WERS 88.9 fm - Performance Wrap-Up: Aretha Franklin

October 19th, 2009

The undisputed Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, graced the Wang Center with her gospel-charged presence Saturday night. With a full house and a 25-person orchestra, Aretha entered the stage in a red jeweled gown masked with a white mink coat. The crowd erupted in cheers before Aretha and her orchestra plummeted into Jackie Wilson's, "Higher & Higher." The 67-year-old legend's age was not present during the opener, which radiated with energy as she danced along with the crowd.

"Well, sit back and relax," commanded the Queen before jumping right into "Share Your Love With Me." Franklin's vocals were a bit weaker throughout the second song, but the orchestra's powerful accompaniment made this easy to ignore. Then, Aretha's sequined conductor guided the stage into a soulful version of "Think", which received a surprisingly vigorous response from the older crowd.

Aretha and her four background singers then delivered a power-house performance of "Chain of Fools". The intense call and response section made this number reminiscent of Aretha's classic soul days. With intense bass-plucking, steady drum beats and tireless crooning, the Wang Center overflowed with traditional rhythm and blues.

At the end of this crowd pleaser, a fan in the front row handed the Queen a copious bouquet of red roses. "They're gorgeous," her voice whispered before melting into the next two songs. The heart-felt selections "Ain't No Way," and "Don't Play That Song for Me," slowed the pace down and allowed Aretha to boast her true vocal abilities.

Unfortunately, hits like "Respect" and "Say A Little Prayer" were not played for the anxious crowd, even after Aretha's 15 minute break. Fortunately, the orchestra wreaked the benefits of the long pause by showing off their musical abilities…one by one. (Trumpet, trombone, piano, organ, synthesizer, percussion, and bass) The brass section reveled in their minute of fame, with ear-pleasing sax and trumpet solos. But, by the time the 22^nd musician was up the crowd restlessly awaited the Queen's return.

After much anticipation, Aretha took the thrown at the grand piano. Clearly refreshed, her vocals sizzle on "Angel," and her well-known rendition of Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Waters." The rendition exploded toward the cathedral ceilings, with rigid fluidity from the orchestra against Aretha's voice. The background singers repeated the line, "Still waters run deep," at a steady rhythmic pattern. The prevailing polyphony created the night's strongest ballad for both Aretha and the orchestra.

"One Night with a King," a 2009 song release, followed with less strength than the previous tune. Aretha's vocals were often subdued with the overpowering orchestra behind her.

Before the final song, Aretha expressed her adoration for Beantown. "I really love you Boston!" Aretha's past rumors of "never touring again," created an overwhelming feeling of gratitude among the fans. A standing ovation was bestowed upon her highness. The newer tune guided all of the forces into an 18-minute gospel number, which closed the show on a grand note.

Fans expressed mixed opinions after the show. "For $85, I want some RESPECT," demanded one disappointed fan. On the up side, Clare Midgley of Newton said, "It was more soulful than we expected, but she's the Queen so the experience was extraordinarily special for everyone." Hallelujah.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-By Melissa D'Agnese

-Photos by Adam Nickerson