In 1968, three talented musicians emerged from different super groups of the era to form a band whose influences rivaled that of the Beatles: David Crosby of the Byrds, Graham Nash of the Hollies, and Stephen Stills from Buffalo Springfield. Neil Young, also of Buffalo Springfield, joined the band for its first tour in 1969. This musical partnership created a unique and unprecedented blend of vocals and musical varieties, ranging from acoustic folk to melodic pop to hard rock. The super group put out its first album as a quartet in 1970 (Deja-Vu), immediately garnering the number one spot on the charts. CSNY's musical brilliance, combined with its connection to the political and cultural upheaval of the times, quickly transformed the band into the most successful touring and recording acts of the late '60s, '70s, and early '80s. An acrimonious split from Young occurred after their tour in 1970. In the ensuing years, the band released eight more albums. CSN finally reunited with Young for the first time in twenty-six years to produce the most recent album, Looking Forward (1999). The release of this album, the fourth to feature all four musicians, led to the current CSNY2K tour.

The foursome kicked off their first Madison Square Garden show with a favorite classic, "Carry On," and continued with "Southern Man.” The top-notch rhythm section, featuring veteran drummer Jim Keltner and the traditional blues bass from Donald "Duck" Dunn (from Booker T and the MGs), combined with the classic CSNY vocals, sent the awe-struck fans into a frenzy. Numerous new songs from Looking Forward were interspersed among Stills' "49 Bye-Byes", Nash's "Marrakesh Express", Crosby's "Almost Cut My Hair" and Young's "Cinnamon Girl.”

In the second set, four wooden stools set the stage for the artful harmonies reminiscent of earlier days. Exquisite renditions of "Helplessly Hoping," " Our House," and "Old Man" brought the crowd to its feet for the remainder of the evening. Crosby and Nash were left alone to deliver "Guinnevere," with Crosby’s guitar and Nash’s sweet vocals creating an atmosphere of nostalgic bliss. The set closed with an immaculate version of "Teach Your Children."

The third set brought out the band’s most vibrant and enthusiastic material. At the front of the stage, Young and Stills wielded a playful guitar duel during the classic "Ohio." The band raged on through "Love The One You're With" to "Down By The River," with over twenty minutes of memorable guitar solos. Gushing with enthusiasm, CSNY played a double encore that left everyone in the arena with a sore throat. During the ten minute “Rockin’ In The Free World,” the song that closed the evening, Young's intensity reached superhuman proportions. After several hours of non-stop excitement and musical brilliance, the band exited the stage, leaving the audience in a state of bliss.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

Madison Square Garden

(New York, NY)

review and photo by Brett Richards