Dennis Tufano - Copernicus Center, Chicago, 19/7/2024

by Lisa Torem

published: 29 / 10 / 2024

Dennis Tufano - Copernicus Center, Chicago, 19/7/2024

Lisa Torem watches Dennis Tufano and friends perform the songs of Bobby Darin with stunning effect.

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The Chicago Experience: Adrian Hemstock, lead vocals Ron Brandt, guitar, lead vocals Eric Caliendo, percussion Tim Rutter, bass/vocals Paul Wood, keyboards Adam Cowger, drums/percussion Steve Frost, trumpet/flugelhorn Terry Viano/trombone Jim Massoth/saxophones/flute The Copernicus Center was abuzz with first-rate entertainers prior to the appearance of the headliner Dennis Tufano. Comic Tim Walkoe slung a series of hilarious one-liners and poker-faced comments, without missing a step; The multi-member ensemble, The Chicago Experience, did a great job highlighting hits from the horn-driven band that lent them their moniker. Singer/guitarist Joe Cantafio, a hometown staple, started the evening off with riveting songs many of the crowd knew by heart, such as The Who’s ‘Pinball Wizard’ and Roy Orbison’s poignant ‘Crying.’ Luckily, The Chicago Experience, who wowed the audience with a saxophone, trombone and trumpet trifecta (Jim Massoth, Terry Viano, Steve Frost), Ron Brandt’s electric guitar, Eric Caliendo’s percussive gifts, Paul Wood’s keyboards and Tim Rutter’s bass stayed onstage to accompany Tufano during his generous sets, in which The Buckingham’s original lead vocalist performed favorites by bobby-sox idol Bobby Darin. Afterwards, he moved on to the famous Chicago-based band’s better-known and lesser-known classics. The audience was revved up, of course, for this lineup, but also because the event, sponsored by “The 100 Club” was a benefit for an important cause: monies were being donated to benefit “the fallen police and firefighter fund,” who, “take care of families at the homes the next morning with a check,” according to radio personality Scott Mackay (Alpha Media’s 9.59 The River). Tufano was decked out in a chalk-white blazer, casual shirt and black slacks. What immediately got my attention was his friendly demeanor and ease at moving around the vast stage. There was never a time in which he lost touch with his audience. At every turn, he exuded a high degree of emotion. The opening tune, ‘Back In Love Again’ was scribed by original Buckingham keyboardist Marty Grebb, Next, the seasoned showman wore his heart on his sleeve for the minor-tinged ‘Don’t You Care.’ In the background, a large screen showed The Buckinghams donning cereal bowl cuts and three-piece suits. They played with unabandoned glee. At the same time, onstage, The Chicago Experience added bright, backing harmonies and took sophisticated solos. Tufano’s act was sprinkled with humor: “I was kidnapped and taken to L.A. in a cult called the music business and I just got out,” he smirked. Then, to keep the timeline clear, “Let’s stay with the 60s for a while, shall we?” The cover of 1967’s ‘Hey, Baby (They’re Playing our Song’) featured searing horn vamps, a contagious beat and extraordinary drum fills. When the image of the “single” appeared on the screen, we in the audience were reminded of the radio time constraints back in the day; the Columbia recording clocked in at only 2:35. Darin’s 1961 ‘Dream Lover’ found the audience clapping along; ‘Queen of the Hop’ which harkens back to 1958 gave Tufano a chance to shine under the spotlight; his dance moves amid the sax stabs were wildly impressive. The trumpet solo at ‘Splish Splash (I Was Taking a Bath),’ also released in 1958, weaved around crowd voices who filled-in-the blanks. As a tribute to another then-famous band, The Rascals, Tufano introduced, “a rock ‘n’ roll waltz,” ‘How Can I Be Sure,’ which shot up the Billboard Hot 100 in 1967. The intro. of the tune, in contrast to the previous works, was carried out elegantly on Paul Wood’s piano. Tufano shifted gears by inviting up the talented female vocalist, Traci Bruccoleri, for the sprightly duet, ‘You’re the One That I Want’ from the 1950s-influenced film ‘Grease.’ Decked out in heels and a glittery black dress, she stayed perfectly in synch with her vocal partner. The Chicago Experience lead vocalist took up the reins with Tufano on ‘Saturday in the Park.’ Tufano added: “There’s so much joy in performing the music of Chicago. You love the music and so do we. Thank you for giving me another 60 years.” The surprises never stopped. Another one occurred when Tufano yanked out a blues harp and wailed as heads bopped across the aisles. The tribute to Bobby Darin was complete with the Three Penny Opera standout, ‘Mack the Knife.’ Shots of Darin mirrored Tufano’s own clever gesturing. He got a huge response, not least, I’m guessing, for his impeccable phrasing. Elements of psychedelia from The Buckingham’s last album created an about-face; ‘What is Love’ instigated a swirl of sonics. The Buckinghams’ radio hits from 1967 live on thanks to Dennis Tufano, who keeps these songs real and gives them their due. When rekindling memories, Tufano was not averse to wise-cracks about fans: “back in the day, they threw underwear, not T-shirts.” Tufano is the consummate entertainer. He quickly transitions from comic barbs to sincere thanks. He pores his soul into every narrative. At a latter point in the night, he said, “We all do music for the same reason, out of respect for the music itself.” The last section of the show shone a light on more of The Buckinghams’ treasures: ‘Susan,’ ‘Mercy, Mercy, Mercy’ and ‘Kind of a Drag’ were colossal hits for this unique group. Tufano’s current renditions were rewarded with folks dancing in the aisles. He also shared a fascinating fact about the # 1 hit, ‘Kind of a Drag,’ which soared up the charts despite “no promotion” from their record label. The closer was the raucous James Brown chestnut, ‘I’ll Go Crazy,’ a far cry from the earlier pop/rock confections, but a massive showstopper nonetheless. Photos by Jim Summaria www.jimsummariaphoto.com