All Music Magazine stopped by The Alley in Sanford Florida on Friday night October 10, 2020. It was a rainy night but, that did not keep the crowd from filing in to enjoy one of Orlando’s finest bands, Three Forks Road. Friday was special as in 38 Special’s Barry Dunaway was sitting in on bass for Richie Compton. Richie was sitting home nursing some injuries he sustained in an automobile accident and is healing. Get well soon Richie! On hand to cover the show was Mark Horan of MarkHoran.Pictures LLC. in his own words and documenting the show with his lens.
The nights crowd was light at the 8:00Pm start of the show. Since the Covid lockdowns, The Alley has been taking reservations to control the size of the audience. All the spaced tables had reserve signs on them, but at the start of the show half were empty. As the show went on, the tables filled in as the band was making their way through the first set. By the end of the set, the house was full of adoring live music fans.
To my knowledge, this was Paul Drennen’s first gig since returning to town after touring with George Lynch and Lynch Mob. All Music Magazine covered Lynch Mob in Sturgis, South Dakota in August. Paul also played in Blandini performing at the Sturgis BikeFest.
This night, Paul was the headliner with his local band Three Forks Road. As with any Three Forks Road show, you never know who is going to show up in the audience and just who may pop on stage to the joy of the crowd. The nights special guest was Michael Hawkins, the previous lead singer of Three Forks Road. At the end of the second set Michael shared his harmonica playing on a song or two, then joined the band as the current lead singer Rod (Rodzilla) Maurice yielded the microphone.
This was the first time I have seen Hawkins and he definitely had a different energy and outstanding tone. This was a completely different look and sound from the band lead by the soulful voice of Rod Maurice. Can you compare the two? I don’t think you can as they both are outstanding lead men in their own way.
The night was a great mix of blues and rock from The Allman Brothers to Jimi Hendrix. They even through in some funk to fill the dance floor at one point. It felt like old times other than the servers and bartenders wearing masks. There was just enough visual to keep everyone grounded that we are not quite out of the woods yet. If your area is offering live music again, take the precautions you think you need and get out and keep local live music alive. From all musicians and venues, they appreciate your support!
Outstanding show last night Paul! I will definitely see you and Blandini next month in Leesburg!
Band:
Paul Drennan – Guitar
Rod (Rodzilla) Maurice – Vocals/Harmonica
Kevin Barret – Drums
Richie Compton – Bass Guitar
Dominick Loria – Keyboards
Barry Dunaway – Bass Guitar
Michael Hawkins – Vocals/Harmonica
Set 1:
- Side Tracked
- I’ve Got a Woman
- Blue on Black
- Mean Love
- Whipping Post
- Ain’t in Fun for Me
- Soulshine
- Fire
- Going Down
- Sunshine of Your Love
Set 2:
- See See Babay
- I’m Losing You
- Crossroads
- Blues Deluxe
- Soul Sacrifice
- Jump’n Jack Flash
- Don’t Make me Cry
- Magic Carpet Ride
- Little Help From My Friends
- Sell My Monkey
Set 3:
- Blues Hand Me Down
- Oh Pretty Woman
- Plimsoul
- Ramblin
- Wishing Well
- One Way Out
- Mojo
- Chevrolet
- Wait on Time
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Photographer and Editor/Founder of AllMusicMagazine.com. My love of live music has taken me to incredible experiences with the top bands of all time in stadium shows to the smallest venues with equally inspiring musicians. Using the medium of photography and my publication, these memories will last forever.
