Three Dog Night

Starting out in Los Angeles California, Three Dog Night is considered to be one of the real great pop bands. Starting at Whiskey A Go-Go, Three Dog Night hit it big with the song "One". The band, which started in 1967 with three original members (only one remains in the band today), had many hits and has an album coming out later this year.

The band last night at the beautiful Morristown Performing Arts Center was surprisingly excellent. When you factor in age (most in their mid 70's), they had great energy, great rhythm blends and were in synche all evening.

Opening with "The Family of Man", you got the sense that the band was there to make a statement about their accomplishments; as well as show off their talents as musicians.

The second song was "Black and White", a fan favorite. Like so many songs, Three Dog Night produced so many commercially successful songs. All were sung tonight and the packed, sold out audience ate them up!

After the third and forth songs "Never Been to Spain" and "Shambala", you are reminded just how great this band really was, especially in its song writing. A simple but efficient band, Three Dog Night delivered an hour and a half of entertainment.

In its fifth song "Easy to Be Hard" was a once considered a psychedelic song, a funky soulful song. This song was played consistently on radio in the early 70's and was one of the bands best. It was at this time that Three Dog Night was considered one of the most formidable bands. It was also at this time that Rock and Roll was in full swing with many great bands that still play today.

Under tremendous lighting all evening with the purples, blues and multi colors, Three Dog Night at times seemed larger than life. A tribute to their accomplishments, the audience loved reminiscing with them going down memory lane.

In the evenings eith song, "One", the band hit home how this song was the bands signature song. Not as famous as "Joy to the World" ( the evenings last song), this song introduced them to the world and it made them an international success. Out of all the great songs that they wrote and played, people identify Three Dog Night with the song "One".

"I Will Serenade You" came after "One". A great follow through song and was played both strong and deeply, it hit a melodic range that really showed the musicians talents. "Liar" was not their best but was still entertaining and fun.

The band brought the evening home with four great songs and a perfect end to a great evening. Another funky soulful song (much like "Easy to Be Hard") "Mama Told Me Not to Come" was performed brilliantly, kept steadfast to the original release, it was raspy, bohemian and captured the 60's spirit in depth. "Celebrate" was ended with an organ solo, innovative and provocative, this "Celebrate" had a different take on how the song was sung at first and commercially.

The evenings second to last song "Prayer of the Children" brought a standing ovation. Sung as a choir, the five musicians (sans the organist) stood and sung this song about the children who are victims to adults who bring their countries to war. As the band stated before the song, they are not a political band but that they wanted to write this because of the alarming rates of war in the world. Rightfully stated, the children are the ones who suffer in war, more than anyone else.

"Joy to the World", the bands most popular song comercially had the crowd still standing as we bid farewell to a staple in the Rock and Roll world.

Three Dog Night, Morristown Performing Arts Center, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, "One", "Joy To The World", "Mama Told Me Not to Come", Morristown, NJ.