#28 ~ The Genesis Show

(with Vince Corda)

July 5, 2018

download

Vince Corda relishes his role as “Chester Thompson” in The Genesis Show, a suddenly successful cover band from the Vineland area of southern New Jersey. If you’re already a fan of Genesis, then this is the episode for you! If you’re not a Genesis fan, or have never experienced this era in their history, or tried once and gave up, but know deep in your hairless heart that you never really gave them the attention they deserve—then this is also the episode for you!

I consider myself a connoisseur of Genesis cover bands, and out of the dozens I’ve encountered, The Genesis Show is about as close as they come to sounding like the original. It’s time to ditch preconceptions, and listen with fresh attention: 23% of this podcast contains audio clips from the band’s show at The Landis Theater, the day after we recorded this conversation.

Vince is a true Genesis fan. His sheer enthusiasm sets our beat as he explains how/why The Genesis Show formed, brief bios on the members, and the dedication that went into recreating each song to near perfection. Vince also reflects on how the band's popularity continues growing as they satiate audiences still thirsty for this undinal nostalgia.

Of course, we also discuss the Genesis legacy: first album impressions, favorite bits, relevant trivia, solo careers, and the never ending debate over what Genesis was with Peter Gabriel as front man, versus what it became with Phil Collins filling the role.

The Genesis Show perform studio and live material from 1976 – 1977, a prolific period in Genesis history . At this time, the band had just lost their sensational vocalist and wanton costumer, Peter Gabriel. Thus, Phil Collins went from full time drummer with occasional backing vocals, to full fledged singer and part time drumming on tours. The four piece struggled to prove themselves amidst a wave of miscalculated certainty that they wouldn’t survive.

Drummer Bill Bruford (Yes) briefly joined Genesis on their 1976 ‘A Trick of the Tail’ tour, being replaced by Chester Thompson (Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention.) Chester reprised his role on the 1977 ‘Wind & Wuthering’ tour, and continued as the live drummer for all subsequent Genesis tours.

Vince seamlessly synergizes the improvisational nature of Bill Bruford with the jazzy elasticity of Chester Thompson. He’s the spirited backbone which lifts this tremendously talented band.

12226929_10204965994892101_3460681260106576094_n (1).jpg

Jeff Giuliani - Vocals, Drums

Andre De Champlain - Bass & 12 String Guitar, Bass Pedals, Vocals

Stephen McQuaid - Electric & 12 String Guitar, Classical Guitar, Vocals

Matt Thomas - Keyboards, 12 String Guitar

Vince Corda - Drums, Percussion, Vocals