Review and Photos by Fred Kuhlman
Promoter: Danny Zelisko Presents (https://dzplive.com/ )
Venue: Walter Studio, Phoenix, AZ ( https://walterstudios.com/ )
Date: Thursday June 26th, 2025
This is my first show that I have reviewed and photographed at Walter Studios. This is a gallery in downtown Phoenix on 7st Avenue just south of the I10. The studio is divided up into multiple rooms. The main entry leads into a large room with a bar that also serves food. At one end of the venue is a small event room that was setup with a concert stage tonight. They have a good sound system and a very nice light system. However, like most venues these days, the lighting for concerts is just OK.
It was a small crowd which seems to be typical for Progressive Rock/Metal bands these days in Phoenix. Everyone seems to only want to go to the big concerts of the current Pop mega stars. Well, they are missing out. For the price of that ticket, you can see 3 or more of these smaller shows. Personally, I enjoy these smaller shows. You are closer to the performers and after the show a lot of times the bands come out to meet the fans and signed items purchased. That was exactly what occurred after this performance. The members of both bands came out and talked to the fans and took photos with them. As an added benefit, Danny Zelisko announced a special treat for all of the people that purchased tickets, they will be given 2 tickets to Danny’s upcoming 10cc concert at the Celebrity Theatre.
First up is an Arizona local band made up of session artists. The band was formed in late 2023 in Superior AZ by Ruben Riera on woodwinds, Steve Mitchell on bass, and Paul Sears on drums. Ruben has worked extensively in the NYC area playing clubs and festivals and, in the Caribbean, as well as in Arizona playing a variety of styles. Steve Mitchell has worked for decades with rock bands all over Germany, and in Arizona. Paul Sears has worked in the USA and Europe and has played on well over 200 recordings. After their set, I was talking with Ruben and he was telling me all about the original Woodstock and all the different bands and performers.
Together CHO-ZEN FEW performed a form of Jazz, Progressive Rock fusion. Most of their songs were from their latest album, Future Proof. For about 40 minutes we got an interesting performance of improvisation jazz with multiple saxes, bass and drums blended together into very enjoyable music. At one point in the show, Ruben played the sax and flute at the same time. I understand that a lot of people don’t like or even understand jazz, but personally I love how the musicians weave the different instruments together to produce a unique sound. If you are tired of the same old pop music and want to hear something different and just relax and have a drink, then I highly recommend seeing a jazz concert. And if you get a chance to see CHO-ZEN FEW on one of their concert dates around the state of Arizona, then please go see them. I think you will be as impressed as I was.
Finally, the main event and why most of us were here. GONG is a rock band associated with the Canterbury scene. They incorporate elements of psychedelic rock, jazz and space rock into their musical style. The group was formed in Paris in 1967 by Australian musician Daevid Allen and English vocalist Gilli Smyth.
You probably never heard of GONG. They emerged during the Acid Rock / Psychedelic Rock / Progressive Rock scene in the late 1960s. Unfortunately, Daevid Allen could not get a US visa, so they were not allowed to tour here. So, he moved to Paris and GONG only performed in Europe. This is the first time GONG has made it to Phoenix and Arizona.
In 2015, Daevid Allen passed away. His influence and legacy were honored on the band’s subsequent album, Rejoice! I’m Dead! that was released in 2016. GONG currently consists of lead singer and guitarist Kavus Torabi, guitarist Fabio Golfetti, Ian East on sax and flute, bassist Dave Sturt and drummer Cheb Nettles.
To me GONG sound a lot like the early days of Pink Floyd when Pink Floyd came out with Ummagumma and The Piper at the Gates of Dawn. When I heard them perform “Kapital”, I closed my eyes and through it could have been a Pink Floyd song. It was that good. As with all progressive rock/metal bands, their songs typically last longer then the typical 5 minutes. That is why their 7 (or 11 if “Tiny Galaxies” – “Master Builder” is broken up) song set consumed over 100 minutes. When they performed “Rejoice! I’m Dead!” in honor of founding member Daevid Allen, the song was almost 9 minutes.
I understand that for a lot of people, progressive rock/metal music is just too much. Personally, I love that you really get to see the musicians perform to their full potential. The way they interweave their instruments to create an overwhelming polyphonic sound. Their opening song, “My Guitar is a Spaceship” is a great example of this blending of instruments.
It is a shame that GONG never really took off here in the states. A lot of really good bands with amazing talented musicians never seem to make it. A lot has to do with radio play and later MTV play. Pop bands seem to have it easy because their songs are simple to sing along with, typically has a beat people like and is under 4 minutes. Until FM radio took hold in the 70s, bands like GONG never had a chance to be heard over the radio. And even then, there were so many bands out there, a lot of great bands got drowned out.
The lead singer and guitarist, Kavus Torabi was like a crazy man on the stage. He was all over the stage playing guitar. I loved his expressions and how he would at times sing with his eyes wide open which made for interesting photos. I also loved his “Einstein” hair. It was also interesting to see Ian East come into the crowd and watch the show when he wasn’t playing. Like in all true Psychedelic rock concerts, their light show was very good. With multiple images displayed behind the band, flashing lights and weird psychedelic images. Though it did make photography a little harder.
Overall, I loved the show. Do I wish it would have played longer, YES. But that is my issue with every concert. But seeing the energy these performers put into the show, I understand how exhausted they get. For me the real indication of how good the band and the concert was, is if I would go see them again. In 1 word, YES. I understand this style of music isn’t for everyone, but if you like progressive rock then I would highly recommend this show.
GONG
Social Media sites:
Website: https://www.gongband.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialgong/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gongband/
Photos © Fred Kuhlman 2025, All Rights Reserved
CHO-ZEN FEW
Photos © Fred Kuhlman 2025, All Rights Reserved
GONG Setlist:
My Guitar Is a Spaceship
Kapital
All Clocks Reset
Rejoice! I’m Dead!
Tiny Galaxies / My Sawtooth Wake / Through Restless Seas I Come / Lunar Invocation (Selene) / Master Builder
Choose Your Goddess
Encore:
Insert Yr Own Prophecy
