Molkie Cole Reunion Show Concert Review on Rock N Roll Universe

Molkie Cole started back in the early/mid 70’s and released 1 album on Janus Records that was a spinoff of the old Chess-Janus records, which was known for their classic blues releases.The album came out in 1977 but by 1979 the band had split up. Almost 30 years later the band has reunited with a few select dates in the Cleveland,OH. and Buffalo,NY areas, and also to promote the release of their new DVD: 'Molkie Cole – MMVI' ( recorded last May 2006 in Ohio at one of their first reunion shows in over 25 years) which will be available at www.molkiecole.net . Molkie Cole has always been known for their theatrical stage production and just good old rock & roll comparable to the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, with a splash of Jethro Tull and even a bit of the original Alice Cooper Group. Molkie Cole features Tim Cole on drums & vocals, Pat Cole on bass and vocals, Phil James on guitars and vocals, Bob Steinmetz on keyboards, sax and vocals and Paul Pope on guitars and lead vocals.

The show started out with keyboardist Bob Steinmetz playing around on the keyboard which was reminiscent of the witch riding her bike in the ‘Wizard Of Oz’. Tim Cole appeared onstage (from where I was sitting he appeared to be wearing a toy soldier or marching band hat along with his usual make-up), and did his opening monologue which always ends with “…Rock & Roll with Molkie Cole!”. From there, the band entered the stage through the stage door individually and launched into their opening song “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” followed by “It’s True” (which musically reminds me a bit of “Second Coming” by Alice Cooper), both off of their Janus Records 1977 release.Pope, (wearing a Cleveland Indians t-shirt & mime make-up) told a joke about cannibalism which led into a rocking version of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band’s “Midnight Moses” which had the packed house shouting “Hey,Hey Hey Hey!” along with the band. After a small keyboard break of “We’re off to see the wizard” Pope came back out through the stage door with his “Grape Costume” and the band played “Steel Grapes,” which is about a man who was shorted a bit on his ”manhood” but thanks to doctors and electricians they were able to give him a bionic manhood.The song was led by Tim Cole on lead vocals.

The band played a song written by bassist Pat Cole called ”Susty Rue,” which was an awesome rocker that launched into a small instrumental break of the Kinks' “You Really Got Me” much in the same vein that Mott the Hoople used on their “R & R Queen” album.The familiar rhythm of Uriah Heep’s “Stealin'" filled the air as the band brought a few girls up on stage to sing back up vocals. As the rhythm kept pumping one of the girls stepped up to the mic & sang “…Take me across the water…” to which Pope stepped up and said something like,”Hey,you’re stealing my job!” as the rest of the band and audience laughed.

One thing I’ve got to say is that Pope’s vocals were phenomenal throughout both sets.In the first set they also played “Don’t Let them Tell You," ”Moonage Daydream,”(which was intro’d by soft keyboards of Bowie’s “Life On Mars” and “Lady Stardust"), and the first set ended with the classic “Untitled,” which may have been the greatest classic rock song ever written .Pope’s vocals were incredible on this song but the entire band shined also (especially some amazing bass work by Pat Cole). It’s a shame Molkie Cole never got to release this tune because this is one song that really has to be heard by everyone.

Set 2 started off with the Stones “2000 Light Years From Home” which featured some great vocals by Phil James and some astounding “Space Guitar” work from Pope. Next was “Sugar Boogie” which had the fans singing along. Steinmetz toyed around on the keyboards a bit before launching into SAHB’s “Gang Bang,” in which Pope was finding a few surprises in different areas of an inflatable doll. The band played an incredible version of ELO’s “Poker," then went back to their self titled album playing “Missing the Point” led by Phil James. Another keyboard break featured some strange noises and barking dogs led into an acoustic version of Pope’s “Dog Dance” which had a special appearance by ”Pluto” who tried humping Pope’s leg. The band once again had the audience singing along with “Winter” (which has always been a favorite of the Buffalo Crowd).Tim Cole took over lead vocals (while wearing a Bozo the Clown wig) on an unbelievable cover of “I Am the Walrus,” which led into a phenomenal, emotional instrumental finale of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”.The band came back out and rocked the house with “Blind Alley” before they bid farewell. Afterwards the band had a ”meet and greet" by the merchandise stand but unfortunately my wife and I had to leave.

Overall the show was incredible which has to be witnessed live. Every band member stood out and really poured their hearts out for this performance. This show was complete with dry ice, a bubble machine, awesome lights and the many wigs of Tim Cole.
www.molkiecole.net