ISIS RETURNS!!!!!
   January. 26, 2001  The Bottom Line, NY
by:Wizard of Roz

What a way to bring in the millennium!!!

   It was a very special night for me. The gig of a lifetime!!! The last time ISIS played the Bottom Line was in 1976 & they were introduced by none other than WNEW-FM  DJ Alison Steele who not only loved female progressive bands, but also had the balls to play them on the radio for all to hear.
  This night was part of the "Nightbirds" series which showcases various Female musicians and songwriters in a single night.  This night wasn't just a showcase but a load of great musicians, as well as our own. Drummers galore, not only playing but leading the band.  Opening was Rose Polenzani, who put on a very pleasant show with her music. In between was the band Metropolitan Klezmer, who,  led by drummer Eve Sicular put on a very powerful vocal/instrumental/eclectic show. Her drumming was extremely powerful & very explosive.  Featuring new ISIS member Pam Fleming on trumpet, it was a very interesting range of sounds from rock to jazz.
    With the great talent on stage, it continued with  ISIS, who, finally after a very long absence, has made their comeback & are currently working on a new album at City Lights Studios where all the big "guys" including the Stones, have recorded.
  Original members Carol MacDonald, Lolly Bienenfeld [the best trombone player in the world!!!] & the great Ginger Bianco were still in fine form after all these years. It was amazing to hear the great ultimate classic "Waiting For the Sonrise" live. The power of the drums on that song was not to be believed. Carol's voice & guitar were in great shape.
  The Alison Steele favorite "She Loves Me" sounded just as pure & beautiful as when I heard it the 1st time. The semi-drug classics  "Cocaine Elaine" & "Rubber Boy" [which, FYI: has the greatest drum solo of all time!!] exploded just as the Godess of Rock'n'Roll  herself usually does!!!   Members Denny Cole & Bonnie Parker, who also are in the band Tang, kept their classic sound real with their lead guitar & bass respectively.
 
 

It was a pure delight to have these talented real musicians back to show those awful talent less "blondes" out there how it's supposed to be done. Rounding out the line-up are the aforementioned Ms. Fleming, along with Laura Dryer on sax/flute & Paula Jeanine on congas. ISIS was a learning experience for all the musicians involved over the years & Thank God we have them back for an even bigger class to learn from!!! What a way to bring in the millennium!!!
                                  Wizard of Roz-1/27/2001

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