ANNIE LENNOX - The Schubert Theater - April 1, 2003 Someone said that somewhere in the press, Annie Lennox had extended an invitation for fans to spend an evening with her and let her choose the music and the mood. In other words - trust her. I strongly suggest calling Annie for any event planning in your future .. and trust her. This may have been in over 100 concerts one of the top 5 of mine all-time.
She began the evening promptly and methodically at the stroke of 8:00. She strutted onto the stage; happy, professional and prepared. All in black, what appeared to be a one piece whih she topped off with a boxy chocolate blouse femmed up with some lace and sparkle. But with a longish blazer worn over. On her head something of a beret, more of a knit cap tilted perfectly. There were some minor clothing changes as the show went on. She has confidence without cockiness she may be one of the most comfortable female performers I have ever seen. She is masculine and feminine at the same time. Is she the true definition of androgyny? Or has she just put thesex back into androgyny? Whatever she sizzles! She opened with "Money Can't Buy It" followed by 6 or 7 songs before finally speaking to us. SOme of those included hits such as; No More I Love Yous, Little Bird, Broken Glass and a new ballad as well. The crowd was 35 - 55, how nice. The venue was the Schubert Theater, mostly used for plays. It is intimate and close and has pretty good sound - though its not the Chicago Auditorium, where I did see Joni back in 1974. The crowd stood with her for over half the show dancing or whatever those two sistas were doing in the front row. Sigh, why dont they ever check themselves in a mirror - never mind. But it was fun so unpretencious a crowd smiling jovial, peaceful contenment. Annies movements are not BIG in the true sense of the word but hey are seen and are expressive, especially the hand waving and rising and fluttering. She sings - I believe because she must - because she feels it. Feeling the togetherness and wavelength of the crowd, I also felt Annie has this unique talent. To make you feel like she was with you singing to you in and through this crowd of people. That is why I say I was alone with Annie Lennox in a room full of people. Annie's band was tight and important but not over powering, bringing the necessary sounds of the old tunes but yet letting Annie be heard. Lights simple yet expressive, set and kept the mood. Nothing elaborate, or nothing expected to heighten or fill in for the performer. Also with her was an incredible back-up trio. It always make me wonder why some people with talent are singing back-up. The women, Annie and her singers, each taking turns did a rousing and fun rendition of "Sisters are Doing It For Themselves." Annie sharing the stage unselfishly and enjoying herself in the mix. Also, she later did on piano what amounted to an acooustic like version of "Sweet Dreams," which was lovely and well received. She banged them out and they were gut wrenchingly done and heartfelt and she was in great voice not a crack or break the whole evening. Later in the show she covered Neil Young's "Don't Let It Bring Yo Down," as she did on her Medusa album. Oh just stringing them together like beads now, "COLD, Who's That Girl and several others - suprised I remembered this many. She wound up, with encore doing about 20 -22 songs. The encore was rockin' Beginning with "Would I Lie To YOu" and then what may have been the best song and production of the night - "Missionary Man." And closing with "I Need A MAn" - still not getting that concept - LOL! The crowd was in a controlled frenzy as she returned of course to do "Why." And I ask now - why weren't you all there? As a performer, this may seem weird but her strut and emotion ... and OH I dont know - something for me anyway reminds me of Judy Garland. The pure sacrifice of the performance. For me she is the Judy of the rock world, or Judy of the 90's and the new millennium. I have no real explanation it just keeps popping into my head. And I would think thats a very good thing. She is theatrical and real and feels and loves the stage - only this gal has got her shit together. Annie Lennox I have seen her and I wouldn't have missed it for the world! Because Sweet Dreams are made of this. Peace, Susan Yahoo! Tax Center - File online, calculators, forms, and more http://tax.yahoo.com
