CONCERT RE-view: Legendary Neil Diamond Plays the KEY and is "So Good, So Good, So Good"!

by MK Scott

This past year, I have covered some of the best Singer/Songwriters from the world of POP. From Melissa Manchester to most recently, Paul Williams. The heyday was the 1960's and 70's, but there is one that is truly the King and Packs arenas every time. Take a little Sinatra, add the admiration and charm of Elvis plus the symbolism of Jimmy Buffet you get the longevity of Neil Diamond (Every song written by him). Diamond, (71, but looks and acts like he is 51) performed this past Monday at Seattle's Key Arena. It was a sell out for a performer in the business for over 50 Years.

Backed by a 14-piece band, Neil Diamond essentially put on a clinic of how to do a polished, professional show without ever losing that human connection that has always propelled Diamond's music and performances. It was Hit after Hit from the original, "Red, Red wine" and "I'm a Believer" (He sang 2 versions of it) to "Hello again", "Love on the Rocks", "Kentucky woman" and "Solitary Man". It was a multi-generational audience and was swooned by women of different ages. During "Girl You'll Be A Woman Soon", Diamond serenaded a young woman in tears and even commented, "You are younger than my Grand-daughter"! Also touching was during "You don't bring me flowers" and the Babs part was performed by one of his back up singers with the look and the voice to match Streisand. They slow danced and embraced at the end of the song and audience melted.

During "Cherry, Cherry", he introduced most of the band from the Brass section, to drums, to bass to Keyboard to Back up singers. Then came "Sweet Caroline" (with 4-refrains) and the audience yelling "So Good" (3-Times). The audience around me were placing bets on what songs he would do during the 4-song Encore. Most knew that "Coming to America" was coming, but the next song Cracklin' Rose and then the Iconic "Coming to America" with images of the flag and Lady Liberty on the Big screen. The songs that were missing were 1977's "Desiree", 1982's "Heartlight" and 1972's "Sing Song Blue". One of earliest memories, was singing "Sing Song Blue" in the car with my Mom. Flash forward 40 years and the man, voice and songs are  "So Good, So Good, So Good"!