Tune In, Turn On
With Doug Deutsch
When rock singer/guitarist Lenny Kravitz burst onto the music scene in 1989 with his debut album, “Let Love Rule,” many critics weren’t quite sure what to make of his funk/rock hybrid sound.
He made quite an impact with terrific early songs including “I Built This Garden For Us,” “Mr. Cab Driver” (a commentary on racism, with its lyrics, “Mr., cab driver don’t like the way I look, he don’t like dreads, he thinks we’re all crooks”), and the anthemic title track.
Four Grammys and countless hits later, Kravitz – who visits Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino in Atlantic City for two shows next Friday and Saturday, Nov. 1-2, his only East Coast shows on the current tour before heading to Brazil – is still going strong some three-plus decades later, releasing a new album, “Blue Electric Light,” this past May.
Even Kravitz is a big star, with an estimated net worth of $90 million, the musician/producer/fashion designer/actor recently told CBS’ Gayle King, “I still have these moments. People look at you and think, ‘oh, he’s completely got it going on, and he’s confident in everything he does. To some degree, yes. But we all have our insecurities.
“Sometimes I’m just not necessarily sure what I’m doing,” he adds. “For some reason, I’m still that 16-year-old kid trying to get the record deal. I haven’t shed all of that.”
At Ovation Hall, Lenny Kravitz fans can expect to hear all of the above-referenced songs, in addition to other long-time hits like “Always On The Run,” (recorded in 1991 with guitarist Slash, off his second album, “Mama Said),” “Fly Away,” “It Ain’t Over Till It’s Over,” “Again,” his hip cover of The Guess Who’s “American Woman,” “I Want To Get Away,” and more. Don’t miss this one.
Lenny Kravitz’ “Blue Electric Light” Tour comes to Ocean Casino Friday and Saturday, Nov. 1 and 2, 9 p.m. each night. Tickets are $89 and up. Info: 609-783-8866 or visit theoceanac.com/entertainment/ovationhall.
Duran Duran Plays Borgata: Hard to believe these guys have been around since 1978, but it’s true. While the veteran British band’s hits are numerous – “Hungry Like The Wolf,” “Save A Prayer,” “Rio,” “Ordinary World,” “The Reflex,” and “Girls On Film” to name a few – many music critics never quite fell in love with the group’s pop-tinged sound (their music was considered part of the mid-’70s/early ’80s new wave movement).
Still, it’s hard to argue with the success of a band whose résumé includes 30 Top 40 hit singles and 21 Top 40 singles in the U.S., along with more than 1 million albums sold.
Just in time for their show at Borgata’s Event Center 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, Duran Duran have released “Danse Macabre,” their 16th studio album, which contains darkly-re-imagined versions of their hits – perfect for Halloween weekend. Tickets/info:
borgata.mgmresorts.com, or call 609- 317-1000.
This ‘N’ That: Nice turnouts and great local support for-two music events in our area last week: 91.7 FM WLFR’s 40th Anniversary Celebration at Stockton University in Pomona (which we attended and caught tight sets by Malcolm Tent and 1adam12, Te Vista, Deardarkhead, and The Sheckies), and Jerry Ryan’s Elephant Talk Indie Music Awards three-day happening at Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall in Atlantic City which we unfortunately couldn’t attend. Thank you Jerry Ryan for presenting Tune In Turn On one of three media awards.
Watch for our feature next week on legendary rock group Chicago (Nov. 1 and 2, Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena) and a brief on acclaimed jazz guitarist Stanley Jordan (Nov. 2 Lizzie Rose Music Hall).
Until next week, enjoy this unseasonably warm weather and support live music everywhere.
