Much like the Black Crowes in the 1990s, Cinderella was always a little out of step with the scene that brought them commercial success. While their 1986 debut Night Songs fits in nicely with the pop-metal of the time, the band were quick to expand their sound on their next two albums, both of which represent some of the best rock-n-roll to come out of the era. Tom Keifer might be remembered alongside Jon Bon Jovi and Bret Michaels but his rock-n-roll soul screams Mick Jagger. On a sweltering Thursday night in Las Vegas, Keifer and his band tore into old classics and fresh new songs that effortlessly mix hard rock and blues.
Opening with new song “Touching the Divine”, Keifer’s seven-piece band cram their way on to the tiny stage to a raucous reception. Given the severity of Keifer’s health issues over the years, there is a genuine love and admiration from the audience that comes through in raised fists and Budweiser bottles. The glamorous days of hair spray and glossy videos are long gone and it suits Keifer well. The double-shot of “Night Songs” and “Coming Home” have more swagger and crunch than ever before. Guitarist Tony Higbee and Keifer complement each other’s style well and the band’s rhythm section add enough boogie to take the music from the Sunset Strip to an illegal juke joint in the swamp.
One of his most successful solo singles, “Higher Ground”, and the new album title track “Rise” both hold their own alongside some of the most memorable rock songs of the late 80s. The ballads still soar, especially the touching “Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone)”; which Keifer sings to his wife and vocalist, Savannah, who joins him at the piano. Given all the years of uncertainty about Keifer’s voice, the song feels more poignant than ever and the audience is thrilled to sing along.
Ending the set with “Shelter Me”, the band reminds us of where Cinderella was headed when changing tastes and health issues derailed their momentum. A bluesy rave-up that Jagger & Richards would die for, the song deserves a spot in the classic rock canon and caps off a loose and powerful set. The encore surprises with “Long Cold Winter”, a straight blues jam that again showcases Keifer’s emotional guitar playing. Ending with the requisite “Gypsy Road”, Keifer and the band bow to the appreciative audience and head for the tour bus. There are no private jets or hotel rooms awaiting Keifer and his band. The road goes on and so does the music.
