LIONEL RICHIE LIVE!! Review of the making of ITV's show.

We felt so privileged to be attending Lionel’s live show for ITV last night & the atmosphere was electric! Lionel clearly enjoyed the opportunity to be doing something a little different in addition to his usual shows & claimed it was the first time he had the opportunity to chat with the audience prior to recording his songs for the night... fact or not it worked & we all felt a little special!

Lionel started the proceedings by raising the roof with ‘Dancing on the ceiling,’ greeted with rapturous applause and leaving him sweating profusely and requiring the services of Claire his personal make-up artist, who was busy with sponge & brushes all night! Lionel mentioned that sweating was great for rock & roll but didn't work so well with the ballads! That said, he whisked away the little blue cloth & kept it close to hand on the piano stool. Needless to say the energy in the room was pretty much tangible with the crowd dancing, singing or swaying throughout the evening.

The biggest surprise for me was ‘Endless Love,’ with Lionel announcing that he had only sang this previously with 4 women; Diana Ross, Kelly Rowland, Shania Twain & Beverly Knight. Lionel said he wanted the best voice in the UK & he was delighted to introduce Rebecca Ferguson; 'no pressure Rebecca!' It has to be said that Rebecca looked a little over-awed, however Lionel commented on what a remarkable voice she has and what a little powerhouse she is being able to stand so still whilst projecting her voice to such an extent. Lionel’s second guest was Pixie Lott, who is pretty remarkable in her own right, whom he recorded ‘Angel’ with for his new album TUSKEGEE, now available for purchase. Tuskegee is a collection of songs journeying back to Lionel’s roots, many of which he sang last night including, ‘Say You Say Me.’

It is very hard to choose a favourite Lionel Richie song with so many classics, however hearing them sung live and experiencing Lionel’s rich voice, which is as strong today as ever, makes you realise how talented a singer/songwriter he truly is. ‘Hello’ & ‘Easy Like Sunday Morning’ were total joys to listen to and are definitely enriched by the ‘live’ performance. The crowded environment really enhanced the skills Lionel has as a performer, evident with his delivery of these meaningful songs. Lionel managed to make them feel so personal that just about every woman would want to take him home!

The new versions of Lionel’s songs encompass the ‘country music’ feel that he intended. Duets on the album include artists; Shania Twain, Kenny Rogers & Willie Nelson. Besides the country feel, Lionel’s sense of humour was at the forefront, covering the occasional necessary pause whilst relishing the novelty of the event. ‘Old School ,’ say’s Lionel when a hit from the 70’s was playing during a pause, ‘Old School I understand, not all this modern thing like Lady Gaga with the red & blue hair; (patting his hair) these days I just want hair!’

Inevitably we reached the end of the show, this amazing evening concluding with a burst of mega energy from Lionel and the audience who were singing & dancing along to ‘All Night Long.’
To listen to a great catalogue of songs that attract as many youths as they do people from Lionel’s own generation shouts that Lionel’s music is timeless and greatly appreciated. From the vibes we experienced yesterday, I would certainly recommend going to one... or more... of his up coming shows and experiencing a ‘taste of Lionel’ for yourself. Hopefully you will come away with the deep sense of exhilaration that his music inspires.

For more about this album & Lionel check his website: http://lionelrichie.com/

Jaz McKenzie

If you wish to review shows or albums for Its Braap contact itsbraap@live.co.uk