Digital Journal: Review: Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Graham Nash delights at The Paramount
By Markos Papadatos
Huntington - On August 12, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Graham Nash performed a memorable show at The Paramount in Huntington on Long Island.
Nash opened his show with on a soothing note with "Bus Stop." "It's going to be one of those nights," he told the Long Island audience, prior to noting that he had a good time with The Hollies.
He revealed that he wrote the acoustic ballad "King Midas in Reverse" in Croatia in 1967, and went on to deliver an impressive rendition of the tune, as both Nash and veteran guitarist Shane Fontayne played acoustic guitars.
"It feels like we have a theme going on in here," Nash said, prior to singing "I Used to Be a King," as the stage was eloquently graced in red, white and blue lights.
He continued with the upbeat "Marrakesh Express," as he brought his fans back to 1966. Similar to most of Nash's recordings, this was another exceptional story song with vivid imagery, as fuchsia lights dimmed on the stage.
Nash played the keyboards on the angst-drive, piano ballad "Immigration Man," which earned him a standing ovation.
His new song "Golden Days" traced his beginnings in rock and roll music, and it displayed his gentle vocals.
The calming "Myself at Last" was another new tune, where he forgot the lyrics midway through the song. "It really is a new song," he admitted.
After "Cowboy of Dreams," he performed the piano-driven "To the Last Whale..." (A. Critical Mass B. Wind on the Water)" was lengthy yet remarkable.
He shared that "Our House" was written for acclaimed rock songstress Joni Mitchell, and he had the crowd singing along with him.
During the second set of his show, he began with the soft ballad "Simple Man," as Nash played harmonica and keyboards. He noted that he penned "Lady of the Island" for three women, but "not at the same time of course."
"What an incredible place to make music this is," Nash said, praising The Paramount and its Founder's Room.
In the melancholic tune "Back Home," Nash paid tribute to the late Levon Helm, while "Military Madness" was more mid-tempo. "Southbound Train" was mellow and it featured his harmonica playing.
He closed with "Just a Song Before I Go," as the stage was decorated in red lights, as well as "Cathedral," where he had the audience clapping along towards the end, and "Chicago." The iconic musician returned for an encore that included a cover of The Beatles' "Blackbird" and his signature song "Teach Your Children."
The Verdict
Overall, Graham Nash put on a well-received show at The Paramount in Huntington. The audience was fully aware that they were in the presence of a musical great. His vocals were nostalgic and compelling, and his voice is as good as ever. Nash's live show at The Paramount garnered an A rating.