Below is a review of the January 13, 2006 Carnegie Hall performance. Thanks to Mark Johnson for writing it, to Charlotte Stoll for forwarding it, and to Gary Grimes for permission to post it.

As the crowd filed in to Carnegie Hall to see the SIXTH appearance of "1964"..The Tribute it was apparent that something was going to be different....and very, very special. From the audience's viewpoint there was a black-skirted riser to the left and behind the band. ( back right from the band's position) Obviously, something was up - but everyone had to wait nearly two hours to find out what it was.

Mike Rayburn was the opener again, and as always, gave an inspired performance with his unique, hilarious parodies and masterful guitar. Mike is worth the price of admission on his own.

"1964" then took the stage with what can only be described as boundless energy, as though they really were in their early 20's and it was February 1964 again. Within minutes, the crowd was rockin', as each of the guys was truly at the top of their game. It would be redundant at this time to go through the first half set-list, as it was a tried and true cacophony of the best of the Beatles' hits. The only surprise being the performance by the guys themselves - they've NEVER been better.

The second set opened with 8 - yes - EIGHT - horn players taking their positions on the "new" riser on stage. To watch the crowd at this point, especially the many that had seen the band many times, was a real highlight.....WHAT IS THIS??? Adding to this, the brass section just stood (and danced) through a raucous "Twist And Shout"...and then - the opening bars of "Got To Get You Into My Life" blasted into the hall...the crowd simply went nuts.

The horns left the stage after this and about 5 songs later, out walked a whole string section - yep - Violins, Violas, Cellos, Stand up Bass!!!! A two minute long, absolutely spellbinding introduction to the next song left the crowd in awe. As Gary (Paul) stepped up to the microphone and began to sing - "Eleanor Rigby" it was like time standing still for 40-odd years. He WAS Paul at this point, and was in note perfect voice. At the end of the song, the crowd just sprang to their feet - reacting like I've never seen before, and I've seen them many, many times. The strains of "Yesterday" then came from Mark's (John) guitar, and as Gary began to sing, the strings came in. Just amazing. That was the end of the sitting - everyone was on their feet for the rest of the night. Jimmy (George), Greg (Ringo) and Mark and Gary, individually and collectively, proved beyond a doubt that they are the benchmark that any Beatles tribute aspires to.

An inspired evening - with friends, family, and all of us who revere this music. Bottom line? Thank you to "1964" for this night and all the others. The music is in good hands.

Mark Johnson - Strut Productions