Peter Tork and Band Rock Poor David's Pub

Dallas, Texas - July 12, 2006

First Appeared in The Music Box, August 2006, Volume 13, #8

Written by Kirk deCordova

Photos by Lynn Dunlap and Kirk deCordova

While most people know Peter Tork as one of the loveable, hilarious Monkees of yesteryear, those in attendance at Poor David’s Pub during his latest visit to the Metroplex know him for what he really is: a great guitarist who truly can sing the blues. Shoe Suede Blues, his new band, not only features Tork on guitar and vocals, but it also includes some superbly talented musicians who have shared the stage with many of music’s greatest legends. For example, guitarist and vocalist Richard Mikuls is a veteran in the music business who has performed with the likes of B.B. King, Tina Turner, and Little Richard. Handling duties on the bass is Arnold Jacks, a phenomenal entertainer in his own right, and rounding out the ensemble is John Palmer, one of the most respected rockabilly drummers around. Not only can Palmer pound some awesome drums, but he also can play harmonica at the same time! How often do you see that?

Tork and Shoe Suede Blues hit the floor running with such tracks as Slender, Tender and Tall, Kiss & Tell, and Messin’ with the Kid. Mixed in among these traditional blues cuts were some of the band’s original songs from its album Saved By the Blues. "Shoe," as the ensemble is sometimes known, kept everything rolling with originals such as Even White Boys Get the Blues, Good Looker, Ain’t Your Fault. When the group launched into Dress Sexy for Me, there were more than a few shouts from the women in the audience. According to Tork, there always seem to be some nice looking women at his shows, and this concert was no exception. During the evening, he received gifts and flowers from his admirers, while acknowledging the fans with humorous gestures and comments. At the intermission, Tork even accepted a woman’s request to autograph her body! The female reaction to his on-stage presence proved to be an interesting sideshow, indeed.

Nevertheless, the night wouldn’t have been complete without at least a few selections from The Monkees’ back catalogue. The crowd, of course, wanted to hear them, and Tork was happy to dish them out. The first Monkees song was a refreshing, slow blues rendition of Last Train to Clarksville. Changing gears a bit, Shoe Suede Blues ended the first half of its show with an energetic romp through (I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone, which got the fans out of their seats and moving to the beat. The second half of the concert found the band performing the mega-hit I’m a Believer, the quirky Auntie Grizelda, and a superb sing-along version of Daydream Believer. With the obligatory Monkees’ cuts performed, the ensemble flew into the rock-solid Mojo, which again got the faithful on their feet and dancing to the groove. As expected, the group was called back from the shadows for a brief encore, and with a few waves and goodbyes, it sent the satisfied audience on its way. The next time Peter Tork and Shoe Suede Blues hit the Metroplex, know this: The collective is not to be missed. For anyone who enjoys the blues combined with a few songs from the groovy past, it’s quite an experience.

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Ratings

1 Star:   Pitiful
2 Stars: Listenable
3 Stars: Respectable
4 Stars: Excellent
5 Stars: Can't Live Without It!!

Copyright © 2006 The Music Box