Review of Island Rumours show
 

http://starbulletin.com/2007/05/27/news/heckathorn.html

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Mick Fleetwood debuts a real band
Chemistry Lesson: "It was well-received, don't you think?" Mick Fleetwood said of his new band's first-ever performance.
That's English understatement. Fleetwood's Island Rumours Band knocked out the crowd at last weekend's Diamond Head Crater Celebration.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, now a Maui resident, took the stage surrounded by top-flight local musicians -- Raiatea Helm, Willie K and Eric Gilliom of Barefoot Natives, percussionist Lopaka Colon, bass player Lenny Castellanos and former Fleetwood Mac guitarist Ric Vito.

More than that, Fleetwood has molded all those talents into a real band, one of the most powerful local ensembles in recent memory. "That's what I do, create band chemistry," says Fleetwood, who, starting in 1967, managed Fleetwood Mac through 14 personnel changes.

Built on a powerful rhythm section, the new band glided seamlessly from Hawaiian music to hapa-haole swing to flat-out rock 'n' roll, pulling off surprises like a chilling oli dropped right into the middle of the Fleetwood Mac classic "Rhiannon."

"There's no reason this band can't play Vegas, or anywhere," says Fleetwood.

Decorum: From the Crater stage, Mick Fleetwood noted that the last time he played there in the '70s, he saw people fleeing up a hillside to avoid a brush fire. "Things are more under control now," he said.

Back in the VIP tent, KHVH's Greg Mueller, a veteran of the old Crater Festivals, just laughed. "Things are so under control and well-organized, it's not even like a rock concert. You'd think you were at the polo matches."