Wednesday, November 5, 1997
LaBelle’s spirit, energy shine at sold-out show
MUSIC Singer captivates crowd with combination of old and new
material
By Stan Johnson Jr.
Daily Bruin Senior Staff
It was an evening of song, worship and praise. On Saturday,
superstar singing sensation Patti LaBelle performed in front of a
sold-out crowd at the Universal Amphitheatre. Singing several
selections from her new album titled "Flame," LaBelle captured the
audience with both slow ballads and upbeat dance tunes.
It is hard to believe that LaBelle is 53 years old. But, like
pop diva Tina Turner, Patti LaBelle used the live setting to charm
the audience, especially with the latest dance moves. She also paid
homage to singers like Aretha Franklin by singing the classic
"Ain’t No Way," and also to Carly Simon (and Celine Dion) with "All
By Myself."
Before LaBelle emerged, the entire theater was dark and quiet.
Out of nowhere came that characteristically beautiful voice saying,
"I love you, L.A!" Then pandemonium broke out. Suddenly, the lights
came on, and everyone in the audience stood on their feet screaming
and yelling, "We love you too, Patti," as LaBelle walked to the
center of the stage in a black gown with glittering jewelry. She
opened the show with her latest single, "Talk About Love."
Patti then sang a few of her slow ballads. Favorites like
"Somebody Loves You Baby," "On My Own," "If the Shoe Were on the
Other Foot" and the incredible "You Are My Friend" were just a few
songs to grace the audience. While singing "Own My Own," LaBelle
had one of her back-up singers perform the part that Michael
McDonald (former Doobie Brother) originally sang. Both LaBelle and
the back-up singer brought the audience to their feet.
This was not your typical concert. LaBelle, who many remember
from the ’80s for her eccentric hairdos and her top 10 hit "New
Attitude" (from the 1984 "Beverly Hills Cop" soundtrack), provided
the crowd with a call-and-response concert.
She had audience members (that’s right, actual people from the
audience) come on stage and help her sing the all-time favorite
"Lady Marmalade" (remember that catchy chorus, "Voulez-vous coucher
avec moi, ce soir"?) This was a particularly great moment because
many of the audience members impressed LaBelle so much that she had
to step back and compliment them herself. Watching random people
from the crowd keep up with the diva proved to be one of the
night’s true highlights.
Toward the middle of the concert, LaBelle added a very touching
moment to the evening. She alluded to how she never thought that
she would make it past the age of 45 because her sisters had all
died of cancer by that age.
In the midst of tears, LaBelle continued to share with the
audience that she never got the chance to tell her sisters how much
she really loved them. Because of this, LaBelle encouraged everyone
to be more loving and to take the the time to tell other people
that they are special, despite their race, class or sexual
orientation.
Toward the end of the concert, LaBelle took the audience to
church. In a choir robe, LaBelle sang a couple of songs from her
forthcoming gospel album. She sang "I Love the Lord" with a dynamic
and unique strength and delicacy. LaBelle’s voice was so inspiring
that several people had tears in their eyes.
LaBelle returned to the stage for her encore of "Somewhere Over
the Rainbow." In an elegant red dress, LaBelle sang with soul and
passion. At the conclusion of the song, the audience showered
LaBelle with a standing ovation, followed by chants of "Patti,
Patti, Patti!"
Not only was the concert entertaining, but it also expressed
emotional and spiritual overtones throughout the entire two hours.
LaBelle, though a traditional rhythm and blues singer, attracted a
very diverse crowd. The audience included people from every ethnic
background. The concert transcended music by bringing people
together from all walks of life. Undoubtedly, LaBelle has that
effect on people.
LaBelle proved why she has been able to cross over into the
mainstream. Indeed, she is an entertainer capable of making
everyone feel good while never compromising the quality of her
music. Saturday’s show was a night to remember and something that
the audience will cherish for a long time to come.
Riverhead Books
Patti LaBelle played for a sold-out audience at the Universal
Amphitheatre* Saturday.