September 9 2013 – Back in October 2011 we initiated coverage of Michael White’s Discography series at The Sound Academy. 23 months ago the world’s most prolific Led Zeppelin tribute entertainer brought out his new lineup and promised us that we would be taken on a Zeppelin journey of the highest order. Not only would we get to hear faithful reproductions of all of Zep’s studio records we would also go on a journey into various bootlegs and even as recent as the band’s O2 Celebration Day reunion show. To say that this band is insanely good is an understatement and the massive crowds that cram the Sound Academy every month is a testament to both the musical genius of Michael White and the White as well as the eternal longevity of Led Zeppelin. T-Mak World has covered the vast majority of the last 22 shows and tonight we were back for Led Zeppelin II (the second time round). Michael White & The Whites’ current discography series is by far the most covered event on T-Mak World.
The first time White presented Led Zeppelin II was in January 2012 and we reviewed it here. As good as that show was, tonight found the band at a whole different level of musicianship. All the typical reviewer words can be thrown into a bucket and melded together – tight, crisp, excellent, smooth, energetic, transcendent, emotional… Ya in short Michael White and The White kicked ass tonight.
Last time this album was offered the running order was changed but not tonight. Why mess around when you can kick off a show with the thunderous Whole Lotta Love and drive the audience wild. What Is and What Should Never Be was the second song of the evening and the band was in full groove. White was particularly strong on vocals on this one and he turned it up a notch for The Lemon Song which was next. Thank You was a very tight performance for all four musicians and Davin Goudie really shone on the organ for this piece.
Owners of the Vinyl LP will know that now the record needs to be turned over and side 2 can commence with the powerhouse duo of Heartbreaker and Living Loving Maid (She’s Just A Woman). Both songs are considered showcases for Jimmy Page and his guitar wizardry but Danno Murray nailed it tonight with apparent ease. White takes the audience to a new level with Ramble On and his vocal performance on this song was stellar. The song also gave Goudie and Wall an opportunity to play off each other for the definitive Zeppelin sound. Speaking of Wall, the human drum machine closed his eyes and focused hard as sweat dripped off his brow for Moby Dick – a song he plays often live and takes the audience to a voyage with. The rest of the band came on to Bring It On Home which they did with great enthusiasm.
Just like that Led Zeppelin II is done and the audience is promised a set consistinf of the best of Presence and man does it get sweaty in the venue for a killer segment of Achilles Last Stand, For Your Life, and Nobody’s Fault But Mine. Two more songs round out the night with Rock and Roll and Bron-Y-Ar Stomp.
If you were there you certainly had a fantastic time, on the other hand if you have not seen a Michael White and The White discography show you are truly missing out on a musical odyssey worthy of Achilles and his last stand. Michael White, Davin Goudie, Dano Murray and Brian Wall have given thousands of people a great time during their Discography shows and for that we give them our full recommendation as a must see show.
