July 20, 2013 – The first time I saw Ozone Baby on May 31st, 2013, I started the review with the thought that I was dreaming and the word I used to describe the performance was WOW!
Well Saturday night was no dream and Ozone Baby was OUTSTANDING! Ozone Baby whipped up the crowd into a crazy and enthusiastic mood. They provided a performance that that brought everyone to their feet!
Bottom line… If Led Zeppelin is the standard by which all bands are measured, then Ozone Baby is the benchmark for all Zeppelin Tribute bands! Everyone at the Rockpile was stunned at what they had just witnessed.
I am going to take this review in a bit of a different direction with a play by play review of each song performed.
Rock and Roll
The crowd roars as Glenn Nash hits the skins and the band fires into the show opener Rock and Roll. The rhythm delivery is strong and solid. Phil Naro the wonderful Emmy award winning vocalist of the band was at his usual best. Phil sounds in good voice this evening and as he uncorked the first lines of “Rock and Roll.” he sent the classic rock-friendly crowd into an expected frenzy, and immediately established expectations for the show. Everyone is immediately struck by Steve Major’s mighty riffs which seems to reverberate throughout the Rockpile. We won’t have to wait for the band to warm-up tonight–Ozone baby is flying high! The band’s playing is inspired and is really rocking the house! This is indeed a special rendition of the song, ending with a sharp and fast into Celebration Day.
Celebration Day
You have to love the bass and drum riffs of this song, and it is played to perfection by Enzo Lapadula and Glenn. The band is incredibly sharp. Enzo’s bass is on fire and in the forefront as he delivers his bass lines with a vengeance that is sharp and overpowering! Steve Major’s solo is clean and sharp, and he plays the main riff of this song perfectly. The final section features some incredible bass playing. A really enjoyable performance of this song!
Misty Mountain Hop
The main riff starts out hot and remains heavy throughout. Enzo`s keyboard is in perfect tune and his playing is awesome! There is a flawless union between the instruments and it appears that Phil is having all kinds of fun with this song. Glenn’s performance during this song can only be described as monumental as he continues to hit the skins and cymbals sharply and with great awareness of the intent of the song. Again, Steve’s solo shines like every solo so far in the show.
Since I’ve Been Loving You
A breathtaking performance! First, the sweet and soft sounds of Steve`s guitar, anguished cries emanate from the amp, the notes are hanging beautifully. Phil joins in and sings with the deep emotion needed to give the listener the proper “feel” of this tune. Glenn`s drum fills throughout this performance are amazing, with a lot of work on the cymbals. Phil is at his very best–he’s one with Steve’s guitar. Enzo`s keyboard`s section adds a wonderfully sensitive touch. Steve’s solo is outstanding on this song.
Trampled Underfoot
The Ozone Baby rhythm machine roars into this song Enzo takes over on this tune. His hands are moving all over the keyboard to develop just the right entertaining sounds that keep the song hopping with energy. Steve again displays some excellent wah-wah work. He is a master! And I love the steady bass pedal work and drums throughout the solo. And like every solo Steve has offered this evening he’s playing with incredible speed and precision. Here we shake, rattle and roll, as the body is taken over by this glorious beat. A powerful finish is the last offering, and the crowd erupts again in a frenzy of satisfaction.
Custard Pie
The rhythm is so powerful and tough; it makes the body bounce with the beat, and this performance starts off strong and remains so throughout. Steve’s guitar is sounding great! Each of his notes are well developed and clean. Glenn is filling with creative perfection and Enzo continues his wonderful assault. Glenn and Enzo are providing a solid, steady rhythm, Steve moves with incredible speed on the guitar, hitting one soaring high note after another–tremendous!
The Ocean
Enzo is especially on in his bass work during this song. The notes are strong and solid. Steve easily gives the crowd a fantastic riff to savor. When Phil calls for the “LA LA LAs”, the Rockpile crowd responds with enthusiasm in their voices!
Dazed and Confused
The crowd noise rises even more as the sound of the familiar bass line makes the Rockpile tremble. Steve joins in and gives us some more fantastic wah-wah work, and the crowd grows even louder as Phil joins in. Ozone Baby’s performance of Dazed and Confused can only be described as enormous! Steve easily develops a cold and eerie mood with the bow which leads to the famous guitar slaps. The Rockpile crowd reacted jubilantly to each slap.
Whole Lotta Love
Ozone Baby hits this riff with all their talented might, and the results have their amplifiers begging for mercy It’s a hot and heavy delivery and their rendition is as exuberant as it is powerful. It’s a pleasure to hear four musicians so immersed in this musical energy. Here the talents of Enzo and Glenn are showcased as they play the rhythm with ease and sharpness. Steve then waves his hands over the Theramin unit. As he creates one extraterrestrial sound after another, Enzo continues with some unbelievable stabbing bass, matched perfectly by Glenn`s bass drum pedal.
Kashmir
Ozone Baby pounces into the melody and rhythm of this song, giving great substance to the fabulous riff and hypnotic rhythm. The vibe at the Rockpile cannot be any stronger; they deliver the song’s inspirational message–excellent! Phil`s steady voice is giving the song much depth and quality. it’s a memorable performance.
Stairway to Heaven
The crowd cheers loudly as Steve strums the first few notes, which is then followed by Enzos’ keyboard entry. The delivery is quite beautiful. Phil comes in and sings the verses with a lot of emotion, and the whole effect has the crowd lulled into a peaceful trance. Most notable in this performance so far is Enzo’s work on the keys; he’s in perfect harmony with Steve’s guitar. The song comes up another level when Glen joins in. The song ends to the roar of an appreciative crowd and deservedly so. This piece was one of the nicest of the night.
Immigrant Song (Encore)
Glenn and Enzo hit the rhythm and Steve attacks the riff in a display of power and force. The energy in the delivery practically knocks you over! Already, Glenn’s assault on the drums is outstanding and Enzo is laying down a solid bass riff. Sometimes I don’t think I give Enzo enough credit for the way he plays his bass and keyboard parts so consistently great throughout the show. Enzo is strong throughout the show, but particularly so during this song. This is a very tight performance featuring some great wails from Phil bringing out the Celtic feel of the song. What a marvellous end to this concert, and the crowd applauds with as much energy as the band has just delivered to them. Fantastic!
For sheer entertainment and fun, this was quite a show! It was such a pleasure to listen to Ozone Baby’s creative genius and talent. It was very evident that everyone at the Rockpile enjoyed this night.
Review by John Perfetto, photos and video by Steve Mallinson
Check our previous Ozone Baby coverage:
T-Mak World: Toronto’s Site for Music, Movies and Culture
