To say it was an incredible concert would be an understatement.   It was a unique musical journey propelled by an amazing and diverse assembly of refined creative talent, who obviously enjoyed their harmonious excursions as much as the audience did. 

 I arrived at the legendary Ovations venue in Houston’s popular Rice Village to see “Kelly Lancaster and Friends.”  Throughout the evening, I found myself melodically transported, both in time and place to such varied settings as a casbah in the Middle East, an Appalachian hoe-down, a bistro in France, a speakeasy in Chicago, a swing-dance ballroom in Texas, a blues club in Memphis, a folk celebration in the Ukraine, a Bar Mitzvah in the Hamptons, a jazz bar in New Orleans, an acoustic festival in Telluride,  a jam session in Nashville, and a timeless sunset serenade in a place where dreams come true.

The ensemble of guitars, piano, upright bass, flute, saxophone, clarinet, mandolin, harmonica, accordion and vocals was led by the respected virtuoso Kelly Lancaster. 

On guitar and mandolin, Kelly has the fascinating and highly- regarded ability to fit more notes into a musical measure than was previously thought to be humanly possible.  Just when you thought you heard him do an impossibly rapid and exciting passage, he will knock you out even further with an impeccably quadruple- timed lick.

Kelly deservedly enjoys the spotlight when he is playing in warp-speed.  But musically and personally he is very humble.   Actually, for a good deal of this evening’s performance, he strummed a creative rhythm while others showcased their talents.

In fairness, understanding that some people have different entertainment needs, I can further critique that tonight’s performance is not a polished Las Vegas-style “show”.    Kelly assembles an awesome lineup of musicians, all of whom shine, but the stage presentation is rather loose in terms of song lineup.  Sometimes during a song, the decision of who gets to do a featured solo is decided by a spontaneous nod.  Personally, I enjoy the “live” aspect of this.

In summary, as a review of tonight’s performance of Kelly Lancaster and Friends: if I had more than two thumbs, they would all be up; at least for my tastes and expectations for an evening’s entertainment.

Reviewer Jim Zura is a television/video producer/lensman based in Houston; his website is www.texasproductionteam.com