If there’s any band from the classic rock era that has inspired more tribute bands than Led Zeppelin, I can’t imagine who it would be. As a person who’s seen a number of those bands perform live, I can tell you that they fall into a couple of camps. There’s the group that warrants our time and attention, based upon their talent, the faithfulness of their presentation of Zeppelin’s music, and their showmanship. Then there’s the group that… well, not so much.
Zepparella, one of the all-female Zeppelin tribute bands, falls into the former category.
This past Thursday night, the San Francisco-based quartet put their talent on display before an animated crowd at Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox. Presenting a 15-song set with a running time of an hour and 50 minutes, they delighted that crowd with songs that managed to both stay true to their 70’s roots while still allowing for the incorporation of some very tasty personal touches.
Zepparella was originally formed in 2005 by the band’s drummer Clementine. The band’s lineup has gone through some changes over the years, specifically at lead vocals and bass. The current incarnation of the band consists of Clementine, Anna Kristina on vocals and harmonica, Gretchen Menn on guitar, and Holly West on bass. Clementine, Kristina and Menn are all original members from the 2005 lineup.
Zeppelin’s catalog is so rich that you’d need a three-plus hour set to do it justice. As we were milling about after the show, I was chatting with one member of the crowd (we’ll call him Dave because… well, that’s his name) who commented that he wished they had played a particular song they hadn’t. After discussing for a few minutes, we agreed that for every song that was played, there’s at least one song that could have been, but wasn’t. We also agreed that there was likely no way around that reality.
The set that was played was outstanding (see full setlist below). The band took the stage just before 8:20 pm, opening with “The Rover”, from 1975’s Physical Graffiti double album. Like most of the songs in the set, “The Rover” was highlighted by the extraordinary drumming of the late John Bonham. That’s not to dismiss or diminish the exceptional talents of Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, or John Paul Jones. It’s just that as amazing as those three were, for many it’s the mastery of Bonham, arguably the greatest rock drummer of all time, that drove Zeppelin.
It’s out of respect for and awe of Bonham that Clementine initially formed the band. For an interesting and insightful read, I highly recommend Clementine’s “On Playing Zeppelin” page on the band’s website, at http://www.zepparella.com/clem-on-playing-zeppelin.html. It ultimately explains how we all ended up at Ophelia’s on this night, for this show.
The band played six Zeppelin classics (again, see full setlist below) before Clementine, Menn and West exited the stage, leaving Kristina to perform an extended harmonica jam that cranked the crowd up to an even higher level than it already was.
The band returned to finish the regular set with seven tunes, closing with an extended jam version of “Whole Lotta Love”. After a brief break, they returned to the stage to close out the night with “Kashmir”. I’m wondering if that encore was a part of their original plan, or if it was added on in response to the enthusiasm of the crowd. I had a chance to view the printed set list on stage, and “Kashmir” was not on it.
Over the course of the evening each of the members of the band got their chance to shine through solo opportunities. West had a couple of very nice bass solos, including one during the third song of the night, “Immigrant Song”. Kristina’s harp jam highlighted her talents beyond lead vocals. Clementine killed it on the drum solo during “Moby Dick”. And Menn had multiple opportunities to show her stuff, including the previously mentioned jam on “Whole Lotta Love”. (West also took a turn at another bass solo during that song.) The takeaway from all of that… these four women have talents that extend far beyond being able to faithfully cover Zeppelin classics.
I started this piece by noting that there are a lot of Zeppelin tribute acts making the rounds these days. If you’re a Zepplin fan, it can get confusing when considering which ones warrant your consideration (not to mention your hard-earned cash). I can’t give you a recommendation on close to all of them, but I can tell you this… If/when you get the chance to catch a live Zepparella show, you should jump at it. You’ll get an outstanding evening of faithfully channeled Zeppelin classics, plus a little bit more. It will be well worth your time.
Before I close, I must issue a major shout out to the fine folks at Ophelia’s for being so kind, gracious and accommodating. Manager Matt Clarkson and his friendly team provided me (and my two guests) with a completely hassle-free evening. (Not always the case when I’m trying to confirm my media credentials.) This was my first time covering a show at Ophelia’s, and I hope to return many more times in the future. Not only is it an awesome environment for shows, but the food is excellent. If you haven’t partaken, you owe it to yourself to give them a try.
Story and photos by Rick Witt www.rickwittphotography.com
Setlist
The Rover, The Lemon Song, Misty Mountain Hop, Immigrant Song, Good Times Bad Times, The Ocean, Anna Kristina Harp Jam, Bring It On Home, Rock And Roll, Ramble On, Dazed And Confused, Moby Dick, When The Levee Breaks, Whole Lotta Love, Kashmir (encore)
