What: Talon

Where: Hull, New Theatre

When: 16th April 2011

This is the first tribute band I have ever reviewed but if the quality of Talon is any judge to the others it certainly won’t be the last. I suspect I may have been spoilt though as this band were almost without fault.

I’m supposed to be on holiday but I guess music is too much in my blood to completely rest. So when planning a visit to my mum this weekend I looked to see who was playing in her home town of Hull. I’ll be honest and say I didn’t really spot anything that grabbed my eye. As tribute acts are normally ones I can happily avoid it was only on my second scan of the listings that my thoughts turned to Talon. However, when I noticed that they were playing the New Theatre I started to wonder. This is one of Hull’s prestige venues. Yes that could be in the category of the world’s shortest books, however it’s a nice theatre with a good capacity and if a band are playing the venue it’s an indication that they have a good following.

Well my initial reservations were soon dispelled and the a vengence. Talon are a wonderful tribute to the music of The Eagles. This tour showcases the November 2004 Melbourne Australia date when the Eagles filmed the opening night of their Farewell I tour. Now I have seen the Eagles live myself and I can honestly say that if I closed my eyes I’m not sure I could have told you which was which musically. Vocally though, Talon are very good and their multi-layered harmonies are beautiful but they aren’t a direct imitation of the Eagles. However they are damn close and really are sympathetic to the feel of each track.

I had forgotten just how good the songs of The Eagles are, their mix of light country and rock are wonderfully crafted and stand the test of time. To try and recreate their sound is a tall order as the band have some of the best musicians around, however Talon do a great job. A very talented bunch of musicians who rotate not only the lead vocal duties but also the instruments they play. Through songs such as New Kid in Town, Boys of Summer and Hotel California Talon showcase the songs expertly. The band are comfortable with all aspects of the songs from the gentle lament of I can’t tell you why to the gritty groove of Joe Walsh’s Funk 49. One of the band members is Ex Wishbone Ash player Keith Buck who can turn his hand to “anything with strings on it”. Tonight’s line-up featured ten musicians including a three piece brass section which added warmth and punch to some of the songs.

Talon’s reputation as the best Eagles tribute band is certainly justified and it was no surprise to hear that Eagles songwriter Jack Tempchin has appeared on stage with them and describes them as having “superb talent” and play The Eagles songs with “reverence”.

If you like the songs of The Eagles you would do well to check out Talon on at least one of their extensive UK Tour dates.

You can see more images from the night on the Talon gallery.