w/opening artist Jacob Tolliver
Fraze Pavilion | Kettering OH
The Empress of Soul
I was raised listening to Gladys Knight and the Pips! No, the Pips haven’t been part of the Gladys’ entertainment package in a number of years. However, the Empress of Soul herself is still extraordinary to listen to! I have seen her a few times before and each time I love her more and more!
It was a beautiful summer evening; the weather was simply perfect for the musical journey we all were about to embark on! Opening the show tonight was a new (to me) artist, Jacob Tolliver. Although Jacob IS originally from Ohio, it seemed a rather odd pairing considering he’s more rock & roll/country oriented. Jacob definitely has talent! He plays the piano like it’s the last day ever to play again! His energy and stage presence made us engage and enjoy his music.
The main attraction, dressing in all black with some bling was of course the beautiful, never aging Ms Gladys Knight! Ever elegant in her style, walk and talk with a humble appeal like she doesn’t know who she is…a freakin’ LEGEND!!
Her band and backing singers were on point. She opened her set with “Love Overboard” and sang classics such as “Neither One Of Us“, “Midnight Train to Georgia“, “I Heard it Through the Grapevine” and “You’re the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me“.
I know most likely I have said it before but what gave me goosebumps, chills and all that was when she performed songs from the movie “Claudine” soundtrack. Those who know me, KNOWS that film and soundtrack was such an integral part of my childhood. When she began with “Make Yours a Happy Home” then topped it with “The Makings of You” I was more than happy just to hear those songs, even if that’s all she sang.
The entire evening was perfect…the Empress dropped the mic and left her mark once again.
