Before Sunday's concert the Moody Blues promised "a journey back in time." What they delivered was a journey - through time, backward and forward, and to heights of enjoyment and moods of nostalgia that almost no other band could paroduce.
The Moodies are a group that has spanned more than two decades of popularity, and at least two generations of their fans were represented at ParkWest.Those fans were enthusiastic over the continuing love saga of recent hits, "Once Upon A Time in Your Wildest Dreams" its "sequel," "I Know You're Out There Somewhere" and the newest installment, "Hope and Pray," from their new album, Keys of the Kingdom.
But even the youngest among the crowd reacted with overwhelming love and a resounding welcome for the group's old standards, "Nights in White Satin," "I'm Just A Singer (in a Rock and Roll Band)," and "Isn't Life Strange."
In fact, it seemed nearly everyone was singing along to nearly all the songs, and getting all the words right.
Couples who probably danced in their high school gymnasiums to strains of "Nights" in the '60s were swaying to the same tune along with other, newer sounds - still together as the Moodies are still together. Well, mostly.
The group still includes vocalist/guitarist Justin Hayward, bassist John Lodge, flutist Ray Thomas and drummer Graeme Edge. Original member, vocalist/
keyboardist Mike Pinder left in 1978. He was replaced by former Yes keyboardist Patrick Moraz in 1979, but Moraz has also left the band.
It's been written that members of the Moody Blues are a close group offstage. Their performance Sunday attested to that feeling of comaraderie - they really seemed to enjoy being together, making music together and, together, blazing that trail through time for their audience.
A spectacular light show accompanied "The Other Side of Life," and Edge and his partner on another set of drums brought the fans to their feet for "I'm Just a Singer (in a Rock and Roll Band)."
If the crowd's reaction to some of their new songs from Keys of the Kingdom is any indication, the Moodies' popularity is far from dwindling. "Say It With Love," a typically Moody Blues combination of classical and rock with a romantic tone, was enthusiastically received, as was "Lean on Me Tonight."
Thomas was especially impressive with his rendition of "Timothy Leary," and the crowd loved the sounds of his flute.
The Englishmen were welcomed back to Utah with open arms - and clapping hands, swaying bodies and lots of applause. It was as if they, like their music, had never really been away. Just on a long journey through time.
The evening's opening act, "Neverland" offered some loud rock and one memorable tune, "Lean On Me," before the Moodies arrived onstage with "Lovely to See You Again."