Marco Mendoza+ The Brink + Big River
Thursday 9th May 2019
Lounge, London
Marco boxes clever on this continuation of last year’s ‘Viva La Rock’ tour by bringing in two differing support acts that made for an excellent evening’s entertainment. Up first Kent’s Big River steadily making a name for themselves on the Blues/Rock circuit with a well-executed showcase followed by The Brink, a young energetic band with a hard driven Rock set.
Marco arrives to the stage weaving himself through the crowd to the intro, almost Angus Young style, hitting the stage to open with ‘Viva La Rock’. Leaving his two earlier albums behind with their more Jazz fused Rock, the present album brings a distinct David Lee Roth sound and feel and we are treated to a few cover versions of acts that Marco has played with over his career. Thin Lizzy’s ‘Chinatown’ and Ted Nugent’s ‘Hey Baby’ are two that are covered on both the album and in his live set.
From his current band the Dead Daisies he performed ‘Mexico’, Stevie Wonder’s ‘Higher Ground’ and to our surprise, the Plastic Ono’s Band ‘Give Peace A Chance’, breaking the pace mid-set. ’Burned’ and ‘Sweet Emotion’ are two of top tunes from the ‘Viva La Rock’ album obviously on the must play list and all were performed superbly by his three-piece band. The crowd went home thoroughly entertained and some, shaking their heads all evening, may have sore necks!
Geoff C.