BYU concert review
Only 26 years old, Olivia Newton-John is rapidly becoming one of the most popular female vocalists around today, as is evidenced by her award as 1974’s female country vocalist.
Miss Newton-John is not as yet, however, polished “entertainer” as was evidenced by the lack of enthusiasm the audience showed from time to time in her concert Friday night.
The concert got off to a slow start with the appearance of Fred Smoot, a comedian who gained small notice from the audience with his brand of not too funny off-colored stories. Then Miss Newton-John was introduced.
“Livvy,” as she is known by those close to here, has an excellent voice and good range, but her performance Friday was almost mechanical, with the exception of three or four songs.
The first three of these songs “Love Song,” is a very mellow song recorded several years ago by Elton John (no relation) which Miss Newton-John said was her “biggest flop” but still her favorite song.
“I Honestly Love You,” a song that emanates warmth, was written to be sung with feeling, and it was. “Have You Never Been Mellow,” sang for the first time ever in concert by Miss Newton-John, was beautifully done and has promise of becoming “Livvy’s” fourth million seller. “Country Girl,” a lively song, went well with the audience.
The show began with Miss Newton-John’s first gold record, “Let Me Be There.” The song was well-received partially because the audience was very familiar with it.
Next came a very down home version of “Country Roads,” the type of song that typically excites a BYU audience. Enthused by an excellent steel guitar in the background, the crowd clapped along enthusiastically.
Miss Newton-John then sang the song that started her rise to fame, “If Not For You” (written by Bob Dylan).
“Love Story” was next, followed by several unfamiliar tunes. One of these. “Nevertheless” featured the violin and flute music of Gold Street, her excellent back-up group.
Her original composition, “Changes,” followed by “Country Girl,” began to gain the audiences attention. “Livvy” interjected here a brief story of some brave BYU boys who had sent a rose and a note to her dressing room inviting her to go tubing (a thing she couldn’t understand) with them. She explained there was a P.S. with the note: “Two of us are engaged, but we are coming anyway.”
The audience finally did get into the act as the house lights were turned on and they joined in on “The River’s Too Wide.” This was one of the bright spots of the evening.
The concert ended with “If You Love Me,” which brought a good applause from the audience and even a partial standing ovation.
The cheers quickly ended the concert was over, BYU encores were….
Universe Photos by Mark Philbrick
Olivia Newton-John gives the BYU audience a sly smile in one of her many renditions Friday.