My McKendree Spring Reunion
by Michael Doc Dreyfuss

A couple of nights after the McKendree Spring reunion concert I visited a favorite haunt, the Barking Spider Tavern, and was greeted with palpable excitement. Some of Sunday's Beachland crowd had drifted to the Spider extolling the concert's virtues. The buzz they created continues to greet me around town. In fact I can't get over the buzz in my own head. Don't want to either. Too much fun!

The concert took seed when Marty Slutsky was overcome by the sounds of his old band (while listening to a 1970s bootleg of McKendree Spring opening for Jethro Tull at the Capital Theater in Port Chester, NY) that he had to pull the car over and dry his eyes.

McKendree Spring is based on friendship, political synergy, and great mutual respect. Everyone in this group leads an interesting life. We enjoy each others' company. When we met to rehearse for the first time in early April, 2006 the sound and energy were clearly there. Alan Stoker (drums) and Steve Anderson (bass) helped give it all a wonderful punch. And they both sang beautifully. I was psyched. It felt as if the music had taken root and never gone away. It was part of us. 30 years - big deal. We came away thinking this thing might work out.

The friends and family who assisted us in all imaginable ways to make this gig a success were amazing, helping us prep, schlep and pack up endlessly - just like the old days! They came from all over the country to help us get it right.

I felt the fabulous audience feedback from the very first note. Nothing gives a performer more courage and inspiration than fabulous audience feedback. It came from the SRO crowd, familiar faces, applause, tune recognition - all the all the ingredients that help make great music sound better!

Personally I can't wait to hear the live recording. And do the next gig.

Here are some reviews:

"After 30 years of separation and little opportunity to rehearse, the group sounded fresh and spirited. Several performances were remarkable, such as their powerful cover of Neil Young's “Down By the River” and inspired version of “God Bless the Conspiracy” which brought the audience to its feet, for the first of three standing ovations."
Jon Winer; musician, attorney, from a review posted on The Grateful Dead Hour.

"That was a great concert Sunday night! I thought all of you nailed the songs perfectly, and I particularly enjoyed the extraordinary vibe throughout the SRO audience. A magical evening indeed!"
James Guyette; WRUW 91.1 FM

"The sound at the Beachland was superb - they got the volume and balance just right - every instrument was easily identifiable. The show appeared to go flawlessly. Superb."
Brian Asquith; aka British Brian: musician, reviewer, artist, writer, webmaster

"Pure Magic."
Peanuts; syndicated columnist.

Pure magic, indeed. Nuff said.