Billy Joel tribute band The Stranger put the audience in a New York state of mind Saturday at the Egyptian Theatre with an energetic set of tunes spanning Billy Joel’s career.
Hits like “Uptown Girl” and “Piano Man” lit up the room as audience members sang along to familiar lyrics. When an instantly recognizable piano interlude or guitar riff introduced a Billy Joel classic, cheers of excitement resounded through the theatre as audience members prepared to belt along.
The Stranger is led by singer and pianist Mike Santoro, proving a cover band doesn’t have to be second-rate compared to the original artist. Santoro and the rest of the band put on a powerful performance without letting up any energy. Each song was lively and tightly constructed, capturing the energy of a true Billy Joel concert.
The band’s passionate and faithful renditions of Billy Joel’s catalog could be due to the band’s origins. The band was formed in 2009 by Mike Santoro, who was born and raised in Levittown, N.Y., just a few miles from Billy Joel’s childhood home, according to the band’s website.
Every note was hit perfectly, stunning the audience. Santoro’s vocal range and power was astounding, and the singer even sounds almost exactly like Billy Joel. However, Santoro didn’t need to use an impression as a crutch, as each element of the performance demonstrated Santoro’s musical expertise.
The spot-on vocals had instrumentals to match. Santoro’s piano skills were put to the test on the fast, staccato-heavy “Prelude/Angry Young Man,” but the musician never missed a beat. Saxophonist Steven Daley delivered solos with elegance and prowess, and the musical talent of each of the performers on stage was undeniable.
The audience made their enthusiasm for the show clear by begging for an encore after the main set. The band obliged, ending the night on a soaring note.
The Stranger recreated the experience of a 1977 Billy Joel concert. With impressive vocals, complex instrumentation and high energy, the Stranger gave a memorable performance that would satisfy any Billy Joel fanatic.
