Soul singer Michael Bolton made his way back to the WNY area, this time playing a sold out show in Niagara Falls, NY at the Seneca Events Center. As time flies by it doesn’t seem that long ago, but in 1990 and 1991 he dominated the charts with hits “How Can We Be Lovers” and “Love is a Wonderful Thing,” respectively.
Bolton has an impressive backing band including J.P. DeLaire on saxophone and keyboards, who really shined and did some solo instrumentals throughout the show. I was taken by surprise when I saw Bolton playing an electric guitar on the first 3 songs. This was my first time seeing a Michael Bolton show and I must say he impressed me with his playing. It was mostly basic rhythm playing but he did take the lead on the Robert Johnson classic “Sweet Home Chicago.” Bolton also told stories and joked with the crowd in between some tunes. He told the story of how he was signed to RCA Records at 16, but didn’t get his first hit until the age of 36. In fact, it was Laura Branigan who originally sang “How am I Supposed to Live Without You,” taking it to number one on the adult contemporary chart. Bolton sang it a few years later, taking it to number 1. This is where his career took off.
Bolton has successfully retained the quality of his voice, as he sounded the same as he did when he was a dominate force on the airwaves. There was one hiccup though. Bolton left the stage for extended periods of time, and also sang with another singer, Amanda Brown, on a handful of other selections. Brown is a more than capable vocalist, but the fans came to see Bolton. When Brown finished doing a 3-song medley, Bolton reappeared from the back of the Events Center, walking up the aisle to sing the first part of “When a Man Loves a Woman.” He then made his way back to the stage to finish the song. The crowd seemed to love it as women got up out of their seats to crowd around Bolton when he was in the middle of an aisle.
Again, this was my first time seeing him perform and I wish the focus would have been more on him instead of a combination of him, his band and Amanda Brown. It could have been a great show, instead of a good one, with more Bolton and less filler in my opinion.
best Love is a Wonderful Thing
To Love Somebody (Bee Gees cover)
(Sittin’ On) Dock of the Bay (Otis Redding cover)
Said I Loved You…but I Lied
You Don’t Know Me (Eddy Arnold cover)
Sweet Home Chicago (Robert Johnson cover)
You and I/band jam
To Make You Feel my Love (Billy Joel cover –with Amanda Brown)
How am I Supposed to Live Without You (with Amanda Brown)
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough (Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrll cover – with Amanda Brown)
The Prayer (Celine Dion cover – with Amanda Brown)
That’s What Love is All About (Amanda Brown on vocals)
Missing You Now (Amanda Brown on vocals)
Back on my Feet Again (Amanda Brown on vocals)
You are so Beautiful
When a Man Loves a Woman (Percy Sledge cover)
How Can We Be Lovers
Steel Bars
Time Love and Tendernesss
Encore:
Georgia (Ray Charles cover)
We would like to thank Philip J. Pantano from Pantano & Associates for the credentials to review the show.
