Photos and Review by Colleen Goyer
The Kevin Cronin Band started their set at Xfinity Center in Mansfield MA by playing the entire REO Speedwagon album, Hi Infidelity, from start to finish. Touring with Don Felder and STYX for the Brotherhood of Rock Tour, Kevin and the band, made up of former REO members including drummer Bryan Hitt, lead guitarist Dave Amato joined by keyboardist Derek Hilland and former Elton John bassist Matt Bissonette, brought a high level of energy to the show. Kevin himself continues to have an abundance of energy bouncing from guitar and piano all while handing the lead vocals and front man duties. Matt has a cool stage presence blending perfectly with that of the other members.
Dave Amato’s solos showed his incredible talent on the instrument, and he is a tie with Kevin for energy level. His slide work, including some on Keep Pushing, was awesome, primarily on a Gibson Les Paul style guitar but there were appearances by other classics like a Flying V on, appropriately enough, Time for me to Fly. Each solo he came forward engaging with the crowd and getting the expected reaction from the enthusiastic audience.
Bryan Hitt is incredible, keeping the driving rock beats moving over the large kit throughout the entire performance, again no lack of energy here.
The staging and lighting offered a great backdrop to the performance including a candlelight section highlighting Kevin for the initial start of a song then opening to the whole band as the song itself opened to include more instrumentation.
A great show, great performances and a band that truly looked to be enjoying every part of the program. Absolutely worth checking out.