Jim Messina and Pablo Cruz.

Jim Messina has been around music for a long time. His mellow, folksy music has dated back to Buffalo Springfield, Poco, and the duo of Loggins and Messina. His talents run from acoustic guitar, Mandolin, dobro, bass and vocals.

Starting out, Messina recorded one album in 1964 with his band Jim Messina and His Jesters. Four years later he joined Buffalo Springfield in 1968. In 1969, Messina joined Poco. It would be Loggins and Messina, however, that would bring him commercial success. From 1971 thru 1977, Loggins and Messina would record nine albums. From 1979 to the present, Messina would record under his own name and play from time to time with other recording artists like Poco again on their "Legacy" album.

Messina always had a different sound about him, a different sound that many either loved his works or were luke warm towards him. With his different blends and genres, Messina was most renowned during the 70's with a somewhat compromising, and generally more accepted writing style.

Last night at the beautiful Morristown Performing Arts Center, Messina played for about an hour. Warming up for Pablo Cruz, I could not help but wonder, what if this man went more mainstream? He has a lot of talent as a singer, songwriter and artist. His audience are still dedicated too him, still supportive and even die hard (very reminiscent of when I saw Furry years ago, his Poco band mate).

Messina is soulful and resonant... listening to "Whispering Waters", "Be Free" and "You Need a Man" backs up this statement. "You Better Think Twice" and "Your Mama Don't Dance" were more playful, certainly more commercial that the other 12 songs that they performed.

As the years go on, Jim Messina is able to keep his sound, his voice intact as if it was still the 70's. His music as well as his vocals never stretched far and deep, but rather consistent in a low key way. Messina isn't flashy, he's just solid in how he performs and always consistent in his form. Deeply talented, Jim Messina seems like he could play another 20 years with little problem.

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PABLO CRUZ.

Pablo Cruz in the late 1970's and the 80's were a somewhat popular band. Difficult to pin down a style, they had a unique sound; one that at a time was popular in the United States. After a long hiatus, Pablo Cruz is back touring. Playing 14 songs, the band started slowly with "Worlds Away", "Cool Love", "Raging Fire" and "Island Woman".

Two of the most talented band members, Cory Lerios (piano and vocals), as well as bassist Larry Antonino, were worth the price of admission. All evening both were strong, fluid and dominating even when the rest of the band struggled at times with inconsistency. The drumming went from very good to so so; as did the lead guitarist. All of the vocals however, were excellent throughout the evening.

A combination of songs that really don't leap out at you and the monotone playing made Pablo Cruz at times difficult to listen to. At times the band was enthusiastic about playing, particularly the evenings last four songs; "Don't Want to Live Without It", "I Go to Rio", "Love Will Find a Way" and "Whatcha Gonna Do". It was here that the band excelled and made this two hour concert fun; even though they milked "Rio" for all that it was worth, the last 20 minutes was solid.

The two acts were not really memorable, but looking at the audience I could tell that the people that were there were big fans of both bands (I have never seen the MAYOPAC as empty as it was as last night, only about two thirds of the venue was filled).

I think the word for the night is inconsistent... inconsistent sounds, songs and rhythms, yet these two "specialty" bands are still rockin.

Pablo Cruz, Frankie Valli, The Beach Boys, Joanie Mitchell, U2, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Boz Scaggs, The Nutcracker, The Who, Morristown, New Jersey, Nimbus Magazine, www.broadwayworld.com, Mann About Town, My Life Publications.