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A look back at the Mon., Nov. 4 concert.
by Gabe Echazabal and Tracy MayIn a spectacular display of sheer talent, style and charisma, R&B-pop crooner John Legend brought the entire house to its feet on Monday night at Clearwater's Ruth Eckerd Hall. Several times. [Words by Gabe, photos by Tracy.]
The always elegant and classy Legend received several standing ovations and called for the already energetic crowd to get up and enjoy the music more than once. And all audience members gladly obliged.
Taking the stage after an opening set by reality television star Tamar Bettis, Legend emerged from the rear of the stage clad in solid black to kick off his headlining set. As a single spotlight beamed on the man of the hour, Legend gave us an instant taste of what was in store and wasted no time in getting the evening off to a rousing start with "Made To Love," a fine cut from his latest release Love In The Future.
Standing amid his six-piece band — which included two leggy and gorgeous female backup singers dressed in skimpy matching black dresses — 34-year-old Legend slowly worked his way to the edge of the stage, his smile growing as he as he drew ever closer and the mighty roar grew until he'd brought the adoring crowd to a fever pitch. As dozens of cellphones snapped photo after photo, Legend showed off his undeniable style and brandished his most effective weapon: his smooth, silky vocal skills.
After making his way to the massive black grand piano at the center of the stage, Legend (born John Stephens) invited the audience to sing along with him and share vocals on the all-too-familiar choruses that most of the fanatics in the house knew by heart. For "Let's Get Lifted" from his 2004 debut, Legend invited the crowd to stand and sing along with him, as he did again later in the set during his breakout hit, "Green Light." While it was totally unnecessary to pipe in Andre 3000's guest vocal spot from the original recording, the already frenzied crowd didn't seem to mind it one bit.
As his terrific backing band took a breather and left the stage, Legend treated us to a short solo set with just him and his piano. His rich vocals and earnest delivery added brilliant color to "Ordinary People," and his magnificent, intimate reading of this much-beloved track was arguably the most memorable moment of the evening.
Another unforgettable moment of the night's performance occurred after Legend invited a couple up from the front row during "All Of Me," and handed the mic over to the dapper gentleman, who delivered a heartfelt speech to his partner of 10 years and presented her with a ring and a proposal. As the crowd roared, she said yes and the couple embraced for the duration of the number.
Rounding out the evening after being rejoined by his band, Legend continued to shine and show off his terrific, unfaltering voice. After removing his black blazer and sporting only a black collarless shirt and black slacks, Legend got stronger as the night went on.
As his more than well-received 95-minute set drew to a close, it was easy to see why Legend is so revered by his fans. A true talent and one of the most natural and effortless performers in today's current crop of R&B talent, John Legend is a bonafide star who seems to get better with time and age.
