The iconic band Queen were provided their flowers when tribute band 33 1/3 Killer QUEEN Experience took the stage at The Birchmere Music Hall in Alexandria, VA, on Saturday, September 18th. I had seen another Queen Tribute band in the past, and furthermore, my son is a massive fan of Queen, so our attendance at the show was necessary.
33 1/3 Killer Queen Experience opened the show with “Fat Bottom Girls.” The group’s lead vocalist Justin Gonzalez was in pristine form with his vocals. One of the most enjoyable things about Gonzalez’s performance was that he never tried to sing like Freddie Mercury, and instead, he made the songs his own while being backed by his live band. Throughout a ninety-minute set, the 33 1/3 Killer QUEEN Experience hit all of the songs you would want to hear during a Queen experience.
I would also like to give the band credit for not just doing a Hits show and introducing my family and I to some Queen songs that I wasn’t familiar with, such as “Hammer To Fall,” “Keep Yourself Alive,” and “Prophet’s Song.” One of the evening’s best moments occurred when Tony (a group roadie) took the stage to perform “We Will Rock You.” Now, if you are curious about what made this so special, Tony is only ten years old.
If I had one gripe with the show it would be that my favorite song by Queen, “Princes of the Universe,” wasn’t on the setlist. However, the band’s energy, musicianship, and family-friendly entertainment more than made up for the omission.
Final Grade: B+
For their second single, the group presented a ballad entitled “Feels Like The First Time.” Once again, Greene handles the lyrics, while Neville Hodge is responsible for production duties. Greene begins the song with robust energy, proclaiming his love for the lady. Greene’s group members provide stellar work on the background vocals, and the songs eschew nineties R&B without going into crass vulgarity.
The ballad was composed by Michael Masser and lyricist Gerry Goffin, and it was first recorded by Dionne Warwick in 1981. Eight years later, Natalie Cole covered the song, shortening the title. It became the fourth single from her twelfth album, “Good to Be Back.”
Braxton’s vocal talent is perfect on the standards “Christmas Time Is Here,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and “The Christmas Song.” However, like any good R&B Christmas album, it is the soulful yuletide bops where Braxton truly shines. The album’s first single, “Snowflakes of Love,” is instrumental of Earl Klugh’s “Now We’re One”. Braxton’s lush vocals encapsulate the warmth and joy of romantic love amidst a wintery backdrop.