Beautiful and graceful

(Richmond - River Rock Casino - March 28, 2014)

I was a little apprehensive that Nana was undertaking a new tour in 2014 for all the reasons that come to your mind as well. Seeing some of the songlists from the European concerts, I was unsure of how it would all come across, again.

Here briefly are some of my thoughts about the show at the River Rock Casino, March 28, 2014.

It was a shorter show than past tours, but that's OK. It was a very respectfully put together show, everything we could expect. Nana, at 79 years old, was just as beautiful and graceful as she was many years ago. I thought she sang gloriously, not a false note, her voice was in pristine form. Although the 'volume' wasn't there on a few songs, the voice had its trademark beauty. She repeatedly hit all the high notes spot-on, without sounding strained, or forced.

With a scaled down band, the arrangements were tasteful and elegant, and fresh. Special mentions for me go out to the arrangements of "Why Worry", being more acoustic, and a bluegrassy gospel hue to "Amazing Grace". Several of the duets with Lenou were outstanding. The "Adieu Angelina" rocked infectiously, as did "Odos Oniron". These garnered great applause from the audience.

Her voice on the movie medley was flawless, better than in the 90s when she was promoting her Songs from the Movies album. The songs were sung better. Her interaction with percussionist Philip during "The Summer Knows", and "Love is a Losing Game" was touching and superb. She sang "Plaisir d'amour" exquisitely, with the final verse in a higher register, harmonizing with the flute playing the melody. Sitting to the right, seeing Nana standing in front of the microphone in perfect pitch, side profile, it was like late 1970s Nana, her voice and performance was all that in that moment. A shame no one video pirated it.

As an encore to the lovely concert, Nana sang "Hartino to Fengaraki" A Cappella. At this point a few people stood up near the side of the stage holding their cell phones, filming unashamedly, while Nana didn't notice, singing her heart out. In summary, it was beautiful.

Jim

Songs from the concert