1/20/2011 Pure Prairie League, Rhythm Room, Phoenix, AZ


 

11 years ago today...

January 20, 2011 - Phoenix, AZ

Pure Prairie League brought its blend of country-rock from the 70s and 80s to the Rhythm Room for a midweek show.

I was introduced to Pure Prairie League in high school through the popular Top 40 radio classic "Amie," now a go-to karaoke tune after multiple craft beers.  I've seen them many times, but never with lead singer Craig Fuller, the voice of "Amie."  After recording the song, he fled to Canada to avoid the draft.  Eventually, he was replaced with a long-haired Vince Gill who generated airplay for the band with the pop singles "Let Me Love You Tonight," "Still Right Here In My Arms" and "Almost Ready" before embarking on a solo career.

Neither Craig nor Vince was on stage at the Rhythm Room this night, but they did have long-time original band members Mike Reilly on bass and John David Call on pedal steel.  Both Mike and JD were friendly and cool to chat with and pleased to still be playing music many years after their peak in popularity.

The band autographed a setlist for me from the 90-minute show.  The setlist notes the song order, the key, who is singing lead and use of acoustic or electric guitars.

Known as an acclaimed Blues bar celebrating its 30th anniversary, the Rhythm Room sometimes books roots, country and Americana groups as well.  In addition to PPL, we have seen New Riders of the Purple Sage, John McEuen, Amazing Rhythm Aces, Leon Russell, Jesse Colter and JJ Gray & Mofro among others in this 400 capacity club.




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