Ian Lloyd and Band “Live @ PWPL”

I spent the first half of Ian Lloyd's concert at the Port Washington Library on Friday afraid to turn around. That's because the music was unquestionably loud, and my 70-something parents, seated behind me, would reveal their displeasure if the sound was too much. The only other time I'd heard such loud music at the library was when John Ford of the Strawbs, who happened to be Ian Lloyd's special guest for this show, performed last fall. Lloyd's Friday night performance ran the gamut of pop, progressive, and finally, hard rock a la Led Zeppelin or a favorite Long Island band, Zebra. So it wasn't a stretch to imagine that Lloyd's show might not be a hit with my parents.

Boy, was I wrong. When I finally worked up the nerve to peer behind me, I saw my parents were not only smiling, but also bouncing to the music. At intermission they spoke enthusiastically about the talented musicians, a good indicator that rock and roll really can transcend age demographics.

The audience ranged in age from children to octogenarians. The band members also ranged in age, with two generations of Lloyd musicians. There's Ian, the lead singer. And there's his son, David, the keyboard player, who is also the lead vocalist and guitarist in his own hard rock band, Social Hero – where Ian pitches in on vocals. The other musicians, all of them very proficient, included Antti Janhunen on bass, the very talented Walter Goldstein, also known as  "Wally G," on drums, and Dan Natelli on guitar. Natelli delivered superb solos, fast fingering, and sublime use of a favorite effect, the wah-wah pedal.

You may not be familiar with the name Ian Lloyd, but chances are you've heard his voice. I've listened to his  music on my iPod for years, yet I hadn't connected the song with the name. That song is "Brother Louie," the 1973 chart-topper about interracial romance that Lloyd had recorded with his band, Stories. Nearly 40 years later, the song still is instantly recognizable, and perhaps also annoyingly catchy. Stories hit number one on the charts with "Brother Louie," which lives on today as the theme song for the FX television series, "Louie," starring Louie CK, the comedian.

Lloyd's music is reminiscent of the late 1960s and 1970s. Some songs carried the feel of Robert Fripp of King Crimson, while others seemed influenced by Led Zeppelin and The Beatles. At times, Lloyd sounded like Jon Anderson of Yes, especially when he hit the high notes. Lloyd's voice can also sound rough and scratchy – as though he'd spent the day screaming, or maybe smoking. Still it held that rock and roll power. In addition to his work with Stories, Lloyd put out numerous CDs of his own, as well as sang backup for such luminaries as Foreigner, Survivor, Yes, Peter Frampton and Billy Joel.

Particularly enjoyable was Lloyd's rendition of the Beatles' "If I Needed Someone," ably assisted by special guest John Ford. Another cover was Foreigner's "Feels Like the First Time" which was so different than the original that it took a while to recognize the song.  The band played several songs from their latest CD, "In The Land of O-de-PO," including the title track, which won a GMMA (that's Global Marijuana Music Award). The award seemed fitting, especially during one trippy, slightly psychedelic song in which Lloyd inexplicably donned a mask and danced around the stage. Other highlights were "Mammy Blue," another early 1970's hit from Stories, and John Ford's "Part of the Union," which my parents particularly enjoyed because they found it reminiscent of a folk song. But perhaps the very best moment was when the band launched into "Brother Louie." It was far more energetic than the original recording, prompting more than a few to sway along to it. I found myself humming it for hours afterwards.

Ian Lloyd deserves a lot of credit for rocking for four decades, playing with such enthusiasm, and prompting audience members to smile throughout his show. The library, too, deserves credit for being bold enough to introduce different and louder music than usual. The "Live @ PWPL" program has been a wonderful addition to the programming this year. Hopefully, Lloyd and his band will perform again locally in the near future. I'm certain that my parents are looking forward to it too.

John Ford, Ian Lloyd's special guest, will perform at the library again in October.