Photos by Andy Argyrakis

No sooner than the very first note of “Take The Long Way Home” reverberated throughout the sold out Arcada Theatre on Thursday night, the floodgates of Supertramp’s rich history came rushing back thanks to Roger Hodgson’s distinctive stylings and an impeccable four-piece band. Besides sounding extraordinary for 66 or otherwise, the co-founder wasn’t just the singer and writer of the group’s most significant singles, but also a frequent arranger and multi-instrumentalist who regularly rotated between the keys, piano and guitar.

By the grand finale “Give A Little Bit,” all the house lights came up to reveal additional audience participation throughout a tune once covered by the Goo Goo Dolls, yet based on this occasion alone, one that unquestionably belonged to the originator.

For the “2016 Breakfast In America” World Tour (returning to the Arcada on Friday), Hodgson emphasized that blockbuster Supertramp long player, including the instantly recognizable title track, “The Logical Song” and “Child Of Vision,” all of which put an artful, jazzy and unpredictable spin on an otherwise commercially palatable sound. He also delivered a wide-cross section of other band selections spanning his 1969-1983 involvement, incorporating elements of classic rock, unplugged pop and grand progressive experiments during “School,” “Even In The Quietest Moments” and “Fool’s Overture” respectively.

From the post-Supertramp days, Hodgson also sampled his last studio project “Open The Door,” which was recorded and initially released in France (though it’s about to debut worldwide on vinyl). Songs such as the acoustically-framed “Along Came Mary” and the swirling world rhythms of “Death And A Zoo” (a thought-provoking statement on animal rights) provided a solid bookend to the ‘80s favorite “Had A Dream (Sleeping With The Enemy).”

By the grand finale “Give A Little Bit,” all the house lights came up to reveal additional audience participation throughout a tune once covered by the Goo Goo Dolls, yet based on this occasion alone, one that unquestionably belonged to the originator. Given the rousing reception for that and the prior two hours, hopefully Hodgson will spend more time on the shores that inspired his most famous album, though the “Classics Live” collection is an ideal souvenir to tide over anyone until then or soften the blow of those shut out by the overwhelming demand to be in his immensely creative presence.

Click here for more Roger Hodgson photos from the Arcada Theatre.

For additional information on Roger Hodgson, visit RogerHodgson.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the Arcada Theatre include Roger Hodgson (Dec. 9); Tony Orlando (Dec. 10); Gary Hoey (Dec. 11); Lorrie Morgan (Dec. 14); Max Weinberg Band with Mindi Abair (Dec. 15); The Ides Of March with Jim Peterik (Dec. 16); Airplane Family & Friends (Dec. 18) and Bret Michaels (Dec. 23). For additional details, visit ArcadaLive.com.

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