Journey Still Have It - Live Concert Review

Journey–a band that has helped sculpt music and influence bands for three decades–is still continuing down the path of their own musical ‘journey.' The band rolled into the grounds of Darien Lake Performing Arts Center Saturday evening to play their hits and then some.

Led by new lead singer Arnel Pineda, Journey continues to tour in support of last year's Revelation, a triple-disc album package that features a set of eleven re-recorded songs featuring Pineda's vocals, a collection of new material and a DVD of the bands's March 2008 performance at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas.

Promptly at 8pm, the P.A.C stage became illuminated with bright blue, waving lights and the crowd (which ranged from young teens around the age of 14 (I'm still not sure they really even know who Journey is) to men and women in their 50s) swelled in screaming anticipation. An opening guitar riff of "Separate Ways" began the night of musical beauty.

Pineda–a cover band front-man–was discovered by guitarist Neal Schon while surfing YouTube, replaced former singer Jeff Scott Soto in late 2007. Soto had previously replaced the band's previous lead singer, Steve Augeri in 2006. (Augeri replaced original singer, Steve Perry when he left the band for the second time in the 90s.)

I have to admit, going into the show I was a bit apprehensive to see Journey with Pineda. Steve Perry is a magnificent; one of the best singers out there. However, once I heard Arnel sing, I along with many, were floored. Pineda can really sing!–Almost identically to Perry–from the tremulous vibrato of "Lights" to the undulation of the monumental "Wheel in the Sky"–this guy was on fire!

Drummer Dean Castronovo also lended a helping hand on vocals, giving Pineda some off time during songs like "Keep On Running" and "Still They Run." He too, sounded a lot