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Trans-Siberian Orchestra - 12/08/2001 The Paramount, Seattle WA
TSO 2004 tour review and photos
For
those of you who are not familiar with a Trans-Siberian Orchestra show it can
be best described as a Christmas flavored rock opera with a metal edge. Founded
in 1996 by members of Savatage this seasonal act has been one of the top grossing
holiday acts for the past two years. I just started getting into their studio
work this year and was thrilled when their management gave me the opportunity
to check them out live and see what the phenomena was really all about.
Since TSO
is a Savatage side project I expected a crowd comprised mainly of heavy metal
fans. Much to my surprise the Paramount was packed with a very diverse assortment
of people, from small children to senior citizens to crusty metalheads with
Savatage shirts. There was a feeling of electricity in the air as all anticipated
a great performance.
Shortly after 8 PM the house lights dimmed and the band made their way onto
the stage dressed in tuxedos and white shirts. Al Pitrelli took stage right
on lead guitar
with two keyboardists behind him and the bassist and rhythm guitarist took stage
right. Behind them was a string section comprised of violins and cellos. The
drummer took the rear center spot as expected. The backdrop was a mass of blue
lights which gave me the impression of being outside on a clear winter night.
They opened with O Come All Ye Faithful/O Holy Night, an instrumental mixture
of themes from both classic Xmas songs done up with some fantastic electric
riffing on top of the layers of strings and keyboards. 
Between
songs, a narrator told a story of a legend that took place on Christmas Eve.
His verses were recited with such feeling and conviction that I was convinced
his tears at the end of the story were real. Several people took turns handling
the vocal duties throughout the show to tell the story which was comprised of
the majority of the "Christmas Eve and Other Stories" album. Once
the Christmas eve story was done, Al Pitrelli took the role of front man and
introduced the band. They then went on to play a few songs from "Beethovens
Last Night", "The Christmas Attic", and even the main track they
did for last years film "The Grinch". The show ended with a reprise
of Christmas Eve:Sarajevo 12/24, my personal favorite of all their Christmas
songs.
This was without a doubt one of the finest concerts I have ever seen. The performers
all seemed 
to
really enjoy what they were doing and the audience could feel that through the
music. The light show was second to none and the sound was clear as a bell,
possibly due in part to the great acoustics of the Paramount. Although I was
hoping to see more members of Savatage in this touring company (Al Pitrelli
was the only one and he's no longer with Savatage)the musicians and vocalists
they brought on the west coast leg were all outstanding. If you are going to
only see one Christmas concert this is THE one to see. They tour every year
so make sure not to miss it. Take your friends, family, and relatives as there
is something there for each and every one of them. Just make sure to buy your
tickets as soon as they go on sale as they will sell out quickly.
Official
Trans-Siberian Orchestra web site
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