To comply with the romantic atmosphere of the Seneca Alleghany Casino, a string quartet introduced us into the night. Following that, John Legend appeared on stage dressed to the nines in a black suit. On stage it was very authentic with Legend, the quartet and a guitarist. He grew up learning gospel piano and it’s evident in his playing. His voice is powerful, soulful and soothing at the same time.
A few lucky fans had the best seats in the house, actually on stage, where later in the performance, Legend actually asked a couple to introduce themselves and he sang “You and I” in dedication to them. Throughout the night, Legend got personal with the crowd by telling stories about playing clubs with nobody there, talking about how he writes songs and then sings a song like he would in the writing process, and dedicating the song “Bridge Over Troubled Water” to his late grandmother who taught him gospel piano. He also mentioned how he did a cover of Bruce Springsteen’s song “Dancing in the Dark” on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon and wondered for months if Bruce ever saw it or enjoyed it, to the point of where he gave up on that hope. Ironically, Springsteen was nominated MusiCares’ person of the year and Legend was invited to perform the Springsteen cover for the event.
The last song of the night was his chart topping song “All of Me” that infatuates 12 year olds with love and makes elders want to hug their soul mates. The older John Legend gets, the more mature he becomes as both a singer and a songwriter. I really enjoyed seeing how it’s possible for one person with one instrument to serenade a whole crowd. Legend’s accompaniments balanced everything out perfectly for this live performance.
Setlist:
Made to Love
Tonight
Let’s Get Lifted
Used to Love U
Maxine
Again
Maxine’s Interlude
Save Room
Dancing in the Dark (Bruce Springsteen cover)
Green Light
Bridge Over Troubled Water (Simon and Garfunkel cover) You and I
Caught Up
So High
Ordinary People
Encore:
All of Me
Photos by Gus Griesinger. We would like to thank Tony Astran from the Seneca Allegany Casino for his assistance in helping BackstageAxxess review the show.
