I honestly don't know where I was at musically when Tesla first came on the scene. Maybe it was those Roxy Music years where I listened to no one but. And there are so many bands and so little time. Anyhow Tesla escaped my melodic clutches so I didn't have a clue when I hooked up with my concert loving friend Jan to see them at the Chicago House of Blues, Sept 10. I'll say this though, I came away impressed by their sheer musical virtuosity. The band was right on target that nite and so much so that when they began at around 9:00 PM they were still going strong at around 11:30 PM. At that point I had to beg off and as much as I wanted to stay I needed to look refreshed and interested for my new job the next day. I don't know whether this was Tesla's usual norm but i can tell that the band was having fun on stage and their enthusiasm extended to the rapt audience who was really really into them. Lead guitar Frank Hannon and new guitar guy Dave Rude, who has replaced Tommy Skeoch dueled with searing guitar licks that ranged from howling blues to searing rock chops and played off together like they've been playing together forever. I must admit Jeff Keith's growley Sterven Tyler-esque vocals take a bit getting used to but he has such an endearing and positive stage image that you can't help but like him. On tour to support their brand new CD, Reel to Reel, which is all cover songs. By the way what is the deal with rockers doing cover CD's from Poison, to Telsa to Bryan Ferry to name a few. Hey I'm not complaining. If this spurs them on somehow for inspiration I am all for it. Tesla fired up Deep purple's Spacetruckin the way it should be played, loud and proud and it sounded just as good as the ear splitting old heavy metal group. Led Zepplin's Thank You, sounded as sweet and lovely as ever. UFO's Rockbottom was given the full maxed out treatment complete with a powerful drum solo by Troy Luccketta and gallant guitar solos courtesies of monsignors Hannon and Rude. Tesla also granted their own hits which included Love Song and Wah You Give much to the sold out audience's delight. Apparently a big hit fro the band is the classic Signs but you'd think they were the original singers since they played it like they owned it. (The honors actually goes to The Five Man Electrical Band). I'll admit Tesla rocked my world that Tuesday nite and I'm now a fan making up for it by buying Reel to Reel and their Greatest Hits, Time's Making Changes. By the way if you held on to your concert ticket you get an accompanying FREE CD at the show. How righteous is that! Even cooler to know is that I hear Tesla's rep is that they are a bunch of nice guys and for Darklighter that is a major thumbs up! I saw on the internet that they have meet and greets for only 20 fans so that it's not some big cattle call. I think that is so neat! now that's a band that really respects and wants to know their fans! /Nothing wrong with that!