Alan Parsons Project. Photo by Chyrisse. VNT_0338 — Alan Parsons Project. Photo by Chyrisse.

By Wendy Hunter, Journalist, and Chyrisse Tabone, Photographer – Rock At Night, Tampa

Live Review: Alan Parsons Live Project Tour, Baycare Sound, Clearwater, Florida – December 11, 2024

Alan Parsons is Winner of the 65th Grammy Award for Best Immersive Audio Album (Eye In The Sky – 35th Anniversary Edition)

It was fitting that the Alan Parsons Live Project Tour played at the Baycare Sound amphitheater. The waterside venue’s open walls, tarped roof, and fresh air was perfect for this group’s progressive sounds. On the night of this concert, however, the temperature had dropped and a biting wind chill factor in the low ’40s flowed off Tampa Bay and cut through the seating area. The mood however was warm. These Florida concert goers who stemmed from the ’70s and ’80s eras were adorned in coats, skull caps, thick socks and trainers, or simply were wrapped in blankets and sat chatting and laughing.

Todd Cooper of Alan Parsons Project. Photo by Chyrisse.

Alan Parsons Live Project was created in around 1999, however in the mid-‘70s era it was known as the Alan Parsons Project which included Eric Woolfson, songwriter and performer, who passed on in 2009. A Londoner, Parson’s claims to fame include assistant engineer on The Beatles’ last two albums and working for Paul McCartney, the Hollies, and more. Parsons also worked as an engineer for Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” album which led him to producing for many musicians. This is only a smidgen of the magic of Alan Parsons.

And speaking of magic, having never heard The Florida Rock Orchestra, I was in for a huge surprise. An intro ensued, so I closed my eyes and was inundated with the band’s cohesiveness backed by the voluminous sound of the orchestra. And when the driving beat of the first iconic song, “Standing on Higher Ground,” from the ’87 Gaudi album, began, each of Parson’s band members began to shine.

P.J. Olsson of Alan Parsons Project. Photo by Chyrisse.

Band members included: lead singer P.J. Olsson, lead guitarist Jeffrey Kollman, Dan Tracey, guitarist, Guy Erez, bass guitar, Todd Cooper, singer and saxophonist, and Danny Thompson, drummer. Tom Brooks (keyboardist), dressed in a long flowing jacket, also conducted the orchestra with open and wide arm gestures adding to the ambience and spells cast that night. All guitarists clapped and gestured to the listeners and said to, “come on down to the front” for the song “Eye in the Sky,” intro-ed by Parsons’ gentle, strong voice and keyboarding along with Olsson’s vocals. Green laser lights streamed across the venue landing on the ceiling while Thompson kept the steady beat. A listener screamed, “I love you!” presumably to Olsson.

Tom Brooks of Alan Parsons Project. Photo by Chyrisse.

A personal favorite, “Damned if I do,” delivery showcased the on point nature of each instrument while guitarists teamed in unison. And Brooks worked the keyboard interspersed with guiding the string section of the Orchestra. Olsson’s vocals are angelic in “As FarAs My Eyes Can See,” accompanied by the rolling of notes over the keyboard and the Orchestra’s horns. The ballad, “Don’t Answer Me,” shines with Cooper’s wailing alto saxophone and perfect harmonies. Alan Parsons Live Tour sounds were as innovative and fresh as when written, proving that great music is timeless. His tour was a must see for lovers of Progressive music.