The Eagle Has Landed in Port Jeff with Desert Highway Band

To see the Eagles tribute band, Desert Highway, in concert as I did in Port Jefferson Village, on Thursday evening, July 26, is to witness an uncanny and striking rendition of one of America's legendary rock bands, the Eagles featuring Don Henley, Glenn Frey, and Joe Walsh.

I'll be the first to admit that I did not expect much more than enjoying a pleasant evening by the harbor listening to old Eagles' songs by a group that dedicated itself to playing songs from the Hotel California album which was originally released on December 8, 1976. However, from the opening number, The Long Run, I
knew I  was in for something very special. From start to finish, Desert Highway presented an uncanny performance, so close to the sounds and nuances of the original Eagles band that I still feel as though I attended one of their concerts.

Guitarist and vocalist, Mike Green explained that “almost one year of preparation went into the making of the sound before we hit the street.” That is evidenced in the striking tenor harmonies, and guitar duets that  John Salucci, lead vocalist, Mike Green, guitar and vocalist, Rick Naso,lead guitarist, and Edgar Bentancourt, lead guitarist, produced in this concert.

Numbers like Life in the Fast Lane, Peaceful Easy Feeling, and Take it to The Limit, brought this capacity crowd  along with them on a journey through time, as they waved arms to and fro, clapped, and sang along with the band. Joe Salucci with the gestures, movements, and presence of Don Henley was particularly impressive when he bounded off the stage to sing in the audience.  His rendition of Desperado was just beautiful belting out lyrics with a gritty yet pleasant voice capturing notes of Rod Stewart, Mick Jagger, and of course Don Henly.

The lead guitarists,Rick Naso and Edgar Betancourt, demonstrated their mastery of the fretboard with guitar duets in numbers like Hotel California, and Take it to the Limit. Thequick finger work andimpeccable guitarriffs were as close to the tracks laid down by Don Felder and Joe Walsh, as possible.  The guitar work in this band, including Mike Green's was truly inspiring.

Each of the musicians in the band is talented in his own right and could easily stand alone on any stage. Carl Bova, bassist held the bottom together throughout the evening in numbers like Life in the Fast Lane and One of These Nights.  Bob Meyers on drums and Kieth Hill on key boards tie it all together forthis premiere tribute band with solos and rhythms that keep you in the Eagles' groove throughout the entire show.

Needless to say, I was more than impressed with this band. Desert Highway just three years out, is well on the road to becoming a legendary band in their own right. They certainly did Take it to the Limit.