MIKE TRAMP – SONGS OF WHITE LION TOUR – JAMESON PUB
On October 10th, the singular Mike Tramp brought his Songs of White Lion tour to the Jameson Pub in Watertown. Tramp released a new album this year entitled Songs of White Lion where he re-imagined classic White Lion tracks including “When Children Cry” and “Little Fighter”.
First off, I would like to say that the Jameson Pub is becoming a really influential venue capturing some decent national tours. Besides Tramp, Scott Weaver has secured such high end talent as the Lynch Mob and others. Weaver has established that ideal haunt where you can easily experience a diverse selection of cool original acts and choice cover bands. Plus, the staff is friendly and accomodating. Kudos to the Jameson Pub.
On this night, Ct. hard rockers Wild America opened the show. Wild America is no stranger to AMP. We have been following their musical exploits for quite a while. The band’s sound is a massive detonation of aural beauty. Their songs carry a lethal punch yet remain heartfelt and melodic. They have released two albums on Kivel Records. Old School Cool (2022) and Gasoline (2018) were both reviewed in AMP. The band is comprised of Billy DiNapoli (Guitar/Vocals), Joe Labbadia (Lead Vocals/Guitar), Steve Wovkanech (Bass/Vocals) and Derrick Pontier (Drums).
Unfortunately, I got stuck in a massive traffic jam and missed a good portion of their set catching the last three songs. Their 50 minute set held some of my personal favorites including “Gasoline” and “Are You Ready”. I still felt their fire when they started to play “Something Inside” from Gasoline. The vocals were strong and Dinapoli’s guitar was full of fuel. The back beat was crunching. The Styx cover, “Renegade” followed and Wild America killed it. You could see how tight this band is. They finished the night with a rousing rendition of “Until We Meet Again”. The large crowd loved every minute of Wild America.
Mike Tramp is a Danish born singer who fronted White Lion from 1983-1992. After White Lion, Tramp went on to form the band Freaks Of Nature. After they disbanded, he went solo releasing several well received albums including one sung totally in Danish (For Første Gang). Tramp toured constantly and has built a substantial following. This year, Tramp rerecorded White Lion’s biggest hits and dropped Songs of White Lion via Frontiers Music. These songs are not covers but re-imaged versions. Tramp wanted to bring these songs to life with his current voice and style. He felt that was important and made the album extremely relevant.
For this tour, Tramp decided to bring his new album to life with a full band. And the musicians he chose were amazing. Marcus Nand on guitar was a perfect choice. His musicianship was intrepid. His solos crisp and his riffs shimmering. Jerry Best on bass was superb. His groove was gutsy yet refined. Brentt Arcement’s drums were captivating with a lofty charm. Tramp‘s voice rang supreme with a resolute elegance.
Tonight’s set featured 14 mostly White Lion tunes. The only non White Lion song was “Have You Ever” from Tramp‘s first solo album Capricorn. Tramp opened up with “Hungry”. Right from the start, he held the audience under his spell. Next up was “Lonely Night”, “Tell Me” and “Living on the Edge”. By now the crowd was feeling the band’s exuberant aura.
Throughout the night, Tramp spoke to the audience between songs. In fact, that’s what makes his shows so special. He lets everyone into his life. You are like his family. Snippets on how the songs were written, personal little stories and, yes, bad jokes makes this into more than a concert. It makes it a happening. Tramp is totally charming and that charm flows through the room like a river.
Hit after hit ensued. “Love Don’t Come Easy”, “Little Fighter” and “Broken Heart” were met with great applause. The throng was enjoying the lush textures and brazen proficiency that the band was laying down. Tramp closed out with bold interpretations of “Lady of the Valley” and “Farewell to You”.
Nobody left unsatisfied. Both Wild America and Mike Tramp made the evening a huge success. If you get a chance, catch either of them.
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