Glad to see Novo Combo appearing on -- or maybe "released from" -- the Vault. Just to add a note or two to the Concert Summary, it's probably more accurate to say the band was formed around the vocals of Stephen Dees and Pete Hewlett, since Hewlett sang lead on nearly twice as many of the band's album cuts. That aside, it may be fairer to say this was a band of equals with a vision of their own, rather than a vehicle for any one member or an attempt "to cash in." For example, on their second album, "Animation Generation," songwriting credit goes to the whole band, whereas the credits on "Novo Combo," the first album, are more specific as to who wrote what, probably because there were writers from outside the band involved. Finally, while the reviewer provided some information about Dees' subsequent projects, he or she overlooked the fact that Pete Hewlett went on to provide tour and/or album support for Billy Joel, Carly Simon Joe Jackson, Julian Lennon, Amy Grant and others, including Joel's historic concerts in Moscow and Leningrad.  

It was a real pleasant surprise to find this concertsite with Novo Combo shows - especially recorded in such a pristine form. I remember seeing them at The Cleveland Agora in late 1981 and being very impressed with their musicianship and soul.

I agree with Hank's notes above in that Pete Hewlett is likely the lead singer the reviewer was talking about. Pete's tenor is closer to the Sting comparison than Stephen Dees. His lead vocals are powerful and amazing ( check out Don't Do That)  and really highlight the concerts for me.