There are few bands who have a rich and storied tradition as the The Isley Brothers do. They have endured many accolades over their 60 year plus career but being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 is probably their most triumphant. So when the band plays a show in your area, it’s not only an event but it’s something more. It’s a retrospect of many songs that have encompassed people’s lives over a half of a century. When the Isley Brothers took the stage this past Saturday at the Seneca Niagara Casino before a capacity crowd, you know they were in for something special.
Lead vocalist Ronald Isley still has the charm and swagger at 75 years young. He may not move around gingerly and didn’t without the aid of a mic stand to lean on. That didn’t matter as he had the crowd in the palm of his hand like he was leading a sermon for church service. His brother Ernie has been the steady musical force at his brother’s side slinging the 6th string for well over 45 years as well. He showed his prowess during “Choosy Lover” and the Seals & Crofts cover “Summer Breeze.” They are the last 2 standing Isely Brothers but they surrounded themselves with a 6 piece backing band plus 3 backup singers and various dancers who rotated throughout their set.
The production was fantastic! The dancers came in and out at various points and the band played to the emotions of the song. This gave the overall performance more meaning to the songs. The backup singers handed out roses to ladies during “For the Love of You.” They also had crowd participation as they had a few members come up for “Twist and Shout.”
One of the backup singers Kandy Isley was also one of the highlights of the show. Her vocal performance was on “Jesus Loves Me.” This was a song dedicated to the memory of Whitney Houston and gave Kandy the floor to showcase her vocal range. The pipes on her brought peoples jaws to the floor and garnered her a standing ovation.
It’s nice to see the respect paid by the audience for one of the true pioneers in rhythm and blues. The show went about an hour and half and the setlist had a little something for everyone. Who knows how much longer the band will be touring for. If this it is for the WNY area they sure left an indelible mark to remember them by!
Setlist:
Fight the Power
Who’s That Lady
Between the Sheets
Footsteps in the Dark
For the Love of You
It’s Yo Thang
Twist and Shout (The Top Notes cover)
Groove With You
Hello, It’s Me (Todd Rundgren cover)
Choosy Lover
You’re All I Need
At Your Best
Yes Jesus Loves Me
Atlantis
Summer Breeze (Seals & Crofts cover)
Shout
We would like to thank Phil Pantano from Pantano & Associates for the credentials to review the show.
