Review: the Hollywood Bowl, Patti LaBelle
It was another gorgeous summer night at the Hollywood Bowl. I had just reviewed the 4th of July Spectacular with Harry Connick Jr. a few days prior (see review link below). Now here I was excited to review the iconic Patti LaBelle at the Bowl. The Godmother of Soul is promoting a new album titled 8065 in celebration of her 80th birthday. It is scheduled to be out by the end of 2024.
Review Patti LaBelle The Bowl
Recognized for her exceptional live performances, she is a living legend and a national treasure. At 80 years old, she has an extensive catalogue of hits from her impressive career spanning over six decades. The singer’s interactions with the audience are well known. Combined with her effervescent positive energy and her natural social skills, these interactions have become a big part of the Patti LaBelle live performance experience. So I knew she would not disappoint.
Opening Act Straight No Chaser
The a-cappella group Straight no Chaser, featuring nine vocalists, opened the show. They became a youtube sensation back in 2006 after posting a comic version of “The 12 Days of Christmas.” It was originally performed and recorded way back in 1989 at The Williston Northampton School. The group opened with a medley of “Ride Like the Wind”/“Steal Way”…the entire set consisted of hits from the 70s & 80s.
I especially liked the medley of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” and Bell Biv DeVoe’s “Poison.” It featured impressive beat box grooves and excellent moonwalking too. Freedom Love, the groups beat box master who is responsible for some amazing percussion, taught us how to “play drums with our mouth.” I tried to follow but… I think I will leave it to the professionals. Additional medleys included classic songs by Bill Withers, Christopher Cross, the Doobie Brothers and Martha and the Vandellas. Their finale was a Toto medley of “Love Isn’t Always on Time” “Rosanna” and “Africa.”
The Godmother of Soul
Now it was time for the empress of Philadelphia. From the left side of the stage we heard that iconic voice. Patti Labelle came on singing “You saved My Life,” from her album Flame. She elated us all, when she hit her first very high note effortlessly and with precision. At 80 years young, she’s still got it. Then she said to the audience “All the years I have been singing, you saved me.” One can see how important music is to her. After , she still has her unbelievably strong passion for performing live.
Within three songs, the legend kicked off her high heel shoes, and one landed in the audience. It would later become a comedy bit with the woman in the audience who retrieved it. “I want that shoe back” said the singer. And yes, she did get it back by the way.
At one point during the performance LaBelle called her horn section and her back up singers forward to join her, and a dancing frenzy began. With our attention focused on the frenetic dancing, La Belle discretely slipped off stage. Next, her trombonist Jack Bradshaw took his turn in the spotlight taking on lead vocals with the band. In a flash LaBelle was back with a costume change. She was all decked out in red and ready to rock out again.
She kicked into the classics “Right Kinda Lover,” “If Only You Knew” (her first solo single to hit #1 on the R&B chart) and “If You Ask Me To,” as well as a duet of “On My Own” with one of her backup singers (a hit song she previously recorded with Michael McDonald).
Patti LaBelle’s Band
She had a great rapport with Stan Lewis, her musical director for the past 30 years, as well as with all of her back up singers. She made a point of allowing them each to showcase their talents. Plus there was a stirring spiritual portion of the show that was an obvious crowd favorite. Then her finale “Lady Marmalade” brought the house down. Much of the audience was on their feet dancing.
The night was full of spontaneous moments too. During the hit song LaBelle asked four men to join her on stage. After looking at all of them, she inquired if any white men wanted to come up. The audience chuckled. Then she auditioned all of the men on the spot to see if any could sing. They gave it their best in their own special ways, until LaBelle spotted James Wright in the audience. This is the man whose youtube video of tasting her sweet potato pie went viral. He was soon up on that stage to join LaBelle, along with the rest of the men and helped to bring “Lady Marmalade,” to a climax. His voice was impressive. Finally, with a quick rendition of “Bad Girls” the evening was over.
What a fantastic summer night under the stars! Patti LaBelle outdid herself. It was remarkable to see a performer of her age knock it out of the park. There is hope for all of us. Check out the singer’s website for upcoming Patti LaBelle performances in your area – https://www.pattilabelle.com
CLICK HERE to read additional reviews, and the Harry Connick Jr at the Bowl review as promised above.
The Hollywood Bowl is one of the BEST venues in the U.S. Do yourself a favor, be sure to enjoy a live music show at the Bowl the next time you visit Los Angeles – https://www.hollywoodbowl.com
