Temple of Soul Live in Asbury Park

Description

A lifelong member of Bruce Spingsteen’s E Street Band, the gentle giant of the tenor sax with its volcanic sound treats himself to two nights at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, the absolute stronghold of Gary US Bonds, Spingsteen and other working-class “Jersey boys.” If he is not the most convincing of singers, Clemons makes up for it with a solid lineup of musicians, a fine opportunity to break free from the Boss’s stamp that has stuck to him: Latin rhythms, funk numbers with the feel of jams, redemptive ballads and, of course, exuberant, unifying rock’n’roll, though more as an excuse for celebration than rebellion.