Riviera Hotel Las Vegas - concert review
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In her first stateside live show in six months MCA pop star Olivia Newton-John again recorded a polished professional musical package March 24 before a packed Versailles Room audience. Her 16-song, hour-long show included a variety of hits, lesser-known songs and a unique comedy sketch with mimists Shields & Yarnell in her segment. And always her clear, strong vocal stylization blended successfully with her improved stage presence in illuminating each selection.
The petite, blonde soprano scored her best rock effort with Gary Wright's "My Love is Alive while offsetting the mood with her own ballad composition Changes and melodic Pony Ride, which showcased her dramatic ability to interpret songs. New hit Sam, topping the easy listening chart, worked well with her seven-man band featuring standout guitarists Skip Criparin and Rick Ruskin.
Change-of-pace "Nevertheless" combined with "As Time Goes By" again allowed Newton-John to demonstrate her articulate phrasing of the melodies in evoking melancholy Classical overtones were evident in "The Air That I Breathe" offset by country rock versions of "Jolene", "If Not For You" and "Let It Shine" in her familiar four-four rhythm.
Her many hits, "I Honestly Love You", "Have You Never Been Mellow" and "Love Song" proved why she has become a formidable recording artist at such a young age. The only flaw in the show came on "Please Mr, Please" when she was overpowered by guitars.