The iconic guitarist brings his New York Groove to Jackson Racheria on 4/4/17
This is one of the few times I’m attending a show truly as a fanboy of music and the thought of seeing this artist live is stirring up memories of my youth. That’s because tonight’s show I’m seeing one of my child- hood guitar heroes and a founding member of Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley.
I’ve been a fan of Kiss since the first time I picked up a record album as a kid and heard their music sent me over the top. A huge part of the reason for that were the riffs and melodies laid out by Ace Frehley. When the band did their solo albums in 1978 (yes I am showing my age) it was Ace’s version of the Russ Ballard song ‘New York Groove’ that has held up to this day and was the biggest single to be released from the four members.
I’ve seen Kiss perform several times through the decades with the true Space Ace on guitar and have seen the band with other guitarist. The real magic has always been when this man is on stage. One thing I’ve always believed since Ace’s departure from Kiss, this also includes drummer Peter Criss, is that if these two were not as important to the Kiss franchise as I know they are, why would the present players still have to wear the makeup and outfits of these two players. Vinnie Vincent had his own identity and so did Eric Carr. It’s because Kiss fans still want to see Ace on guitar in some form if they can’t see the original.
I’ve said my peace and now to the real story, seeing Ace Frehley on guitar as the solo artist. For the past fifteen years Ace has remained a solo artist and this is my first time seeing him solo. He is performing at the Jackson Rancheria Casino & Hotel in Jackson, Ca.
Tonight Ace is joined onstage by guitarist Richie Scarlet, drummer Scoty Coogan, and bassist Chris Wyse. I expect to hear both his solo material as well as songs he wrote with Kiss. I knew tonight was going to be special with a room full of Ace fans who erupted in cheer as he opened the show with Parasite.
Throughout the night we were treated with Kiss tracks like ‘Love Gun’, ‘Rocket Ride’, ‘Shock Me, & ‘Cold Gin’. Over the last decade I listened to all his solo work and wanted to hear some of that material including his latest album Ace Frehley: Origins Vol. 1.
Ace did not disappoint tonight as he played the gambit from ‘Toys’, ‘Snow Blind’, “Rock Soldiers’ and yes ‘New York Groove’. He also played tracks off of Origins Vol. 1 which is a tribute album of covers of the music that made him who he is today.
He kicked out the jams with ‘Emerald’ by Thin Lizzy and ‘Bring It On Home’ by Led Zeppelin, This should be enough for any Ace Frehley fan as he thanked the audience and left the stage but like any diehard fan, the chanting of the crowd for him to come out and play at least one more song went on for several minutes. The lights never raised in the place so there was hope. That hope was answered as Ace came back out and played an encore of ‘Detroit Rock City’ with his smoking guitar and finishing off the night with ‘Deuce’.
It was a great evening with stellar music. The night was capped off by talking with other Ace fans and closing the night with a photoshoot with this iconic player. He really is a true rock n roll guitar legend.
To view more photos from the show visit the Ace Frehley Photo Gallery HERE
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