Natalie Cole: A Living Legend!
Natalie Cole's May 16, 2008 Concert
Community Theatre at Mayo Center for the Performing Arts
Morristown, New Jersey
Scheduled Show time: 8:00 P.M.
Song List :
1. Almost Like Being In Love
2. I'm Beginning To See The Light
3. What A Difference A Day Makes
4. Fever
5. Better Than Anything
6. Tell Me All About It
7. Fiesta Blues
8. The Very Thought Of You
9. Smile
10. Unforgettable
11. L-O-V-E
12. Orange Colored Sky
13. Mr. Melody
14. This Will Be
15. Day Dreaming
16. Love Letter
17. Old Man
18. Woman
19. You Gotta Be
THE CONCERT:
It was raining outside, but the sun began to shine inside of the packed theatre.
The following are highlights of the show:
Natalie stepped out onto the stage with a form fitting, beautiful black gown (sheer at the bottom) with bare back and shoulders. Of course the heels were also too cute! She looked stunning! I couldn't help but notice a beautiful diamond bracelet that added just the right touch to her attire. There she was with back-up singers and a 5 piece band who were under the direction of her Musical Director, Gail Deidrick.
After Natalie sang her first song of "Almost Like Being In Love," she introduced "I'm Beginning To See The Light" as a song by Ella. She looked great and was in fine tune. Natalie also told us that her Mom introduced the next song to her, "What A Difference A Day Makes," which is a Dinah Washington classic. She followed that song with Peggy Lee's "Fever" and then sang "Better Than Anything." After Natalie sang various songs, she told us that "Unforgettable...With Love" was released on September 10, 1991. She said that her new album, "Still Unforgettable," will be released on September 9, 2008. Ms. Cole also said that she's an optimist that people are still interested in music. She said that we are a testament to that because of our being there. It was really nice. She sang "The Very Thought Of You" and said that "Smile" was given to her Dad by the late, great Charles Chaplin.
Natalie said that the next song needs no introduction; the first word says it all. The screen came down and "Unforgettable" began. It was beautiful. There were whistles and lots of applause afterwards. She introduced her musicians which includes Mr. Chanz Parkman, and back-ground singers, Traci and Lisa. She sang "L-O-V-E" and the fun song, "Orange Colored Sky." "Mr. Melody" was dedicated to all of the guys in the house. Natalie was bringing it! Ooh, I was ready to get up on my "Mr. Melody," but many folks were very reserved in there. The audience seemed to be enjoying Ms. Cole, but you wouldn't know it by the way everyone was just sitting and staring at her! They were very quiet except for their applause when she would finish each song. Some of the crowd were older or seasoned in age (smile). There were some hand claps during "This Will Be," but at one point, it sounded like I was the only one clapping about mid-way through the song until the applause at the end! LOL! Natalie and her band were jamming anyhow! I was thinking of how tough it must be to travel and entertain as a singer and/or musician no matter what the feel of the crowd is when you're looking out. She explained that "Day Dreaming" is a song from her latest album that was nominated for a Grammy. When she sang it, I was ready to get up again! LOL! Natalie, her background singers, and the band were working it with Bonnie Raitt's classic "Love Letter." I loved it! She also introduced "Old Man" as a classic by Neil Young. Ms. Cole dedicated "Woman" to all of the superwomen in the house. She talked about how we women have to do what's called multitasking. (I know that's right! LOL!) Natalie had the crowd going; she had everyone hooked! When she left the stage, everyone was on their feet with applause and wanting more! She came back to whistles and more applause. Ms. Cole introduced what she said was a song about survival. She sang "Gotta Be." Ms. Cole left us with a very positive, motivational message playing over and over again in our minds as we walked away. The packed house really loved her; the night was hers! A woman walking by asked with a smile, "Wasn't that a great show?" I responded, "Yes! She is great!" I was also thinking of how Natalie Cole proved once again why she is "Still Unforgettable!"