Photos by Andy Argyrakis

The Moody Blues may have started as an English R&B act, but quickly transitioned towards rock, then almost single-handedly paved the way for the symphonic and progressive styles long before either penetrated the mainstream.

In fact, 1967’s “Days Of Future Passed” was amongst the very first orchestral or conceptual collections to ever be released, which are probably reasons why its endured to this very day and continues to be the subject of bassist/vocalist/sometimes guitarist John Lodge’s latest show.

However, prior to the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer performing the project in its entirety, he carefully combed through the group’s extensive songbook for a full house at the revamped and respected Genesee Theatre.

“Steppin’ In A Slide Zone,” “Talking Out Of Turn” and “Legend Of A Mind” were just a few examples of The Moodies’ vast repertoire, presented accurately and impressively by the 81-year-old, especially in light of being a stroke survivor, alongside his 10,000 Light Years Band.

Soon after, guest Jon Davison, latter day front man for prog gods Yes, appeared on “The Voice” and did a laudable job interpreting the higher tones of fellow singer/guitarist Justin Hayward.

A few more moments tracing the group’s unconventional evolution followed, such as “Gemini Dream,” “Isn’t Life Strange” and ‘I’m Just A Singer (In A Rock and Roll Band),” on the way to cracking open the time capsule on the aforementioned opus.

Much like Lodge’s latest long player, “Days Of Future Passed – My Sojourn,” the segment found the leader reflecting and reinterpreting the masterpiece as a much older man, which was thankfully sonically similar, yet saw the lyrics about an ordinary person navigating a typical day taking on additional gravity and perspective.

Nonetheless, everything from the introductory ballad “Dawn Is A Feeling” to the pre-recorded poetry of founder Graeme Edge’s “Late Lament,” including Davison’s take on “Tuesday Afternoon” and “Nights In White Satin,” were again spot on and striking, bubbling up to a full cast finale of “Ride My See-Saw” that had all of the Genesee on its feet to salute the living legend.

For additional information on The Moody Blues’ John Lodge, visit JohnLodge.com.

Upcoming concerts at the Genesee Theatre include Jim Henson’s “Fraggle Rock” (Mar. 2); Illusionist Rick Thomas (Mar. 6); KC & The Sunshine Band (Mar. 7); Old Crow Medicine Show (Mar. 15); Here Come The Mummies (Mar. 20); “Ancient Aliens” Live (Mar. 21); An Evening With Emerson, Lake & Palmer (Mar. 22); Michael Blackson (Mar. 27); Frankie Valli And The Four Seasons (Mar. 30); Daryl Hall (Apr. 3); MJ Live (Apr. 4); “The Golden Girls” (Apr. 9); The Brit Pack (Apr. 10); “The Addams Family” (Apr. 19); Voyage: Celebrating The Music Of Journey (May 1); Classic Albums Live: Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd” (May 10); “Sesame Street” Live! (May 16); Brit Floyd (May 30) and Get The Led Out (Aug. 14). For additional details, visit GeneseeTheatre.com.

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