The most intensely involved musical performance I've ever seen was by one of north India's best classical sitarists Budhitya Mukherjee when he visited Tampa twenty years ago. From the instant he sat down to play his intense concentration and demeanor let the audience know they were in for something special. He built the concert to fever pitch with insanely nuanced virtuosity and his astounding tabla accompanist (whose name escapes me now) were in perfect musical communication. When it was over I felt like I'd witnessed something never to be repeated. It was both exhausting and exhilarating to be part of that night.
I also fondly remember a young Michael Tilson Thomas' 1988 performance with the New World Symphony shortly after establishing the group. The audience was treated to a very enthusiastic and committed performance.
Also greatly enjoyed seeing the Yardbirds and Jimmy Page. It was1967 in a small Lakeland Florida civic arena full of drunks that were there to party instead of listen to music and the atmosphere left Page in a foul mood by the end of the show. I got to sit right beside him off just stage and watch him play, my ears didn't quit ringing until the next day.
The most memorable show I didn't get to see was one of the only two post-Layla Clapton & Allman shows. I had two great tickets center stage for the Tampa show and my Mom got P.O.'d at me and grounded me. So, I gave both tickets to my then girlfriend (and now wife) who still periodically reminds me what a fantastic show and bit of history I missed because I didn't clean up my room.
I also fondly remember a young Michael Tilson Thomas' 1988 performance with the New World Symphony shortly after establishing the group. The audience was treated to a very enthusiastic and committed performance.
Also greatly enjoyed seeing the Yardbirds and Jimmy Page. It was1967 in a small Lakeland Florida civic arena full of drunks that were there to party instead of listen to music and the atmosphere left Page in a foul mood by the end of the show. I got to sit right beside him off just stage and watch him play, my ears didn't quit ringing until the next day.
The most memorable show I didn't get to see was one of the only two post-Layla Clapton & Allman shows. I had two great tickets center stage for the Tampa show and my Mom got P.O.'d at me and grounded me. So, I gave both tickets to my then girlfriend (and now wife) who still periodically reminds me what a fantastic show and bit of history I missed because I didn't clean up my room.