Forward: The New Album, the Live CD/DVD and maybe even more... Are we in for a banner Ezra year or what? A new album (pronounced al-boom), as well as a live CD/DVD. Hopefully these will appear sooner, rather than later, in the year. I’m sure the live material captures the essence of what we all love, the BTE live experience, and includes some cool special features. As for the al-boom, do you remember how shocked we all were by CLOSER? What a great assortment of tunes. Several turned out faithful to the live versions we had come to love (i.e., "Sincerely Me," "Misunderstood," "Briefly," and "A Lifetime"). Others – "Extra Ordinary" and "Rolling" – turned out totally different and much, much better. I for one didn’t care too much for "Rolling" in its original live form, but the studio version was arguably among the best tracks on the CD. And then there were the (almost) never before heard gems – "Closer," "Recognize," "Get You In," "I Do," and "Juarez." We also got video/acoustic versions of "Hollow" and "Closer." I’m sure the new al-boom will contain the same assortment of tracks that will inspire even the most jaded Ezralite to rush on out to the store on the first day the CD hits the shelves. Here’s wishing everyone a very happy holiday season and an Ezra-filled New Year. Cheers, EnglishDave |
BTE CHRISTMAS SHOWS ROCK THE CRESCENT CITY - ACOUSTIC
Ezralites from around the nation converged on the City of New Orleans for the 2003 BTE Christmas Extravaganza held December 19th and 20th at the House of Blues on Decatur Street. And oh, what a time they had.... This annual event has really morphed into an "Ezralite Convention." This was even more so this year because the band was thoughtful to arrange an "acoustic after show" for fan club members at The Parish, an adjacent, but smaller venue also operated by the House of Blues. There was some initial fan concern as to how this event would turn out, but by all accounts it was a rip-roaring success. Much credit for this positive outcome goes to the ever efficient Stella. Also, notwithstanding the fact security took this reporter’s disposable camera Friday night (even though I was NOT taking photos), kudos also go out the House of Blues staff. The restaurant and venue staff are consistently helpful and friendly. Even the security types are pretty cheery. So overall how were the shows? As usual, the Friday night show was the more hard-hitting, technically proficient performance. And, as in past years, the Saturday show turned into a fun free-for-all. The contrast between the two shows adds a certain Gestalt to the event (i.e., the sum of the whole exceeds the constituent parts). Here’s the nitty-gritty: (Story continued on page 2).
|
||
