Review by Julie Richards & Pam Hales
Photos by Jim McCluney
The Max Weinberg 7, plus Bill Champlin (formerly of Chicago)
and special guest Mindi Abair, kicked off the first of 15 concerts at the Hyatt
Regency in Newport Beach, California. The INFINITI Summer Concert Series, now
in its 20th year, runs through September 30.
Bill Champlin
Weinberg, widely known as the longtime drummer of Bruce Springsteen’s
E-Street Band as well as the bandleader for Conan O’Brien on Late Night
with Conan O’Brien and The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien, spoke
briefly with Vintage Rock moments before his performance.
During the conversation, Weinberg cited Buddy Rich as one of his musical influences
and touched on his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009. He
also spoke proudly about the recent success of his son Jay, who is enjoying
his own musical career and is currently on tour as an official member of the
band Against Me.
Mindi Abair
What could be more enjoyable than a California summer evening under the stars
and the sounds of smooth jazz, flawlessly delivered by the Max Weinberg 7 and
Bill Champlin in an intimate outdoor amphitheater. Weinberg said the venue had
an “intimate mini Hollywood Bowl” feel.
During the 90-minute performance, Max dedicated the song “Ramrod”
in the memory of his close friend and E-Street bandmate Clarence Clemons, who
passed away on June 18 after suffering a stroke. Weinberg said Bruce Springsteen
wrote “Ramrod” for Clemons because, “that’s what a rock n’
roll sax should sound like!”
Max Weinberg, Mindi Abair & Bill Champlin
Speaking of which, saxophonist Mindi Abair was featured on several songs and
played a duet with Tom Saviano, saxophonist for the Max Weinberg 7. Weinberg
referred to the song as “Saxual Healing.”
Many special thanks to all the wonderful folks involved in making this an eventful
evening. For more information on the INFINITI Summer Concert Series, go to www.hyattconcerts.com.
