It was a cold windy night in Albany, a parking spot was available right outside the Empire State Plaza, a rarity indeed, a quick dash across the smooth marble promenade reveals the Egg uplit, mirroring the shape of the moon above. Once inside the crowd was happy and energetic, bouncing around, finding friends, or buying a CD or two. Unbeknownst to me a warm up act was playing called “American Babies”, I guess they are a mix of emo and blues but I didn’t get a chance to hear much.
The lights came on and the stage was prepared for the main act. A lot of couples, some college kids, many musicians and some neighborhood locals made up the crowd. This is the most packed I have seen the main theater at the egg. Energy started to build…the lights dim…out they walk. Cruising right into a number that most other guitarists would save until they were warmed up Derek did not disappoint. He played rhythm, lead and slide all without a pick. He used the volume button as his only effect, try that at home kids.