Funhouse

Terry Reid

Antone's, Saturday, March 17

Although Charles Wright's last-minute cancellation delayed the start of this showcase, the waiting audience ultimately benefited by getting a little extra face time with Terry Reid. Having turned down the lead vocal gigs in both Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple, Reid was the greatest British rock star that never was, but that label discounts his formidable body of songs and singular vocal talent. This storyteller-style set featured Reid on guitar with accompanying pianist Bruce Malament. The singer's gritty, soul-driven vocals share similarities with Rod Stewart and Joe Cocker, but Reid takes it a step further by adding subtle nuances more commonly associated with crooners and country balladeers. Between heartfelt renditions of his own compositions like "Rich Kid Blues" and "Too Many People," Reid rolled out a samba-style version of the Beach Boys' "Don't Worry Baby" that squeezed revelatory new essences out of a familiar old chestnut. His between-song banter suggested a remarkable level of stage comfort, and the audience picked up on that as the set progressed. This is the kind of singer you could spend an entire evening with.