By chance I dropped in to The Old Barn to catch Reno Segall, a musician I knew very little about. Okay nothing.Reno took the stage with authority and from that point on the stage belonged to him. Leading off with “I’m A Good Man” was impressive but I’m not so sure he his. Just kidding. Okay so maybe he is a good man, I don’t know but he is a good performer. Using backing tracks, but also his own guitar, Reno puts on quite a show accompanied on stage with the Whiskey Band. The Whiskey Band is his Second Life band with Rhiannon Hanfoi on drums, Baby Pacer and, Illusion Parks on guitars and Merrick Robonaught on bass.
Reno certainly gives you the impression he loves to perform. Next up with “Baby Got Her Blue Jeans On”, he showed that he loves to play to his fans. He’s a crowd pleaser and it was evident by the crowd’s reaction. He’s fun, lively and full of enthusiasm.
He has a softer side too and on “Me and You”; he slowed things down and proved he can handle ballads. He has a lovely voice that can handle different tempos. He doesn’t limit himself to one style, he covers it all. From classic rock to country and just about everything in between, Reno entertains. He even comments that he’ll play whatever you want.
It’s hard to pick out his guitar playing from the backing tracks, but no matter it all blended nicely. It wasn't interfering with his voice and you could hear all the words clearly which is the way he delivers them.
Reno Segall is a whole lot of fun and that’s the way he presents himself. He has energy and puts that into every song he sings. “Who’s Cheating Who” gave us a good look at that and listening to Reno puts you in that fun zone. How much fun? Does “Tequila Makes Your Clothes Fall Off” answer that question? Fun is contagious and at a Reno Segall show, you catch it all, every bit.
Between songs he continues his humor and ensures that everyone is acknowledged. He has a comment about every song and conveys his thoughts. Okay not really thoughts, but he does talk, which is good.
Fun aside, Reno does have a romantic air about him. With “When You Say Nothing At All”, he showed that he can put you in that mood too.
On the lively (and oh so much fun side) his set list included “What Was I Thinkin”, “She’s a Hottie”, “Whiskey Girls” and “Black Magic Woman”.
While everything Reno does is awesome, I don’t think you would go to his show just to hear his voice, hear him play, or watch The Whisky Band. That’s because that isn’t really what Reno is all about. He’s a performer first and foremost and he puts on a show for you. You come to take it all in and be entertained. Reno makes your hour with him memorable and you wish the whole day could last that way.
