The Moody Blues member plays the Somerville Theatre
*

Master singer/songwriter Justin Hayward will be playing this Wednesday evening at the Somerville Theatre.

By Jim Clark

To mention Justin Hayward and the band he has played in for nearly 50 years, The Moody Blues, stirs memories and activates earworms for almost all who lived through the 60’s and beyond. His songs and his voice are indelibly ingrained in many hearts and minds, and most would agree that the world is a far more beautiful place because of them.

Somerville is in for a rare treat as Hayward brings his solo show to the Somerville Theatre this Wednesday night, offering musical glimpses into the past history of his vast repertoire of song, as well as offerings from his current works, including the recently released solo album Spirits of the Western Sky.

The Moody Blues and its members hold a special place among the pantheon of rock and pop artists that emerged from the 60’s “British Invasion” phase in popular music. An early incarnation of the group – prior to Hayward’s joining – charted a hit single with Go Now in 1964. After struggling to make another hit record, the group’s lineup changed in 1966, and Justin Hayward, along with John Lodge, joined in and the new directions for the band’s sound were sought and soon discovered.

The following year the band released its landmark Days of Future Passed album, which included their timeless hits Nights in White Satin and Tuesday Afternoon. Utilizing full symphonic-style orchestration and containing a conceptual thread of continuity, the album represents the birth of both symphonic rock and the so-called “concept album,” predating similar efforts by groups like The Who and others.

Hayward performing with the 2011 edition of The Moody Blues.

The band’s unique style and creative prowess continued through the remainder of the 60’s and onward as a string of classic albums followed. In Search of the Lost Chord, On the Threshold of a Dream, and Every Good Boy Deserves Favour, and more have become essential collectibles for those who relish the richness of the music The Moody Blues made.

Considered pioneers working through the psychedelic to the progressive rock eras and beyond, an impressive collection of wildly popular songs were presented by the group in its heyday. Titles such as Voices in the Sky, Ride My See-Saw, Never Comes the Day, The Story in Your Eyes, Isn’t Life Strange, and I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band) are as familiar to classic rock aficionados as any music can possibly be. The band even dabbled in disco beats with 1981’s Gemini Dream.

The Moody Blues have carried on through the ensuing years, taking occasional breaks to allow individual members to pursue their solo efforts, but working together still, right up to today. The remaining core group members – Hayward, John Lodge, and Graeme Edge – completed a short tour of the U.K. earlier this year, with plans for even more shows in 2014.

And now Hayward is on the road entertaining fans with his new songs, as well as a good number of old familiar favorites.

“This tour will be something completely new for me,” says Hayward. “I’m bringing my ‘song writing’ guitars from home on the road for the first time. So this tour will have the feel and sound of my music room along with the vibe I was feeling as I wrote the songs.”

Hayward will be joined onstage by a group of fresh, gifted musicians. “With young and talented Mike Dawes with me on acoustic guitar, as well as Alan Hewitt and Julie Ragins, we want to create a close and pure, uncluttered feel,” Hayward effuses. “Mike is an amazing player and he will have his own spot in the show, as well as faithfully adding parts I tracked myself on the records. I’m really looking forward to experiencing the songs this way again.”

Don’t miss the opportunity to see and hear the works of one of popular music’s most creative and innovative artists.

Justin Hayward, Wednesday, August 7, 7:30 p.m., at The Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Square, Somerville, MA. Tickets available through Ticketmaster.