The Wildweeds’ played their masterpiece “No Good to Cry,” during which Anderson hit every note of the April 1967 No. 1 single in New England.
The Wildweeds, 1968NORTHAMPTON - It’s safe to say that nearly everyone who saw the Wildweeds in their prime is either 60 or older now.
That didn’t stop a whole lot of people from venturing out to hear the reunited Windsor, Conn. band when they played the first of two packed-to-the-max shows Monday during a two-night stand at the Iron Horse Music Hall.
The most recognizable of the Wildweeds is former NRBQ guitarist and Nashville songwriting star Al Anderson, who shared the stage with his Wildweeds’ mates Ray Zeiner (keyboards) and brothers Al Lepak Jr. (percussion) and Andy Lepak (drums). Two former members, Bob Dudek and Skip Yakaitis have passed away. Also on stage Monday were Jeff Potter (harp) and Christine Ohlman (backing vocals)
Prior to the show it was Anderson who may have had the best line when he said
“We had a 45 minute rehearsal after 45 years,” Anderson said with a laugh. “But it went fine, it’ll be fine.”
The guess here is that there was more a lot more than a 45 minutes rehearsal involved for this gig. The Wildweeds were surprisingly tight and their hour and 10 minute set had a tasty mix of originals and covers thrown into the mix.
Introduced by 1960’s DJ Dick Robinson of WDRC, they launched into the sweet pop of “Someday Morning,” powered by Anderson, who led the troupe into a smooth segue of the Ray Charles’ hit “Georgia.”
The band played two Kinks’ covers this night, first “Dedicated Follower of Fashion,” and later, a dynamite version of “A Well Respected Man,” with Andy on lead vocals.
Anderson told some colorful old stories, noting that the Box Tops’ had covered the Wildweeds’ biggest hit “No Good to Cry,” and in return the Wildweeds chose to do a spot-on remake of the Box Tops’ “The Letter” for this occasion.
While Anderson was the primary focal point on stage, the other original band members more than held their own. “I Had a Girl,” which featured Zeiner on lead vocals sounded like an R&B hit that should have been.
The set built impressively with “C’Mon if You’re Comin’,” and latter standouts including “It was Fun While it Lasted,” the blues belting “Let’s Go Get Stoned,” and the Wildweeds’ masterpiece “No Good to Cry,” during which Anderson hit every note of the April 1967 No. 1 single in New England – in the song’s original key.
Anderson’s pre-show comments proved way too modest. It wasn’t just fine. It was a remarkable night with one of the best bands in the history of the region.
The Wildweeds reunion continues Tuesday, and then Anderson returns to the same venue on Wednesday and Thursday teaming with former NRBQ members Joey and Johnny Spampinato.
The Lonesome Brothers opened Monday’s performance in typically classy fashion, turning in a half-hour set of their distinctive New England brand of country.