Robert Davies
Robert Davies
February 2nd 2008
Robert Davies
Concert Pictures
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Another Opening, Another Show, That's Entertainment, The Best Of Times Is Now & A Wonderful Day Like Today soon warmed us all up on this cold February evening, Robert making a most welcome return following his visit to us in August 2005.
The show continued with a song by Dionne Warwick I Know I'll Never Love This Way Again. Keith had bought a new "toy", which I can only describe as the most marvellous kaleidoscope of colours, which enhanced the back of the stage beautifully at various stages throughout the evening.
A selection from West Side Story: next Tonight - I Feel Pretty - Maria, I'd Like To Be In America and Somewhere. Just great. Paul Potts shot to fame with Nella Fantasia during on one of those TV talent shows. Michael Buble has recorded Henri's Mancini's It Had Better Be Tonight.
Robert followed this with a piece of music from Puccini's Tosca, opening with churchbells before going into full orchestral voices. Then we had Singing With The Big Band before hearing Elaine Pages Colours Of The Wind, set to a nice yellow background and lazerdots going round the hall.
A red background, mandolins and choir sounds for Dark Eyes and Midnight In Moscow enhanced by plenty of audience participation. Changing the mood Robert continued with a tune made famous by Diana Ross When You Tell Me That You Love Me.
Robert used to play for a choir in Germany, reviving memories of that time with the Nun's Chorus by Strauss from Casanova. This was swiftly followed by World On A String before bringing the first half to a close with an ABBA medley, starting with Money, Money, Money - One Of Us & Thank You For The Music, with that lovely kaleidoscope showing again.
Following the break we all remembered our former "Chairman" Dennis Johnson, who sadly passed away in January. Robert paid tribute to him with the Desert March, RIP.
The Carpenters music is popular to this day, with Robert playing us I Know I Need To Be In Love.
ABBA's music has stood the test time, equally has that of the Beatles, we had Eleanor Rigby - Michelle - Will You Still Love Me When I'm Sixty Four? - All My Loving To You & Ticket To Ride. Time for "Oliver" - always popular, oh that Food Glorious Food - As Long As He Needs Me - Pick A Pocket Or Two & Consider Yourself One Of The Family.
Back to the Seventies with Bohemian Rhapsody, not the easiest of pieces to play, but Robert made a terrific job of this. This brings me to comment on the instrument he was playing during the evening, the Boehm Diamant 280CT. An instrument now some 20 years old, I am sure you all agree that Robert extracted some super sounds from the organ, enhancing every piece of music he played for us during the evening.
Glenn Miller popped in with his Moonlight Serenade, before we had heard from The Girl From Paramaibo before launching into Heal The World. Andrew Lloyd Webber made am appearance with Jesus Christ Superstar - I Don't Know How To Love Him - Love Changes Everything - All I Ask Of You & Angel Eyes with a few bars from Phantom Of The Opera added here and there for good measure.
Well, a most enjoyable evening for us all had passed very quickly indeed, all enhanced by some superb lighting yet again by our very own Mr. Supreme, Keith. However, Robert had not finished yet, the audience being obliged with the obligatory Basildon encore, a very lively rendition of the Tico Tico.
Why not come along to a Basildon Keyboard Club Concert, you will be made very welcome, have a great evenings entertainment, a complimentary cup of tea or coffee with biscuits and of course experience the delights of live music played on top of the range electronic organs & keyboards by the best players.