Next best thing to a Beatles show?

Anyone who knows me (well) knows that I'm a so-called "Beatleologist"; steeped in all things Beatles from a very young age, and having amassed a reasonably vast store of knowledge and coverage on the topic over the years. I have historically been disappointed by Beatles cover attempts (most of the time). That perspective was knocked off my shoulder last night when I went to see for myself what all the buzz was about surrounding a South Bay group called the White Album Ensemble. This is a group comprised of seasoned musicians from the Doobie Brothers, Snail, and other bands who have been performing concerts together as this Ensemble for the past three years or so focusing on different Beatles albums. Their shows during 2005 dubbed "Rubber Revolver" (covering Rubber Soul & Revolver) were critically acclaimed and always sold out.

Like I said this group has been building quite a buzz locally. So when I heard they'd be playing their new 2006 show "Let Abbey Road Be" (covering you guessed it, Let It Be & Abbey Road), I decided to check them out. I was not disappointed. All the musicians were first rate veterans who were note perfect across the board. The show was really fun and entertaining. Clearly they enjoy playing together, and I noted the refreshing absence of any ego trips. A couple of the guys even played multiple instruments. The keyboard player, Dale Ockerman, who played with the Doobie Brothers for 8 years, even had a good old-fashioned Hammond C2 organ on stage that he played throughout the show (which was a trip). If you love Beatles music and you get a chance to see these guys 'live' don't miss it; I give them a full 5 stars and guarantee you'll have a good time.