A Hollies reunion gig from over 20 years ago has the potential to be as much
of a bust as it does a celebration. In other words, with Graham Nash on board
(whose departure 15 years before hardly swayed the band’s popularity of
the early 70s), it could prove gratifying to hear the oldies. but how would
the group stack up playing something like “Long Cool Woman In A Black
Dress”? Reunion provides the answer. Touring behind their
1983 reunion album What Goes Around…, the Hollies, which
included four of the five original members along with four backing musicians,
mix new with old, touching on the various periods throughout their history that
distinguished them from many of their British Invasion contemporaries. Most
of the newer songs, which are either covers or non-group member compositions
especially written for the album, are played early on in the set. “Bus
Stop” and “On A Carousel” cruise along nicely with their tight,
trademark harmonies. The momentum is somewhat sidetracked by the new album’s
light snap, crackle and pop of songs like “Casualty” and “Someone
Else’s Eye.” But suddenly, the CD leaps into overdrive, offering
up a stellar reading of “King Midas In Reverse,” performed live
for the first time during the reunion tour. Nash’s “Wasted On The
Way” and “Teach Your Children” fit like gloves around the
Hollies tasteful and soothing arrangements. Coming down the home stretch, the
group deliver a solid one-two punch from the 60s with “Stop Stop Stop”
and “Carrie Anne” (with its Caribbean touch), before jumping forward
to 70s hits “The Air That I Breathe” and “He Ain’t Heavy,
He’s My Brother.” The set concludes with a 10-minute workout of
the always uncharacteristic “Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress,”
which amply supplies the needed heaviness for a grand finale. Although, the
reunion with Nash didn’t last (he returned to CSN where he’s remained
ever since), the Hollies, with original members guitarist Tony Hicks and drummer
Bobby Elliot, still tour. The group’s lead singer, co-songwriter, and
Nash’s childhood friend Allan Clarke retired from the Hollies in 1999
and has been absent from the limelight ever since.
~ Shawn Perry
