Live at the Hammersmith Apollo - London
20 September 2002
Concert Review

The Carling Apollo Hammersmith is one of the top venues in London for major stage and music events. Big enough to support a large audience yet small enough to be intimate, it provided the perfect environment for the sellout performance of Bad Company and the British alternative rock band Boa, reviewed here. As a support band for a major act for the entire tour, Boa enjoyed a top notch sound system, road crew and superb lighting.

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Boa are Jasmine Rodgers (vocals, acoustic guitar), Steve Rodgers (guitars), Alex Caird (bass) and Lee Sullivan (drums). The band's previous keyboard player has departed but their live sound worked well without one on this occasion. A link to our review of their album Twilight is provided above. Album ordering information is presented at the conclusion of this article.

Enthusiasts familiar with the band's background know that Jasmine and Steve are the grown children of Bad Company's Paul Rodgers. Lee Sullivan is the eldest son of Renaissance drummer Terry Sullivan. It was clear in the live performance that the parents' physical traits and artistic talents have been transferred and further developed. Renaissance fans will be aware that Caird contributed to the band's latest release Tuscany. That said, Boa's live sound faithfully reproduces their studio work but the band's enthusiasm is so much more evident when they are on stage.

Jasmine Rodgers

Boa's set included four tracks from their album as well as six new numbers from material slated for a new album which is well underway. The band opened with a rousing rendition of "Twilight," the title track of the American release of their album. Jasmine faithfully reproduced the vocal lines on stage impressing the audience with her vast range and evocative style. After their new track "America," Jasmine shed her coat replacing it with acoustic guitar for "Passport" delighting the audience with her playing and soaring singing style.

Steve Rodgers

The band's hit "Duvet" was played semi-acoustically--somewhere between the two versions on the Twilight album--to the entire audience's delight. Like many of Boa's songs, the new track "Daylight" has dynamic mood shifts that blend strong instrumental choruses and bridges with verses full of edgy and powerful vocals. The new track "Alex" (working title) is similar in this respect but as expected has some very dramatic bass lines. The band were comfortable on stage and clearly connected well with the audience.

Lee Sullivan

Alex Caird

We especially enjoyed Jasmine's rapidfire and wide-ranging vocals in the fast paced rocker "Deeply." Steve's robust guitar part was equally intriguing. Lee Sullivan is a very dynamic progressive drummer and his talent--evident in the studio work--was especially evident in the band's live performance. Jasmine's guitar on "Wasted" and the acoustically oriented track "Drinking" gave the audience an opportunity to witness her virtuousity first hand.

Jasmine Rodgers

The very dynamic new track "Angry" closed out the set with the band members working closely together. Jasmine's vocals and acoustic work were perfectly complimented by Steve's guitar, Alex's bass and Lee's drums. The powerful track is one with tremendous potential and is going to delight enthusiasts when the new album is completed. Enthusiasts must see this band perform live.

Alex Caird, Lee Sullivan, Paul Rodgers, Steve Rodgers, Jasmine Rodgers