LINK WRAY RULED!
Anyone lucky enough to catch Link Wray’s
Madison
,
WI
show at Luther’s no doubt felt part of history in the making, as well as
seeing historic rock. Listening to him play for nearly two hours, with the
help of whippersnapper rhythm section of openers Jet City Fix, was sheer fun
to just count the artists and bands this legend has influenced. And
he’s modest, too. Link got off to a winning start with his signature tune,
‘Rumble’, which simultaneously mesmerized and energized the ample crowd.
People who enjoyed him 40 years ago joined with twentysomethings to
hoot, holler and cheer him on. Chants of ‘Link, Link’ brought him back
for reprises of ‘Jack the Ripper’, ‘Run, Chicken, Run’ and
‘Rumble.’
Dressed in well-worn
denims, black T, leather jacket and an often-flashed smile, Link switched
Strats for other favorites like ‘Comanche’, ‘I’m Branded’ and
‘Ace of Spades’. Two lesser identifiable songs were later found to be
‘Geronimo’ and ‘Viva Zapata’, the latter of which
was jammier. Sure Link seemed more laid back along side
hyperbolic
Seattle
sidekicks Justin McDonald and Dana Simms, but he was all there and engaged
in the smoldering evening. Link may even have gotten more
proficient over the years, technically, but tonight his ‘50s twang was
fused with ’90s grunge for a delicious course of pure decadence. Why, in
the end he even let audience members play his whammy.
Bassist McDonald was a
power-chord prince, slapping overtime to the signature songs, almost
taking on a second guitar duty. Drummer Simms bashed away like a cross
between a jazz and metal drummer. And Olive lent a subtle hand on
Heineken bottle – cowbell would have been too much. But wait, no
‘Swag’ or ‘Ramble’? In that case Link Wray will have to come back
– soon.