There was an air of anticipation amongst the more mature crowd as they entered the main theatre in Adelaide’s Festival Theatre complex. For many, Gladys Knight and the Pips were as much a part of growing up as Vegemite on toast. This was a chance to hear the Queen of Soul sing, live on stage.
Local trio Sean Blackwell was on stage first as the warm-up band. Their easy folksy blues and harmonies won the audience over early. Singer Sean has a country twang, while his brother drew plays a mean acoustic guitar. Backup singer Kirsten has a melodic voice that beautifully balances out Sean’s. Songs such as their recent single “Smile” had a good reaction despite the corny banter in-between songs.
There was a half-hour interval until Gladys Knight was due to appear, which extended to possibly an hour. Just as the audience were becoming restless, the house lights dimmed, and the spotlight shone upon the singer herself on stage. Dressed in an immaculate canary yellow pants suit, with a wide smile and silver sequined shoes, every eye was transfixed on her.
Her talent of singing gospel, soul, R&B and pop music was enchanting and such a pleasure to experience. Ms Knight does more than sing to the audience, she sings with them. On more than one occasion she mentioned that the beautiful vibrations in the room helped to elevate the performance even more. Opening with “Friendship Train” and “Daddy Could Swear, I Declare,” she won the hearts of the audience early. By the time that she sang “Every Beat of My Heart,” people were movin’ and shakin’ in their seats.
Slower songs such as “Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me” still had a passion and depth that bought the song alive. Her voice is still strong, with an incredible range and the ability to hold a note was impressive. The playfulness and interaction with audience members was refreshingly honest.
Gospel song “Oh! What a Love I have Found” is followed by the spirited “Licence to Kill,” and classic “I Heard it Through the Grapevine”. “Neither One of Us (Wants to be the First to Say Goodbye)” was sublime followed by an incredible rendition of “The Way We Were”.
Finishing off with a worship medley and the unbelievable “Midnight Train to Georgia”, the crowd erupted in a spontaneous standing ovation as the Queen of Soul left the stage. A truly memorable performance.
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