Every once in a while I come across performers that truly knock my socks off. You know the feeling; when you leave a show shaking your head and wondering what rock you’ve been hiding under. Today I want to introduce you to my latest ‘where in the world have I been’ band; Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot.
Hailing from the Big Apple, Mike & The Big Shot are not just your every day normal cover band. Oh no. These guys are truly unique. All you need to do is close your eyes, and you would swear you are at a Billy Joel show. They are amazing. How do they do it? Well, maybe because those on stage are the actual Billy Joel band, or perhaps because some of them have been part of the Broadway hit, “Movin’ Out” for years. Their timing, their sound, and their show is spectacular and definitely a must see in my opinion if you are a Billy Joel fan.
This star studded musical group is stacked. Mike DelGuidice is a multi-talented musician who plays numerous instruments and has a voice that will blow your socks off. Mike has been in the music business and covering Billy Joel songs for more than 27 years, and in 2013, after filling in for sound checks with Billy Joel, his dreams came true when he was invited to became the newest member of Billy Joel’s band. In an article from the New York Times, Billy Joel himself …”had a hard time convincing himself it wasn’t him. It’s uncanny” he said.
Mike is surrounded by a star studded band that includes Tommy Byrnes, Billy Joel’s guitarist and musical director now for more than 21 years. Tommy rocks the stage and shreds like no other. He has worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including another of my favorites, Brian Setzer. John Scarpulla, Berklee School of Music graduate, joins them on stage playing saxophone and fills the stage with his energy, talent, and charisma. Nick Dimichino, bassist for The Big Shot, lays down the beat for the team with his quiet demeanor and strong bass that is the foundation for the groove. Special guest Wade Preston sat in at keyboards/synthesizer and absolutely rocked Billy Joel’s “Angry Young Man” which resulted in a spectacular jaw dropping piece. Rounding out the band at this performance was Chuck Burgi, Billy Joel’s long time drummer/percussionist who definitely rocked the stage and brought his a game. Together these men are like a well oiled machine.
With a huge catalog of songs to choose from, Mike DelGuidice and Big Shot belted out fan favorites and rocked the crowd from the moment the lights went up. A return act at Turning Stone Casino, I can absolutely see why these guys are a crowd favorite, and I urge you to definitely check these guys out next time they are playing in your area. You can thank me later.
Set List: Miami, Pressure, Say Goodbye to Hollywood, Movin Out, NY State of Mind, Innocent man, This is the Time, Fantasy, My life , Keepin the faith, We Didn’t Start The Fire, Goodnight Saigon, Always a Woman, Zeppelin , Scenes From an Italian Restaurant, Big shot, Still Rock and Roll, Only the Good Die Young, Piano man. Encore: You May Be Right
[FinalTilesGallery id=’564′]
Comments are closed.