with/Marion Meadows, Bobby Caldwell
The Tangier | Akron, OH
A Jazzy, Joyous Christmas!
It had been a decade since I’ve attended a full Christmas concert, so I was really looking forward to seeing/hearing Norman Brown’s Joyous Christmas show!
Having friends in the band, I was blessed with being able to see both shows this evening. Leading up to the date, I wasn’t all the way into the holiday spirit, but sitting in on the first set, I was definitely all IN and that just made the 2nd set even more enjoyable! The Christmas standards of course I knew, but to hear them with the added flavor of Norman Brown, Marion Meadows, and Bobby Caldwell‘s personal styles gave the music a whole new feeling. They gave their all to the shows and to the audience. The band (Travis, Gail, Rob, Tony) was fun to watch as they played off each other with musical banter. The background singers, (who happened to be Norman’s daughters) Rochella, Kesha and LaNika were a beautiful accompaniment to this experience!
Not only were there Christmas music, but each artist also performed a song or two from their own catalog of work, which was effectively integrated throughout the set. Bobby Caldwell sang his hit “What You Won’t Do For Love”. ..AMAZING! This was my first time ever seeing Mr. Caldwell in concert anyway but to hear this song live, was a dream! Marion Meadows played his song (a favorite of mine) “Dressed To Chill” Norman Brown played his song “After The Storm” also a cover of “For The Love of You” and “That’s The Way Love Goes”.
This concert was great from start to finish. I’m so glad I got to see it twice to absorb it all! I’m not sure if this is an annual event, but if so…It’s highly recommended to see and hear for yourself!
Setlist included: This Christmas, Let It Snow, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, Santa Claus go Straight to the Ghetto, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Baby it’s Cold Outside, Santa Baby, Someday at Christmas, Silent Night
