Report: The Left Banke Live in NYC

November 12 at Drom, in Manhattan, the reformed group proved why they were and are pop icons. Pictured above: Mike, Paul, George, and Tom.

Text/photos by Michael Passman

In a short diversion from The Norton Anniversary, I took a trip uptown early Saturday night to catch the newly reformed Left Banke at Drom, a below ground eatery/venue in Manhattan.  Newly reformed, the band now consists of:

1. Paul Alves - Guitar

2. George Cameron - Vocals

3. Charly Cazalet - Bass

4. Mickey Finn - Keyboards

5. Tom Finn - Guitar / Vocals

6. Mike Fornatale - Guitar / Lead Vocal

7.    Rick Reil - Drums / Vocals

Best categorized as "baroque pop" due to strong classical influences, they had a few hits in the ‘60s such as "Walk Away Renee" and "Pretty Ballerina".  They also had a diverse following from Leonard Bernstein to George Harrison.  Their two albums were also recently reissued on Sundazed. 

The performed two shows that evening, covering both albums and a few other songs, but what sparked in their performance personally was "She May Call You Up Tonight," a song covered six years ago by Matthew Sweet and Susanna Hoffs as Sid ‘n' Susie. 

The show had a tremendous crowd response and was also attended my members of Muck & The Mires, Richard & The Young Lions, and Little Steven.