Countdown to Moody Blues: 48 hours

Trying not to get too excited about the upcoming Moody Blues concert at the Old Lady on Brady in Tulsa. Trying, but failing.

One of the sons of the Oklahomilist purchased tickets as a birthday present. Since that announcement this entire section of Oklahoma - at least those of us seasoned enough to properly appreciate the Moody Blues - has been slowly but steadily ramping up our excitement level. Didn't think it would happen but there's a real buzz with several radio stations holding contests for tickets to a sold-out show.

Several years ago (late '80s, methinks) the Moody's came to town and played the huge Mabee Center at ORU. There were a lot of technical problems during the show, the sound mix was abysmal, and it was obvious that Justin, John and the gang were not happy campers. For true believers it was still a worthy event, just a bit of a disappointment.

The Brady theatre, however, is much better suited to their style of music and for the intimacy that musicians of their caliber like to establish with audiences. This should be a much better show, though the absence of Ray Thomas will be keenly felt. We've heard that "Legend of a Mind" and a few other standards will not be played, and that is a shame.