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Long Long Time – The Billy Joel Band Sigma Reunion
This article was originally published on our legacy Lymm Radio website in August 2022
Long Long Time – The Sigma Reunion
Sunday 14th August we had a Lymm Radio exclusive – the first in a series of special interviews to celebrate the release of Long Long Time – The Sigma Reunion – a very special, historical live concert which took place a few years ago in New York City.
This wasn’t just any ordinary concert. This was a special reunion concert featuring Larry Russell, Rhys Clark, Don Evans, David Clark and Kenny Ingram who made up Billy Joel’s original studio and touring band in the early 70’s.
The Billy Joel Band featuring Elio Pace
Lymm Radio’s good friend Elio Pace completed the line-up of this once in a lifetime performance.
Elio is an award-winning singer/songwriter who, over the years, has performed alongside some of the biggest names in the music business.
He’s been Musical Director for the likes of Albert Lee and Shakin’ Stevens. He’s the person responsible for one of the biggest radio jingles of all time (a certain car supermarket). For an incredible year, he was also Terry Wogan’s right hand man at the BBC Radio Theatre for the “Weekend Wogan” show on BBC Radio 2.
In the first of our special intereviews, Harvey caught up for an unmissable hour of music and conversation with Elio. You can listen again right here:
Harvey in conversation with Elio Pace
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Larry Russell
Bass player Larry Russell was a key member of the first touring band that supported Billy Joel in the early 1970’s.
He also played bass on the now-iconic Sigma Sound Studios radio concert which aired in Philadelphia on 5th April 1972 performing on songs such as “The Ballad of Billy the Kid” and “Captain Jack” – songs which quickly came to the attention of Columbia Records, leading to Billy being offered his first recording contract.
In 2014, Larry received a RIAA multi-platinum disc for his contribution to the Piano Man album (picture in the gallery below).
In the next in our series of special features, Harvey caught up with Larry – and asked the all important question of why Billy introduced Larry onstage as Larry Larue!
Harvey in conversation with Larry Russell
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Long Long Time – The Billy Joel Band Sigma Reunion ian
David Clark
In Europe, The Billy Joel Songbook® performed by Elio Pace and his band is regarded as the ultimate celebration of Billy Joel and his music.
In the USA, All About Joel is the definitive musical tribute conceived and presented with a tremendous amount of detail by Long Island veteran singer/piano player David Clark.
In the next of our series of interviews with the people behind Long Long Time – The Sigma Reunion, Harvey talked to David about how Billy Joel inspired him to pursue a life of music from the age of 10.
Harvey in conversation with David Clark
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Long Long Time – The Billy Joel Band Sigma Reunion ian
The Billy Joel Songbook®
In recent times, Elio has been delighting fans worldwide with The Billy Joel Songbook®. A unique, high energy musical performance which tells the story of Billy Joel and his music.
Now promoted by Phil McIntyre Live, the latest tour starts on 25th August (Bath) with a series of dates through until the end of October – including Liverpool and Llandudno.
For details of the tour and the new CD release, check out Elio’s website www.eliopace.com
Kenny Ingram
Kenny is the youngest member of the band and was just 15 when he was invited by Larry Russell to perform at the Sigma Reunion concert.
Kenny performed on two songs — the opening number Got to Begin Again and played piano on Nocturne.
In the next in the series of our special feature, Harvey chats to Kenny about his career and how he was discovered by Larry Russell via a YouTube video in 2012.
Harvey in conversation with Kenny Ingram
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Long Long Time – The Billy Joel Band Sigma Reunion ian
Rhys Clark
In the next in our series of special features celebrating the release of Long Long Time – The Sigma Reunion Harvey caught up with drummer Rhys Clark. In this extended interview, Rhys pays tribute to guitarist Al Hertzberg, who was unable to join the band for the reunion.
In his long and distinguised career, Rhys has performed alongside artists including Freddy Fender, Wanda Jackson and Sam the Sham.
Between 1971 and 1975, Rhys toured with Billy Joel and worked on his albums Cold Spring Harbor and Piano Man.
He was also the drummer on Joel’s breakthrough Sigma Sound Radio Concert in 1972.
Harvey in conversation with Rhys Clark
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Don Evans
In the final instalment in our special feature celebrating Long Long Time – The Sigma Reunion, Harvey caught up with Billy Joel’s original guitarist, Don Evans.
Though Don played on Billy’s first album Cold Spring Harbor in 1971, he didn’t play at the original radio concert at 1972.
It was Al Hertzberg who played. Unfortunately, Al wasn’t well enough to play at the reunion concert – so Don took his place.
Don Evans, guitarist, vocalist and recording engineer, has had an incredible career performing and recording with some of the “who’s who” in rock’n’roll – including Neil Young, Bonnie Rait, Eric Burdon – and of course, Billy Joel.
Harvey in conversation with Don Evans
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Long Long Time – The Billy Joel Band Sigma Reunion ian
Harvey in conversation with Don Evans
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Long Long Time – The Billy Joel Band Sigma Reunion ian
Long Long Time – The Sigma Reunion
Now available to purchase on CD or as a Digital Download. Find out more at www.eliopace.com