Photos by Andy Argyrakis

From its earliest days as R&B interpreters to seasons of symphonic rock, psychedelia, prog and straight up pop, The Moody Blues never nestled in a specific musical season for very long. However, that’s made for one of the most compelling, frequently conceptual careers of the last 50-plus years and certainly explains more than 70 million album sales to audiences spanning the “Summer Of Love” to MTV at the peak of its reach.

Following intermission and the revelation of additional LED panels, The Moody Blues revisited the groundbreaking “Days” album in its entirety, which is all the more remarkable considering it was made in a mere ten days at the request of the group’s record label to simply test out a new invention known as stereo!

Though the 50th anniversary of The Moody Blues’ main masterpiece “Days Of Future Passed” was the focus on this return trip to a packed Ravinia, the two act evening had a little something for everyone. It all began with the charging “I’m Just A Singer (In A Rock And Roll Band),” dove into fellow classic rocker “Steppin’ In A Slide Zone” and turned even more accessible throughout “Your Wildest Dreams” and “I Know You’re Out There Somewhere.”

Following intermission and the revelation of additional LED panels, The Moody Blues revisited the groundbreaking “Days” album in its entirety, which is all the more remarkable considering it was made in a mere ten days at the request of the group’s record label to simply test out a new invention known as stereo! Along with four supporting musicians, core drummer/percussionist Graeme Edge, guitarist/vocalist Justin Hayward and bassist/guitarist John Lodge wound their way through the common patterns of a 24-hour period, but the sounds and sights were anything but typical.

The lush “Dawn Is A Feeling” gradually accelerated with a gorgeous images of a rising sun, while other key pieces such as “Peak Hour” tracked the hustle and bustle of heading to work in a major city (just as the Highland Park heavens opened and doused the lawn with a short storm). Even so, many stuck around to hear the pretty (and popular) “Tuesday Afternoon” through the nightlife-themed “Twilight Time.”

As the epic “Nights In White Satin” built to a stirring crescendo, everyone rose to their feet and stayed in that position for the follow-up FM staples “Question” and “Ride My See-Saw.” It all made a widespread overview of The Moody Blues’ extensive time together, which combined with the band’s most potent production in recent memory, ensured an audio and visual feast for fans of any era.

For additional information on The Moody Blues, visit MoodyBluesToday.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at Ravinia include Lila Downs (Jul. 1); The Beach Boys and The Temptations (Jul. 2); Buddy Guy and Booker T. Jones (Jul. 6); Sheryl Crow (Jul. 7); OneRepublic with Fitz And The Tantrums and James Arthur (Jul. 14-15); Blondie and Garbage (Jul. 22); Andrew Bird with Esperanza Spalding and Mucca Pazza (Jul. 23) and Stephen Stills and Judy Collins (Jul. 26). For additional details, visit Ravinia.org.

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