Concert Draws Praise

by Cliff Lee, The Post-Star, August 25, 1976

The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) kicked off its final two weeks of special events Monday with a blast of impeccable music, courtesy of Jim Messina and Kenny Loggins.

“Loggins and Messina,” one of the more masterful combinations to hit the contemporary music scene in the last decade, brought the crowd of more than 9,400 to its feet several times throughout the two-hour concert.

Backed by a six-piece group, the duo blended music from its formative years with some of the more recent tunes to form the mosaic of melody that has distinguished them over the years.

The collection of hits was made more meaningful in light of the pair’s projected breakup next month. The individual talents of both musicians, which catapulted them to fame, is also the force behind the expected split. Kenny Loggins, whose vocals gave the duo its unmistakable accent, combined Monday evening with the instrumental artistry of Jim Messina, whose mastery with the mandolin and guitar highlighted his years with “Buffalo Springfield” and “Poco,” for an all-too-brief journey through the “Loggins and Messina” legend.

Excerpts from their “Mother Lode” album demonstrated the pair’s western music leanings, while the songs of their most recent collection, “Native Sons,” illustrated their ability to excite even the most devout rock music fan.

The music was matched only by the stage presence of both musicians, who repaid the applause and shouts of approval with true showmanship.

Unlike a few concerts at SPAC, which were ruined for many by overenthusiastic fans rushing the stage and turning the aisles into a shoving mass of humanity, the Loggins and Messina concert was highlighted by the audience’s civilized expression of appreciation for the music. The attempts of a few to incite a rush to the front were quickly thwarted by well-positioned ushers.

The only regrettable aspect of Monday night’s concert is that it will be one of Loggins and Messina’s last and draws to a close a sound that will never be duplicated.

It can be assured, however, that the individual efforts of both artists will not go unnoticed in the years ahead.

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