Poco

A packed house at Villa Montalvo for Poco did not leave disappointed. Remaining original member Rusty Young led a journey through the genesis of country rock, and the crazy ride that Poco has had in the last 50 years.

Some describe Poco as the 'farm team' for the Eagles, and the vocals and harmonies affirm this. More importantly Poco is part of the mystique of country rock's emerging years, from Flying Burrito Brothers/Gram Parsons to Buffalo Springfield, The Byrds and CSN.

The show was great. I brought 5 'newbies' with me, who would only have recognized 'Crazy Love' and 'Heart of the Night'. The latter tune was lovingly rearranged with a cajun beat and a beautiful accordion accompaniment by keyboardist Michael Webb. The crowd rose to their feet after bassist Jack Sundred's 'Hard Country', a song about Jack's hometown woes. The song and lyrics are great, and the extended instrumentals at the end (Michael Webb and Rusty Young) added up to a great live music experience.

My 'newbie' friends were all Poco fans by the end of the show. In fact they beat me to the standing ovation, and enjoyed the final song 'Keep on Tryin', a Timothy B. Schmidt tune that endures as a Poco trademark. Done almost in acapella, all band members harmonized flawlessly and better than any other live version I've heard.

Rusty Young is a great singer, writer and band leader, and engaging storyteller. It's so wonderful he has kept Poco going for the last 50 years.

Anyone even slightly possessing of a sense of humour, or just a feel good spirit, should take the time to see Poco. Back in the late 80’s you’d be forgiven for thinking this band were actually Tears for Fears, with songs like ‘Call It Love’ you were looking at Rusty Young thinking he could have doubled as Roland Orzabal. But I digress. Poco is a Southern Country Rock band and, despite forming in 1969 and being around for even longer than The Eagles, have achieved very little in a mirror to success that their vastly more famous counterparts have. As a bit of trivia, Timothy B. Schmit has played bass in both bands and I’ve no doubt they’ve exchanged some members from time to time as well. With songs like ‘In the Heart of the Night’ you can be assured of an enjoyable and entertaining evening, as Poco’s rich legacy continues into a new Century, their music as rich and vibrant as those of their avian counterparts and ready to help the sun set across the range with a cool beer, wherever you happen to be.

We went to both Friday & Saturday nite shows. I was expecting a lot of the old standards I listened to in the late 60's & 770's. What we got was way too much talking and not enough songs. While I realize these tours are to promote new CDs Rusty's new music was not the typical "Poco" music I'm use to. Saturday night started out with technical issues and went down hill from there. His meandering stories seemed to take up more time the music. Unforntunatly it got to the point we left after the first two songs in the second half of the show. I guess I should just enjoy the "old" music I have. People around us seemed to feel the same as us.

What a great show. They other they are still at the top of there game while adding some fresh new material. Acoustically they are as good as ever. Wish they played more events. But still glad they do it. They played almost all there hits. Make sure to be there when thry open because it's call it love

I have seen taco three times in the little O-Town Steelville Missouri. Rusty young lives around these parts. I just love their music on that Michael Webb is one heckuva musician. Really I love them all can't wait to see him again this year.

Not sure what happened.
Poco didn’t do the concert last night.
I was really disappointed. I bought my tickets for the show 6 or 7 months ago.

Crossing my fingers, Poco will be back in my area in the not to distant future.

Chris