Aretha at Fest.

[marignygreg]

Fair warning, I do not want to be a buzzkill, but some of the reviews from last year are not very complimentary. She cancelled a show in Atlanta because she felt it was too hot ( wait till she gets to N'awlins ). If I was going to see Aretha at Acura, I would keep an open mind, don't get to excited for 'the hits' and I would pray for mild weather. Buyer beware !!



Can't believe I was disappointed!
By keepsgetnbetter from Dallas, TX on 4/16/2008
Cons: Crowd Was Not Into It, Poor Set List, Poor Sound Quality, Too Short
I can't believe I have to admit that the concert was a complete disappointment! I was so ready to lose myself is some good soulful music - seeing her walk on stage brought tears to my eyes....but when the star struck feeling wore off....it went downhill from there! Too short (45 mins of her singing...tops), unfamiliar songs, and too much gospel. We stuck it out to the end hoping at least for an encore....but other fans were not so ardent and filtered out...so sad! Oh well, at least I can say I saw the Queen of Soul before she retires....or is dethrowned.




Never Again
By Nylah THE Tiger from New York, N.Y on 3/26/2008
Pros: Crowd Was In To It
Cons: Too Short
Best For: Everyone
performance was to short maybe six songs, started 8:40 was finished by 9:40-9:45 and we got there late about 9pm so we mised half the show you had to be a die hard Aretha fan to enjoy !!!

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[marignygreg]

Of course If I am lucky enough to make Fest this year, Aretha would still be tops on my list !!

[The Dude]

It is Aretha...I've never seen her, and always wanted to. She could sing the back of a Wheaties box, and I'd still enjoy it, and could check her off my list of acts to see.

[swag]

I saw here a year ago, and enjoyed it. She was in good voice. The set list was a bit backwards - she did sing her biggest hits, but started with them and then finished with lesser known stuff.

[Jacquesimomo]

I'll cruise by and take a listen. If she's "off" then I'll just keep migrating... definitely have to check her out, but just like all the rest, it it ain't your bag you can keep on movin'...

[mdfest]

I have found this to be the case with a lot of the big, classic names. You know the names, you love the music, but the show you see leaves something to be desired. I know a lot has to do with age. Ive just found some artists are better as a mental image, if that makes sense.

[glinda]

Saw her a few times within the past five years. Usually a mixed review. Last time I saw her at Ravinia, she did some gospel and opera stuff that was really good. Her voice and power definitely showing signs of age. In any case SHE IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE A LEGEND worth seeing and giving her due R E S P E C T! :D

[mfrankkk]

I have found this to be the case with a lot of the big, classic names. You know the names, you love the music, but the show you see leaves something to be desired. I know a lot has to do with age. Ive just found some artists are better as a mental image, if that makes sense.

I found this to be true with Jerry Lee Lewis at fest 2 years ago. I will check Aretha out because I have never seen her before either.

[linza22]

I'll cruise by and take a listen. If she's "off" then I'll just keep migrating... definitely have to check her out, but just like all the rest, it it ain't your bag you can keep on movin'...

that would be exactly how i'll see her. i won't camp for her, but i would like a listen.

[Mexi]

It is Aretha...I've never seen her, and always wanted to. She could sing the back of a Wheaties box, and I'd still enjoy it, and could check her off my list of acts to see.

My feelings, exactly. :)
I'm looking forward to her, regardless of her setlist.

Reminds me of Van Morisson, a couple years back. He put on a killer performance, yet people in the crowd still complained, that he didn't play Brown-Eyed Girl.

[Lit]

I have found this to be the case with a lot of the big, classic names. You know the names, you love the music, but the show you see leaves something to be desired. I know a lot has to do with age. Ive just found some artists are better as a mental image, if that makes sense.

I happened to catch The Blues Brothers for the first time in several years while channel surfing the other night. I think I'd rather keep that mental image of her than ruin it if she disappoints massively at Fest. She is one of the few living legends that I would love to see but haven't. As much as I would like to check her off the list, I agree with you that sometimes it's better left to the memory of a legend than to ruin it with a disappointing reality. That was certainly the case when I saw Joni Mitchell at Fest (in '96, I think). As a first weekender this year I am bummed to have to miss Aretha, but knowing that her better days are far behind her, I'm not as bummed as I might have been.

As for The Blues Brothers, looking back on it now, the level of talent they were able to get to be in that goofy (in a great way) movie was astounding. Aretha, John Lee Hooker, Ray Charles, not to mention the members of the band itself (i.e., the MGs, or Stax house band).

[sophisticated sissy]

As for the Queen of Soul, I intend to keep a open mind and enjoy her performance throughly! I am thrilled that she will be playing the Fest.:)

[freebo]

The last time Aretha played Jazz Fest she was 'off'.

Apologized a lot about her weight gain, making excuses for this and that... Instead of just singing and laying that fabulous voice on us all.

She's the Queen of Soul, but I'm not getting my hopes up for a fantastic set. :cool:

As always, your mileage may vary.

[Frosty]

Aretha has had health issues and I can see her being unable to perform. However, criticism for singing to much Gospel makes me WANT to see her. I also saw that show Glinda and enjoyed hearing those songs. I can't remember the one near the end but it was a powerhouse number that really showed her voice. In addition, I still feel her best work is the little know jazz recordings. Her CD from the This Is Jazz series is terrific. Like the Van show, I love to hear an artist who can wrap themselves around a good song more than hear an artist cash in by mailing in some hits. Aretha can sing all gospel for all I care. That would make the show unique.

[sophisticated sissy]

Maybe reframe this: You're not getting your expectations up for a fantastic set ... but, SHE'S THE QUEEN OF SOUL!!!
:D :) :D :)

[Lit]

I still feel her best work is the little know jazz recordings. Her CD from the This Is Jazz series is terrific.

Do you have Jazz to Soul, the two-disc anthology from her Columbia years? I think it's fantastic. I know the general thinking is that Columbia didn't use her properly, and that it wasn't until she got to Atlantic that she really blossomed, but these recordings are great imo no matter what came after them. Perhaps her Atlantic material became so engrained and familiar to me that I take it for granted, but I prefer the material on Jazz to Soul these days. If you don't have it, I highly recommend it.

[glinda]

now I'm fantasizing that Irma comes up and does a song or two with her....

[Mexi]

I found this to be true with Jerry Lee Lewis at fest 2 years ago.

Dancing & applauding for JLL, was one of the highlights of my life!
Oh, what a thrill!

People get old. Even our musical heroes. They can't hit all the high notes, like they used to...so what. Should they not perform anymore? I guess I look at it more like an opportunity to pay respect & thank them while they're still alive. They've payed thier dues...mail it in, doesn't matter to me.

[marignygreg]

It is my hope that the magic vibe that presides over Fest, will bring out the best in her.
As far as still bringing the goods at an old age, we saw Tony Bennett last year and he was great!!

[Frosty]

Do you have Jazz to Soul, the two-disc anthology from her Columbia years? I think it's fantastic. I know the general thinking is that Columbia didn't use her properly, and that it wasn't until she got to Atlantic that she really blossomed, but these recordings are great imo no matter what came after them. Perhaps her Atlantic material became so engrained and familiar to me that I take it for granted, but I prefer the material on Jazz to Soul these days. If you don't have it, I highly recommend it.

I think they are both assembled from the same material. I think it is some of her best work.

[sophisticated sissy]

now I'm fantasizing that Irma comes up and does a song or two with her....

I'm right with you on that one, Glinda! :)

[pokerchick66]

It is my hope that the magic vibe that presides over Fest, will bring out the best in her.
As far as still bringing the goods at an old age, we saw Tony Bennett last year and he was great!!

Can't wait to see Tony Bennett! :p

[mdfest]

Can't wait to see Tony Bennett! :p

I love those stories you tell about when you were in high school together

[pokerchick66]

I love those stories you tell about when you were in high school together

lol, what???

[mdfest]

im JOKING blondie

[pokerchick66]

im JOKING blondie

I expect much higher standards from you. I'm gonna let you slide on this one since you are my favorite threadhead.

[funkkjunkie]

Hey! I thought I was your favorite threadhead!:D ;) :p

[rosetree]

Hey! I thought I was your favorite threadhead!:p

wait, what??!!!!??? I thought that Iwas her favorite Threadhead...and MDFest's too....;) :D

[pokerchick66]

Hey! I thought I was your favorite threadhead!:D ;) :p

You are. :)

[pokerchick66]

wait, what??!!!!??? I thought that Iwas her favorite Threadhead...and MDFest's too....;) :D

You are, too. :D

[Corona]

lol..freaks!

Re: Aretha, I can't NOT see her so we're gonna give it a shot and pray that it works out.

[pokerchick66]

lol..freaks!

Re: Aretha, I can't NOT see her so we're gonna give it a shot and pray that it works out.

I'll be right there witcha, baby! :p

(oo) What you want
(oo) Baby, I got
(oo) What you need
(oo) Do you know I got it?
(oo) All I'm askin'
(oo) Is for a little respect when you come home (just a little bit)
Hey baby (just a little bit) when you get home
(just a little bit) mister (just a little bit)

I ain't gonna do you wrong while you're gone
Ain't gonna do you wrong (oo) 'cause I don't wanna (oo)
All I'm askin' (oo)
Is for a little respect when you come home (just a little bit)
Baby (just a little bit) when you get home (just a little bit)
Yeah (just a little bit)

I'm about to give you all of my money
And all I'm askin' in return, honey
Is to give me my profits
When you get home (just a, just a, just a, just a)
Yeah baby (just a, just a, just a, just a)
When you get home (just a little bit)
Yeah (just a little bit)

Ooo, your kisses (oo)
Sweeter than honey (oo)
And guess what? (oo)
So is my money (oo)
All I want you to do (oo) for me
Is give it to me when you get home (re, re, re ,re)
Yeah baby (re, re, re ,re)
Whip it to me (respect, just a little bit)
When you get home, now (just a little bit)

R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Find out what it means to me
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Take care, TCB

Oh (sock it to me, sock it to me,
sock it to me, sock it to me,sock it to me, sock it to me,
sock it to me, sock it to me . . .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kkgQHcdlZU

[Rossvegas]

I recall reading a review of Aretha last year and it wasn't great. She apparently walked on stage holding her purse, and it sat at her feet the whole time. The theory is that she comes from the old school where you get your money BEFORE you go on stage, and all of her performance cash was in the purse. Twenty minutes later, she was out the door.

I have no complaint with any of the old performers - they deserve our respect - but I've come to realize that seeing them is more a tribute to them than anything else. I caught the late great James Brown a few years ago, and the guy might have actually sung for 15-20 minutes out of a two hour show. It wasn't James at the Apollo, but hell, what is??? I would exect the same from Aretha...

In the meantime, be sure to catch Earth, Wind and Fire. They are the real deal and they still sound great!

[Michelino]

I thought she was cool in 1994 at my first Jazzfest. I'll just have to compare notes this time. And gospel is fine with me.

[pokerchick66]

In the meantime, be sure to catch Earth, Wind and Fire. They are the real deal and they still sound great!

You are so right, Ross. Last time I saw them was at fest and they did not disappoint. They were beyond fabulous. Depending on what night they are first weekend, I hope to be right there with ya! :D

[linza22]

You are so right, Ross. Last time I saw them was at fest and they did not disappoint. They were beyond fabulous. Depending on what night they are first weekend, I hope to be right there with ya! :D

it's really hard to disappoint me at fest. i'm just so damn happy to be there.

[sharon_loves_fats]

it's really hard to disappoint me at fest. i'm just so damn happy to be there.

Hell yeah!

[mfrankkk]

It's all great!!

[McGregor]

I recall reading a review of Aretha last year and it wasn't great. She apparently walked on stage holding her purse, and it sat at her feet the whole time. The theory is that she comes from the old school where you get your money BEFORE you go on stage, and all of her performance cash was in the purse. Twenty minutes later, she was out the door.

I have no complaint with any of the old performers - they deserve our respect - but I've come to realize that seeing them is more a tribute to them than anything else. I caught the late great James Brown a few years ago, and the guy might have actually sung for 15-20 minutes out of a two hour show. It wasn't James at the Apollo, but hell, what is??? I would exect the same from Aretha...

In the meantime, be sure to catch Earth, Wind and Fire. They are the real deal and they still sound great!

that reminds me of the Chuck Berry documentary that Keith Richards did. Berry had no band, the event had to supply the band and if they were good they got an extra 10%. He also got paid up front.

In those days, a good idea I'd imagine.

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

Aretha is # 1 on my must see list. I know, there will be better sets but you have to catch a living legend before it is to late.

[festivalgirl]

Aretha is # 1 on my must see list. I know, there will be better sets but you have to catch a living legend before it is to late.

Saw here on my bday last year. She was terribly fat, needed a fan on her the whole time (inside a theater in February), schvitzing and passing out hot dogs to the audience ...... and she sounded fabulous.

She is well known for canceling shows at the last minute. Hopefully, this will not be one of them. (the heat will be a huge factor for her)

[BigDag]

I'll be there.

[jerseygirl67]

I'll be there.

Me too! can't wait!

[marignygreg]

Saw here on my bday last year. She was terribly fat, needed a fan on her the whole time (inside a theater in February), schvitzing and passing out hot dogs to the audience ...... and she sounded fabulous.

She is well known for canceling shows at the last minute. Hopefully, this will not be one of them. (the heat will be a huge factor for her)

Maybe the TBA is Lionell Ritchie , just in case Aretha cancels;)

[Rossvegas]

that reminds me of the Chuck Berry documentary that Keith Richards did. Berry had no band, the event had to supply the band and if they were good they got an extra 10%. He also got paid up front.

In those days, a good idea I'd imagine.

Oh yeah. I recall seeing the late great Ike Turner at the Ottawa Blues Fest a few years ago, and his delay in getting on stage was attributed to his demand that he have cash payment in full, in the palm of his hand, before he took the stage. Old skool, babeee!

[walterrob]

Seen Aretha twice and it was two different experiences both times. One was great (Apollo Theater in '06) and Saratoga Jazz Fest a few years prior to the Apollo show was so-so. In great voice both times but her weight was an issue as far as stamina went at Saratoga. She was visibly winded after certain songs and couldn't hit some notes. And she had her son do a rap which didn't go over well with the crowd at SPAC. Looking forward to seeing her this year though.

[sophisticated sissy]

Etta James was scheduled to perform at the series held at the Cincinnati Zoo a few years back. Her policy, too, is "no pay-no play". She wanted her check before taking the stage. She didn't even get off her tour bus!:)

[Staxsun]

I would never slam a performer for the "no pay, no play" stance. It just shows that they've been screwed enough times to know better.

[MzJoey]

Ya know, I'm sure many performers have to deal with enough scams and bullshit to fill a tour bus. I can't say, I've always held a regular job with a regular paycheck. But I dont blame them for having their ways, I'm sure they got the short end for being trusting many a time.
oh, btw...in a whisper....currently, it's 72 and sunny...

[MzJoey]

I would never slam a performer for the "no pay, no play" stance. It just shows that they've been screwed enough times to know better.

Hey Stax....
Wazzup Darlin???

[Staxsun]

Hey Stax....
Wazzup Darlin???

To quote Conway Twitty; "Hello, Darlin'". How're you dewin? I'm just trying to stay employed and getting ready for the craziness that will be February. We are headed to N.O. for Eileen to run the half-marathon on the 1st. Then the IBC is the 4th through the 7th. Then we have the Folk Alliance, the Zydeco Festival, the tennis tournament, and a bunch of assorted things on the schedule. I'm not sure about fest yet. I know I say that every year, but it is really looking tight at the moment. Glad to see you're going to make it!

[MzJoey]

Wow kudos to the lovely Eileen for the marathon, she's my hero!!! haha
Staying employed is good thing, especially for us ...er, um....old timers.
I hope you can squeeze JF into your schedule (and wallet)...I'll keep my fingers crossed!

[noah]

I sure hope "My Country Tis of Three" becomes part of her set. I'll never be able to hear it again without thinking of today...

[peteup]

She can sing through a snorkel underwater for all I care! I'll be there for sure. What an afternoon that's gonna be - Allen Toussaint, Aretha and the Nevilles.