TYCE Takes the Metropolitan Room 9/28

His album Hero (on Broadway Records) came out in March; an SRO show soon followed at Steve Walter's Cutting Room and last night Tyce and his band kicked off a six-date East Coast tour and delivered just an impressive rendering of his album. With a lovely, opening set from keyboardist Alex Nester (Santana), she delivered the good with some terrific original material. Her voice is stunningly terrific and she mentioned that an album would soon be forthcoming. Trust me ... check her out.

Tyce took to the stage and launched into "Bat out of Hell" from the 1977 album of the same name. "Hot Summer Night" and "Gonna Love Her" followed, both very strong.. Journalist Brad Balfour sitting front and center leaned over to me and said that Steinman knows how to write a song and his talents are really pretty awesome. Memorable, dramatic and just spot on, Steinman's words just boldly takes center stage.

"Heaven Can Wait" followed and was just a delight. Tyce, who is the first male vocalist to work with him since Meat Loaf, is stunningly good. "Total Eclipse of the Heat" was a show stopper as Tyce delivered some exceeding great vocal work. "Hero" and "For Crying Out Loud" were perfect too.

His band, bassist John Avila (who actually played on the final Meat Loaf tour) was superb; as was Matt Hayes on guitar and John Hummel on drums; in fact, Hummel kept a rocking beat all night. Terrifically impressive. Nicky James on guitar was exceeding good and pianist Zak Llloyd, who did most of the arrangements on the album was a huge standout.

Hero is without question one of the best albums of the year and seeing Tyce live, is even better. Tremendous night and show. Thanks to Jeff Smith for the photos.