Ending the mainland European leg of his tour before heading for the UK, veteran soul legend (Reverend) Albert Greene aka Al Green left behind his work at the Full Gospel Tabernacle in Memphis Tennessee, he dropped by to promote new CD ‘Lay It Down’.
Green is one of the few remaining Soul greats alive today, still able to deliver the goods. Flitting between his religious responsibilities, gospel albums and occasional, secular music, he proves to have a perennial touch. In recent years he’s managed to re-engage his cult following, with 2005’s Everything’s OK and current US (Billboard Hot 100) Top Ten hit album Lay It Down, bringing an unexpected career renaissance in the States, which has even surprised Green himself.
This night at Auditorio Victor, the ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’ inductee reminded us why he became a 70s sensation with hits Lets’ Stay Together (featured in Quentin Tarantino’s cult-flick ‘Pulp Fiction’), Tired Of Being Alone and the classic I’m Still In Love With You. What sets Green apart from his contemporaries, other than memorable songs, is his unique voice which is still intact.
He also brought a stylish presentation package, synonymous with singers of his ilk.
Dapper in black suit, red waistcoat and tie, (and not a grey hair in sight at 62 years) he emerged after a James Brown- styled intro aided by an lady MC, that whipped up the crowd, gushing chants of “Al Green, Al Green, Al Green” and clapping before he took centre stage. While the hot nine -piece band played on, he reached to a huge bunch of roses which he gave to the ‘ladieeees’ who clamoured to get close to their hero : a winning formula deployed during many songs. They were putty all night long, and even the fellas impressed by his tactics.
The show’s first half was devoted to plugging mostly new material, with belters such as Can’t Stop, Let’s Get Married (1974), and Lay It Down. On a serious charm offensive, he nattered away between songs with loved-up lines like “I love you, I love you. It’s raining outside, never mind,” before delving into Jazz-Soul gem Everything, from 1987.
By now he realised he was too far back from stage front to create some intimacy, so he quickly moved forward to the crowd’s delight. The obligatory band intro followed via instrumental solos. What came next – a stirring rendition of Amazing Grace – changed the night altogether, with Green’s powerful and emotive voice bringing the biggest cheer of the night, so far.
Despite the great reception they got, it was the classics many wanted, so when his best seller, Let’s Stay Together was finally unleashed, the place went loco as the thrilled fans got to their feet, singing the opening lines. Again, roses were offered with the house grooving to his biggest hit, resulting inevitably in a standing ovation. Chilling things, he went for a sublime cover of How Can You Mend A Broken Heart? making the song his very own.” Let’s go back to 1976!” Cheers rang out for Here I Am and the dancing moved up a gear. The Reverend, who was beaming all night, relished in saying, “I wanna sing a couple of songs that influenced me, and maybe influenced you too.”
A medley of Motown hits by The Four Tops and Temptations rolled quick style – Sugar Pie Honey Bunch – My Girl – I’ve Been Loving You Too Long and a mind-blowing a capella You Are Everything - sent everyone into raptures. “One more?” he teased. A whopping “Yes!” rang out, and his beam got even bigger. We all (even me) sang So Tired Of Being Alone, though the preacher man won top prize for an incredible falsetto masterclass. “Tomorrow night we’re in Manchester, but no matter wherever I go, no matter wherever I go…I’m still..” punctuated by a clever-clogs fan who quipped, “Al Green”, with the maestro appreciating the quick-silver wit.
By now the sweat was regularly wiped from his brow, (he’d been on nearly an hour and half) but that didn’t prevent some crowd mingling, kissing and hugging as he vainly tried to keep pace with Still In Love With You.
Capping a glorious and memorable night, he shuffled and showed some sharp moves, leaving us with a storming Love, Peace and Happiness, which this night was all about, and lots more roses, of course.
We all went home in the driving rain, feeling a whole lot better for being in the company of a fantastic and genuine star.
Californian student Emily Thomas, who travelled a round trip of six hours from Grenada said, “Tonight couldn’t have been better”. Laughing she added,” He’s the gansta!”
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This night at Auditorio Victor, the ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’ inductee reminded us why he became a 70s sensation with hits Lets’ Stay Together (featured in Quentin Tarantino’s cult-flick ‘Pulp Fiction’), Tired Of Being Alone and the classic I’m Still In Love With You. What sets Green apart from his contemporaries, other than memorable songs, is his unique voice which is still intact.
The show’s first half was devoted to plugging mostly new material, with belters such as Can’t Stop, Let’s Get Married (1974), and Lay It Down. On a serious charm offensive, he nattered away between songs with loved-up lines like “I love you, I love you. It’s raining outside, never mind,” before delving into Jazz-Soul gem Everything, from 1987.
By now the sweat was regularly wiped from his brow, (he’d been on nearly an hour and half) but that didn’t prevent some crowd mingling, kissing and hugging as he vainly tried to keep pace with Still In Love With You.
Review & concert pics copyright © Elly Roberts, 2004-2010.
