PORTLAND — British rock royalty came to the State Theatre on Tuesday night in the person of Peter Frampton, who played to a sold-out and very happy audience.
Thirty-five years and one month ago, Frampton released his legendary live album, “Frampton Comes Alive.” He is marking the anniversary with a grand tour that started last year and stopped right here in Portland Tuesday night.
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The current band includes Rob Arthur on keys, guitar and vocals, Stanley Sheldon on bass, drummer Dan Wojciechowski and guitarist Adam Lester.
The super-brief Frampton history is that he recorded five albums with Humble Pie, went solo in 1971, recorded four studio records and then took the world – and charts – by storm with “Frampton Comes Alive.” It remains one of the best-selling live albums of all time. He has released several studio albums since then, including 2010’s “Thank You Mr. Churchill.”
Frampton is now 61 but shows no signs of slowing down, only signs of brilliant musicianship and showmanship. Said another way: He still loves his job. The show lasted 10 minutes shy of three hours and included an incredible 26 songs.
“Something’s Happening” kicked off the show, and Frampton and company never looked back. “Doobie Wah” came next, and Frampton’s guitar playing was as dazzling as ever.
Images and album covers from the ’70s and beyond flickered on a screen behind the band, reminding us of Frampton’s significant contribution to the rock music world. They also showed a lot of his long, flowing hair, which is now but a distant memory. Not so for his voice, however. He sounded as clear and distinct as he did back when “Frampton Comes Alive” was recorded.
“Show Me The Way” was played fairly early on, and it was the first time we heard Frampton use the thing he didn’t invent but is certainly known for: the Talk Box.
He used it to “say” the phrase “Here we are in Portland, Maine,” and suffice it to say, the crowd went crazy. One of the best things about Frampton’s mastery of the Talk Box is that he doesn’t overdo it. He used it for maybe four songs, and that was perfect.
A solo acoustic set of “Wind of Change,” “Just the Time of Year” and “All I Want To Be (Is By Your Side)” showed off Frampton’s acoustic acumen, then the band was brought back on for the bring-the-house-down sing-along of “Baby I Love Your Way.”
It always was – and always will be – a terrific song. Soon after, a 16-minute “Do You Feel Like We Do,” brought the house down again. Lyrics were projected on the screen, but I can’t imagine anyone in the audience needed a reminder.
After a second, full-band version of “All I Want to Be” and before the evening’s epic encore of The Beatles’ “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” was played, Frampton gave a special introduction to Sheldon, his bassist. Other than Frampton himself, he’s the only band member who played on the original “Frampton Comes Alive.”
Peter Frampton: a true living legend who was welcomed back to Portland with open arms and who delivered big time with a scintillating performance.
Staff Writer Aimsel Ponti can be contacted at 791-6455 or at: aponti@pressherald.com
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