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Concert Reviews: Garden State Arts Center, Holmdel, USA
Garden State Arts Center, June 6, 1995 On a beautiful early summer evening on an intimate outdoor stage, my mate an I were privileged to hear/see/experience Seal in concert. This was our second chance to see the Des'ree/Seal concert (the first at the Tower Theater in PA, October, '94) and I'm trying to locate tickets for a third date. Both performers continue to improve in confidence, flair and emotion. There were some interesting and significant differences in Seal's performance/band/ arrangements etc. Someone/where else on the 'net has described the new band (new drummer, guitar, bass singing background vocals, etc, so i won't). i want to applaud the new vocals for adding another dimension to the performance. Unlike the October show "If I Could" was skipped, I'm assuming because of the change. "Bring It On" was added as a fair exchange. Seal played guitar (left-handed like Jimi and P. McCarthy) on several cuts but most significantly on "Deep Water" and "Don't Cry". "Kiss from a Rose" possessed a sparkling and deep new rhythm and (watching the world go) "Crazy" remains a powerful crowd favorite. The audience was knowledgeable and loving. We came roaring out of our seats at the "I'm Alive" opening, and sat only briefly after that. I was happy to see lots of brothers and sisters. It seems as if rock/r&b fusion is diffusing. My bro-in-law, Bill works as an asst. engineer in a big N.Y. music studio. His ex-girl's sister dated Seal's last drummer. Bill met Seal twice, at the Beacon last fall and at the studio. Bill's comment is that Seal shines as a person (he remembered bill's name among other reasons), and is internally focused (except on stage where he projects outward). I saw the connection that Seal made with us on Friday night and I felt the music as sound around me and inside me. I loved that. From a Princess in A Future Love Paradise, KathyAbout Des'ree: The first time we encountered Des. in October, we were clueless. The sound was poorly mixed, she seemed uncomfortable, and we had no idea there'd be an opening act. this time we were prepared and she was better. I guess the problem is that her music is lacking in complexity (Jeff describes her album, which I own, as having only three songs), making it a sharp contrast to Seal. Play List
I'm Alive |