A wildly enthusiastic crowd of 750 or more came out to the Webster Theatre in Hartford last Thursday night to check out the Robby Krieger Band. Anticipation was in the air throughout the performances of the local warm-up bands, as the diverse audience awaited the arrival onstage of the legendary guitarist from the Doors. First, second, and third generation Doors diehards would all get their wish soon enough, and then some...

The latest incarnation of the Robby Krieger Band continues to flex its rock chops as evidenced by a revamped set list since their last trip through Connecticut in November last year. Larger vocal contributions came from hard-charging bassist Angelo Barbera and offspring/protégé Waylon Krieger further realize his rock singer potential each time his Dad's band hits the road.

The two hour+ set included some nice twists and surprises, such as keyboard player Steve Bach's accordion on 'Alabama Song', and Robby pulling out an electric solid body ax for an extended flamenco intro to one of his signature tunes, 'Spanish Caravan'. The special treat of the evening, was the guest performance of British guitarist / ex-Animal (and current Wallingford, CT resident) Hilton Valentine, who humbly and graciously added his Strat licks to 'House of the Rising Sun', 'Roadhouse Blues' and 'Little Red Rooster'.

The mood of the evening was established early, when Krieger blazed through his solo in the opening 'Peace Frog', then traded loose guitar turns with Waylon on 'Love Me Two Times'. Shortly thereafter, the band exhibited their ability to stretch things out, turning toward Robby's jazz influenced solo work on 'Snake Oil' and 'Revelation'. The crowd was also treated to some tunes not heard on recent tours, such as 'Maggie M'Gill', 'Gloria', and an apparently spontaneous 'When The Music's Over'. Robby and Waylon shared the wailing feedback guitar genius of this Doors epic - a recreation, by the way, of a solo once described by Robby as his favorite he had ever recorded.

The band was in good spirit and humor throughout and brought the 35 minute encore portion to a rousing, crowd-pleasing climax with an extended 20 minute version of 'Light My Fire', giving each band member an opportunity in the limelight.

The furthest thing from a nostalgia act, Robby Krieger says his guitar playing continues to improve - and I believe him. I would also like to believe Waylon Krieger's praise as the show closed for 'the best audience on this whole tour'. That might just get the Robby Krieger Band to book another Hartford date very soon: Do It, Robby, Do It!

SET LIST: Peace Frog, Love Me Two Times, Snake Oil, Alabama Song/Back Door Man/Five To One, Changeling, Break On Through, Revelation, House of the Rising Sun, Road House Blues, Maggie M'Gill, Spanish Caravan, When The Music's Over, (encore) Gloria, Not To Touch the Earth, Little Red Rooster, Light My Fire.

On Saturday, August 18 I was lucky enough to hear The Robby Krieger Band play in Long Island at The Westbury Music Fair. This is a perfect venue to see them in because it is a small place with a rotating stage so anywhere you sat, the view was great. It was my first time experiencing Robby Krieger in concert and in the flesh! They played a short set but it was an amazing one. To my surprise, the band was belting out Doors songs: 'Light My Fire', 'When the Music's Over', 'Riders on the Storm', and 'Not to Touch the Earth', to name a few.

'Light My Fire' was something else when they dropped a bass solo in the middle of it. Krieger's son Waylon was on rhythm guitar and helped with the vocals. I didn't know it was Robby's son until after the show; Boy do they look alike!

After the show, I decided to stalk the band around the back of the venue along with about ten others. There was a twenty-minute intermission before Foghat came on anyway. Forty-five minutes later, the man himself came out with his snakeskin blazer over a red T-shirt and old blue jeans (I've always loved the way he dressed). Robby seemed like he was in a rush but he signed everybody's things. But I always told myself that I just want to shake his hand because I have so much respect for the man. So while my boyfriend got his autograph for me, I wanted that handshake. When Robby came up to me he was looking for what I wanted him to sign, but I asked him if I could shake his hand and I guess I caught him off guard because he bashfully grinned at me and he shook my hand. What a great moment that was! After that, I pretty much forgot that Foghat was on already nor did I care. I was happy that I completed one of my goal. The Robby Krieger Band drove off in a cherry red van most likely heading to New Jersey since they had a concert at Asbury Park the following day. It truly was a night to remember. Robby, you made me a happy girl!