Tesla with Cinder Road
Uptown Theater
February 14, 2008
Kansas City, MO

by John Kindred
Staff Writer

Comments: It’s been just over 20 years since the Sacramento, Calif. rock band Tesla released their debut studio album Mechanical Resonance in ’86. The band has had their fair share of ups and downs. But have delivered memorable albums as well hit singles that have rocked generations of the ‘80s and ‘90s.

Like most groups, the band has gone through a hiatus or two and also carried on during this decade with four of the five original band members. Their ’08 tour comes in support of the bands release of ‘07s Real to Reel a two CD set of cover songs.

The mainstays of the group, vocalist Jeff Keith, drummer Troy Luccketta, bassist Brian Wheat and guitarist Frank Hannon, are joined by guitarist Dave Rudd. Rudd fills the shoes of departed guitarist Tommy Skeoch.

Tesla’s current tour stopped in downtown Kansas City, Mo. on Feb. 14. The band was met by the sting of the cold and the warm blood of eager fans.

Before fans could time travel back to the decadent ‘80s or even the much misaligned ‘90s, newcomers Cinder Road took the stage for a 50-minute set.

Cinder Road comprises of five young, aspiring rock n’ rollers. The band hails from Lutherville, Md. Taking their name from the street where they grew up the band features vocalist and guitarist Mike Ruocco, guitarists Chris Shucosky and Pat Patrick, drummer Mac Calvaresi, and bassist Nat Doegen.

Having released their debut studio album Superhuman in ’07 on EMI/Caroline Records, the band has spent time on the road opening for Chris Daughtry, Candlebox and Puddle of Mudd.

Vocalist Ruocco has the "pretty boy" persona, whose looks will leave women’s hearts and clothing lying on the floor. Yet you can’t get wrapped up in looks alone as the band has a melodic rock sound which will appeal to the male audience as well.

Rock, yes but not quite hard rock … their overall look can deceive the best of us. The band laid down some quality radio friendly songs. “Back Home To You” has all the desired nuances of a top 10 hit single, “Get In, Get Out” features a catchy chorus and “Should’ve Known Better” where all memorable songs.

The band also performed a fiery rendition of Billy Idols “White Wedding.” With no intent on disrespect to the band, the majority of fans remained seated throughout their set. And it wasn’t till the band had almost completed their set that the audience was encouraged enough to stand.

Tesla took the stage with the cold chill of dry ice migrating around the venue. Opening their set with “Comin’ Atcha Live,” straight away fans were introduced to the fret-board mastery of newcomer Dave Rudd and Frank Hannon. The duo traded guitar licks with haphazardous glee, drawing screams of delight from concert goers.

For the next two hours the band unleashed their brand of roots laden, ‘70s inspired hard rock upon the crowd. Charismatic vocalist Jeff Keith was rather loose and comical but delivered with his razor sharp delivery that could draw comparisons to AC/DC’s Bryan Johnson or the late Bon Scott.

Tesla performed their best loved songs. The band is diverse enough musically to play to metallic perfection and then pull back for softer numbers. The fist pumping “Modern Day Cowboy” is contrastingly different than their cover of the Five Man Electrical Band song “Signs.”

Highlights of the show included “Paradise,” “Hang Tough,” “Freedom Slave,” UFO’s “Rock Bottom” and their new unreleased song “Dear Private Ledbetter.” Which the band dedicated to U.S. troops abroad. “Love Song” stirred the audience to mass approval. Hannon’s fret-work here was spot on. “Rock Bottom” follows UFO’s original arrangement and Hannon again shined recreating Michael Schenker’s fiery riffs.

Keith’s banter kept the audience in tune with the band. Rudd and Hannon displayed the same level of tightness that the original Skeoch/Hannon combination was known for. Drummer Troy Luccketta and bassist Brian Wheat held the groove bound in a tight weave of musical synergy.

The band encored with the classic “Kansas City” bringing out their tour bus driver on harmonica for a bluesy inspired jam. Moving into “Lil Suzie” Tesla continued to memorize the audience. Finally closing with “Edison’s Medicine” the band again proved they can still deliver high quality musicianship that translates into superior and well crafted songs.

Set List:
Comin’ Atcha Live
Solution
What A Shame
Modern Day Cowboy
Heaven’s Trail
Mama’s Fool
Hang Tough
Dear Private Ledbetter
Hang Tough
Paradise
Love Song
What You Give
Freedom Slave
Rock Bottom (UFO cover)
Into the Now
Signs (Five Man Electrical Band cover)
Encore:
Kansas City
Lil Suzie
Edison’s Medicine

Photos provided by John Kindred