REVEREND GREEN REVS US UP INTO A FRENZY

Concert review - 29th June 2005

Al Green at 'The Royal Albert Hall', London, UK.

By Robert Maher

The Royal Albert Hall was filled to capacity with an adrenalin fuelled audience waiting in anticipation of the Reverend to save their souls. Having sat throught the support act spiritually unmoved yet giving of polite applause, the punters were now rather looking forward to Al blowing them away. For it is Al Green that we have all come to see and as the lights dimmed and Al's band took to the stage the atmosphere was electric. As the music joyously thumped out the rev entered the stage and was embraced by an emotional reception punctuated by excited screams and shouts. Wearing a black tuxedo with a gold cross resting on his chest, Al opened with 'I can't stop', the title track from his 2003 comeback album. It was immediately apparent that before us stood an artist who remains in full command of his voice. Green demonstrating his dynamic vocal range and a soaring falsetto of intense religiosity. Exuding charisma and magnetic stage presence Green was indeed eliciting wonder and amazement.

Al proceeded to treat the audience to such famous hits as 'Here I am come and take me', 'Tired of being alone', 'Let's get married' and of course 'Let's stay together'. But no Al Green concert could be complete without a gospel segment. His impassioned renditions of 'Amazing grace' and 'Nearer my God to thee' literally captivating the audience. Our spirits stirred, the habitual sinners amongst us now converted into a holy flock of worshippers. Little did I know that soul heaven was just around the corner when Al sung a medley of nostalgic classics. Prefacing this medley with a sermon to the crowd about "the music that got us here", referring to his early influences. Without any musical accompaniment Green's medley included 'I've been loving you too long' Otis Redding, 'Sugar pie honey bunch' Four Tops and 'Wonderful world' Sam Cooke. Not many people on this planet can authentically sing an Otis ballad. Al showed us exactly why he is now often referred to as 'the last great soul man on earth'. As well as ecstasy I felt the agony of being teased. Oh how I wished that Green had performed these songs in their entirety. Never been a fan of medley's, a teaspoon of honey can be worse than none at all. I personally find a tablespoon more gratifying.

An audience sing-along naturally occurred during 'How can you mend a broken heart', a song originally written and performed by the Bee Gees. When Al recorded this he made it his own, a great cover track. Testament to this the fact that people forget it's a cover. The rev also performed country classic 'For the good times', again I prefer Al's version to the original. Green personifies the battle between the sacred and secular. This was illustrated in his self-penned 1970's hit 'Belle' which contains the lines "It's you that I want but him that I need" and "my heart was lost but now it's found", pertaining to his relationship with God. Al is equally apt at conveying both sensuality and romantic love as he is sanctity and spirituality. He finished up with the funky 'Love and Happiness' and as the band played out the rev departed the stage leaving the crowd begging for an encore. It wasn't to be, ladies and gentleman Al has left the building. As much as I wanted more I couldn't possibly feel cheated. Let us pray that Reverend Green graces these shores again with his divine talent.