LuminoMagazine.com - Rob Thomas has something to prove

Rob Thomas has something to prove

Written by ANITA MAREE LANDE, photos by NIVA BRINGAS

Friday, 13 May 2005

Lead singer of the multi-platinum band Matchbox Twenty, Rob Thomas, is back but this time he's going it alone. With the recent release of his first solo CD, "Something to Be," Rob Thomas has hit the road with something to prove. Joining him this time is a seven piece band including not one but three back up singers.

Sporting his new shorter locks and wearing just a simple pair of jeans and a black shirt, Rob seemed energetic for the sold-out crowd. Fans seemed to be just as eager to hear the new tunes as well as some old favorites as well. Rob played a generous helping off of his new CD like the crowd favorite "Problem Girl," rocker songs like "This Is How A Heart Breaks" and of course his new hit single, "Lonely No More."

Rob Thomas with Beth Hart

Entertainment

Art

The Vic Theatre
Chicago, Ill.
April 24, 2005

Fortunately, Rob did not forget his past hits and included familiar favorites like 3 A.M. "Push" and a slowed down bluesy version of the Grammy winning song he sung with Santana, "Smooth." There were also a few surprises thrown in like a cover of Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine" with a little bit of Steve Miller's "Fly Like An Eagle" thrown in just for fun.

At times Rob looked somewhat awkward trying to force dance moves during a few of his new songs?white guys really CAN'T dance and the three back up singers were simply overkill. However, the new CD has already proven it on the charts and the sold-out crowd seemed to have no complaints seeing Rob up close and personal. But let's hope he gets back together with the Matchbox Twenty boys or at the bare minimum hires a choreographer in the near future.

On the other hand, have you ever gone to a concert and when you were driving home you could still sense the voice of the singer pounding inside your brain? Beth Hart has that awesome affect. Opening for Rob Thomas, the crowd witnessed a scaled down version of Beth Hart with only herself and guitarist Jon Nichols. But that was all she really needed. In fact, it almost felt like there was a full band as Beth took turns at guitar and keyboards every few songs.

Beth has one of those voices that can be as free as a butterfly fluttering its wings and then suddenly as strong as a power drill breaking up cement. With her lyric she forces you to travel with her on a journey. Performing her smash hit from a few years ago, "L.A. Song," she also offered up other favorites included "Money Back," "Leave The Light On," and "Get Your Shit Together."

Beth's vocals are compared often to that of legendary Janis Joplin, but I think Rob Thomas summed it up to the tee this evening calling Beth a true "National Treasure". If you don't get a chance to catch her on tour be sure to pick up her new DVD release called "Beth Hart: Live at Paradiso."

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