Create Your Own
Here’s what they’re saying about The Rocking Chairs:Greetings from Kappa
8/11/05
A great
weekend for our mates Mike, Craig, Ron and Jim from The Rocking Chairs, not
only did they achieve their ambition of playing the Cavern Club, they won band
of the night and received a personal invitation to play again from the clubs
owners.
In addition to this, the lads played 2 storming sets with Kappa at the Cavern Pub
and Lennons Bar. There was also the matter of several pints of Hobgoblin and
Old Peculiar in The Swan on Wood St ....but thats one for another
time.
We are already missing the boys and all their friends and family. We hope they
come back soon.
CONCERT REVIEW Journal Opinion, Friday, June 16, 2006
by Michelle Arnosky Sherburne
BRADFORD -- Middle Earth Music Hall in itself is a terrific experience that takes you to another world, but on June 16, when the Rocking Chairs Band descended upon the Hall, time travel occurred and you were transported back to the classic rock ’n roll era of the 1960s and ’70s.
The sold-out crowd filling the Hall was hushed to awe-struck silence when the band opened up with a surreal electric guitar and cymbals duet that led into "Jumping Jack Flash." With contagious energy and enthusiasm, the Rocking Chairs Band of Bath, wove magic throughout their repertoire. The four-man band with three electric guitars and the foundation of the drums created full, rich sounds in the Hall where the acoustics are amazing.
Introducing the band was Bath resident and District One Councilor Raymond Burton. He presented the band with an official proclamation honoring them for their contributions to their community and state.
Band members are Craig Pursley, guitar and vocals; Mike Lusby, drums; Jim Lusby, bass guitar and vocals; and Ron Barale , guitar and vocals. All from California , they had been jamming just for fun but in 2004 decided to get more serious. They formed their 50-something band, choosing the name "Rocking Chairs" due to their advancing ages.
Their music is reminiscent of tuning into a great classic rock station. One hit after another. They played songs of Jimi Hendrix, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Cream, John Fogerty, Eric Clapton, Bad Company and others. It was a treat to listen to live rock music with complex guitar work from Pursley, Jim Lusby and Barale, and Lusby was wonderful on the drums.
Jim Lusby captivated the audience with his newly perfected Hendrix renditions. Barale’s singing flair and fancy string work were a treat. Pursley, the lead singer, entertained with intros to the songs and got the audience helping out in the classic "Mustang Sally." And the beat continued nonstop with Mike Lusby on drums. He wowed the audience with a drum solo, making the cymbals dance and keeping the rhythm going.
The crowd, which was 90% Bath residents anxious to hear their famous neighbors play, was mesmerized, not wanting to miss a note. After every song, the audience cheered and hollered for more. Oddly enough, there wasn’t socializing during the songs--everyone listened intently. As soon as there was a break, the crowd visited.
As the night went on, the band switched rock genres with ease. Their renditions of "Brown Sugar," "Back in the USSR" and "Can’t Get Enough of Your Love" brought back what real rock is all about. . . music and rhythm that makes you want to dance and sing along! Chairs were cleared to make way for a dance floor that filled up for the rest of the night.
Rocking Chairs Band has not performed on stage a lot in the States, mostly at special occasions. But they are naturals, displaying a comfortable stage presence with the audience and with each other. Their love of rock exudes in their energy and the fun they are having performing. Their music flowed from one song to the next. Definitely a class act, rocking Bradford on a Friday night. Remarkably for a 50-something band, they played two sets with over 25 songs for three hours without dropping the tempo or enthusiasm one bit. To the chagrin of the audience, the Rocking Chairs called for the last song but had to follow with two encores for an unrelenting crowd.
They have one CD recorded and another scheduled to be released in the near future. Huge Beatles fans, the Rocking Chairs were fortunate to travel to Liverpool , England , this past November and visit the pubs and old stomping grounds of the Beatles. The Lusbys made connections with the owners of the famous Beatle haunt, The Cavern, and were able to play there. They also had gigs in area pubs.
Their 2005 Liverpool tour will be repeated this year, with plans to return to the Cavern and other clubs. They just got word that they will be playing three or four concerts at a speedway near Los Angeles .
After such a terrific show at Middle Earth, the band plans to return to Bradford in the fall. For any, rock fan, this will be a "must not be missed" concert. The first concert sold out in two weeks, so it will be fill up fast the next time around.
I
enjoyed this music tremendously
Reviewer:
Nancy
I got my Rocking Chairs Cd and slammed the music into my soul by listening
to it about six times through (my usual anlysis method). It reminded me of
many things, many artists, nostalgic moments from the past,and I liked it.
I’d so love to have a studio quality cd of their stuff because their energy
is great and the songs get your body wanting to move. Thanks guys, keep on
rocking.
Incredible
energy with a passion for "Rock & Roll"
Reviewer:
Jeff
Right from the start, the Rocking Chairs grabbed my interest and got me
moving. Their energy and passion for Rock & Roll was extremely evident.
I enjoyed the mix of Blues intertwined into the cd. My high school and
middle school sons both put tracks onto their iPod devices. Keep up the
good work!
I
can’t quit playing this CD!
Reviewer:
Stephanie
Raw actually makes me get up and dance; what a great feeling! If you want
the "good vibrations" to flow, buy this CD! I just love the
strong, sexy drum beat, the blue-sy, singing guitars and the infectious
voice of Craig Pursley. Keep in mind that this CD was not recorded in a
full recording studio setting. I can’t wait until the Chairs do that! You
know, the young guys can re-do all the oldies they want, but they will
never be able to capture the spirit and the soul that us baby boomers
actually experienced from the songs of the 60s and 70s! The Rocking Chairs
do exactly that!
Infectious
Reviewer:
Kathleen Wildman
My name is Kathleen. I just wanted you to know that your CD’s arrived this
morning. I have just listened to each CD once through and I really, really
enjoyed them. You all sound as though you were having a ball. I am around
your age and used to go and see The Beatles performing at the Cavern when I
was about 14 years old, I shouldn’t have been in there really, too young,
but I’m almost 6ft tall so I didn’t have a problem getting in. I hope
no-one was looking through my window whilst I was playing your Cd’s as I
was dancing all around the room like a lunatic, but there was no way I
could have just sat and listened, the music was too infectious. I’m going
to listen to them again now and dance a few pounds off. Anyway I’m off now
I’ve got some great music to listen to, can’t sit all day chatting. Best
regards Kathleen