REVIEW
DIONNE WARWICK
SOUTHEND'S CLIFFS PAVILION
MONDAY 30TH MAY 2022
SOUTHEND'S CLIFFS PAVILION
MONDAY 30TH MAY 2022
Dionne Warwick is a musical icon, her music has dominated the charts and radio waves since she first entered the music industry almost six decades ago and her voice is instantly recognisable with its husky, deep, melodic tones. The anticipation of seeing Warwick live for many of us was palpable and the support act, Rachel John, did a fantastic job of fuelling audience expectations in providing her own fabulous set of soul and gospel songs, showing off some extraordinarily effortless vocals.
The first thing you notice about Dionne Warwick is just how tiny she looks, with the audience almost collectively holding its breath for what's to come as she tentatively makes her way to centre stage.
Her first song is “Welcome to My World” which, as it turns out, is a world that has unavoidably necessitated her to have to slow right down. The enforced lockdown during the Covid pandemic gave her a reason to stay at home and enjoy the comfort of her own bed, instead of racing around airports, and staying in numerous hotels on tour. It also gave her the opportunity and satisfaction, she tells us, of making bacon for breakfast just the way she likes it. (It's crispy by the way.)
What’s really slowed her down is the recent surgery she’s had on her foot; and so for the majority of the evening Warwick is sitting down. Despite her frailness, she still retains her stylish looks - she wears a gorgeous loose fitting blue sparkly blouse over a shiny beige silk trouser outfit, finished with a pair of equally shiny, fluffy slippers. And why not? Turns out that 82 year old superstars can still rock out the glamour regardless of medical setbacks.
Warwick promises us a stroll down memory lane and doesn’t disappoint, launching into “Walk on By”, “Anyone Who Had a Heart”, “You’ll Never Get to Heaven If You Break My Heart”, “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again”, “Message to Michael”, “This Girls in Love with You”, and a knock out rendition of “I Say a Little Prayer,” which she duets with the band’s drummer who, it turns out, also happens to be her eldest son, David Elliott. He is certainly his mother’s son, displaying some beautiful silky smooth vocals.
The Southend concert is the first night of the She’s Back: One Last Time Tour and it would be unfair to say that it didn’t seem to go without any hitches. Warwick was clearly not happy with the sound levels from the get go, and could be seen mouthing to her pianist that she couldn’t hear anything through her in-ear monitors; an absolute nightmare for any vocalist. The band and string section, despite sounding great could have done with a little more ‘oomph’ not only in volume but in energy and personality, the only time I saw the bassist crack a smile was when Warwick asked the audience to sing back at her at the end of “What the World Needs Now” and got it wrong.
Things picked up in the second half with Warwick and the band getting more into their stride. It’s probably a good thing that Warwick asks the audience to sing along because it’s really hard not to with songs like, “Heartbreaker”, “I’ll Never Love This Way Again” and “We Are The World”. It also helps to hide the fact that Warwick’s vocals are just not as powerful as they used to be and are much softer now. However, she definitely hasn’t lost any of her sassiness or sense of humour and you get the feeling that she takes no prisoners. She frequently has the audience chuckling with her dry wit.
The evening ends on a high with Warwick’s hit record, “That’s What Friends Are For” and the audience are on their feet to see this musical legend leave the Cliffs Pavilion stage 'one last time'.
The tour continues. For tickets go to www.ticketetk.co.uk
Review: Kim Tobin
The first thing you notice about Dionne Warwick is just how tiny she looks, with the audience almost collectively holding its breath for what's to come as she tentatively makes her way to centre stage.
Her first song is “Welcome to My World” which, as it turns out, is a world that has unavoidably necessitated her to have to slow right down. The enforced lockdown during the Covid pandemic gave her a reason to stay at home and enjoy the comfort of her own bed, instead of racing around airports, and staying in numerous hotels on tour. It also gave her the opportunity and satisfaction, she tells us, of making bacon for breakfast just the way she likes it. (It's crispy by the way.)
What’s really slowed her down is the recent surgery she’s had on her foot; and so for the majority of the evening Warwick is sitting down. Despite her frailness, she still retains her stylish looks - she wears a gorgeous loose fitting blue sparkly blouse over a shiny beige silk trouser outfit, finished with a pair of equally shiny, fluffy slippers. And why not? Turns out that 82 year old superstars can still rock out the glamour regardless of medical setbacks.
Warwick promises us a stroll down memory lane and doesn’t disappoint, launching into “Walk on By”, “Anyone Who Had a Heart”, “You’ll Never Get to Heaven If You Break My Heart”, “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again”, “Message to Michael”, “This Girls in Love with You”, and a knock out rendition of “I Say a Little Prayer,” which she duets with the band’s drummer who, it turns out, also happens to be her eldest son, David Elliott. He is certainly his mother’s son, displaying some beautiful silky smooth vocals.
The Southend concert is the first night of the She’s Back: One Last Time Tour and it would be unfair to say that it didn’t seem to go without any hitches. Warwick was clearly not happy with the sound levels from the get go, and could be seen mouthing to her pianist that she couldn’t hear anything through her in-ear monitors; an absolute nightmare for any vocalist. The band and string section, despite sounding great could have done with a little more ‘oomph’ not only in volume but in energy and personality, the only time I saw the bassist crack a smile was when Warwick asked the audience to sing back at her at the end of “What the World Needs Now” and got it wrong.
Things picked up in the second half with Warwick and the band getting more into their stride. It’s probably a good thing that Warwick asks the audience to sing along because it’s really hard not to with songs like, “Heartbreaker”, “I’ll Never Love This Way Again” and “We Are The World”. It also helps to hide the fact that Warwick’s vocals are just not as powerful as they used to be and are much softer now. However, she definitely hasn’t lost any of her sassiness or sense of humour and you get the feeling that she takes no prisoners. She frequently has the audience chuckling with her dry wit.
The evening ends on a high with Warwick’s hit record, “That’s What Friends Are For” and the audience are on their feet to see this musical legend leave the Cliffs Pavilion stage 'one last time'.
The tour continues. For tickets go to www.ticketetk.co.uk
Review: Kim Tobin
Legendary six-time Grammy Award-winning recording artist Dionne Warwick has announced that her new UK & European concert dates, ‘One Last Time’ will form part of her Farewell Tour.
Warwick says “After almost six decades I’ve decided it’s time to put away from touring trunk and focus on recording, one off concerts and special events. I still love performing live, but the rigours of travelling every day so far from home, sleeping in a different hotels each night, one concert after the other, is becoming hard. So, I’ve decided to stop touring on that level in Europe…. But I’m not retiring!!”
The first leg of this headline tour, in some of the UK’s most beautiful theatres, will encompass Warwick’s monumental career, with songs from her hugely successful recording catalogue including a selection of classic Warwick/Burt Bacharach/Hal David songs such as ‘I Say A Little Prayer’, ‘Do You Know The Way To San Jose’, ‘Anyone Who Had A Heart’ and ‘Walk On By’.
Warwick ranks among the 40 biggest hit makers of the entire rock era (1955-1999), based on the Billboard Hot 100 Pop Singles Charts. She is one of the most-charted female vocalists of all time, with 56 of her singles making the Billboard Hot 100 between 1962 and 1998, and 80 singles making all Billboard charts combined.
Warwick says “After almost six decades I’ve decided it’s time to put away from touring trunk and focus on recording, one off concerts and special events. I still love performing live, but the rigours of travelling every day so far from home, sleeping in a different hotels each night, one concert after the other, is becoming hard. So, I’ve decided to stop touring on that level in Europe…. But I’m not retiring!!”
The first leg of this headline tour, in some of the UK’s most beautiful theatres, will encompass Warwick’s monumental career, with songs from her hugely successful recording catalogue including a selection of classic Warwick/Burt Bacharach/Hal David songs such as ‘I Say A Little Prayer’, ‘Do You Know The Way To San Jose’, ‘Anyone Who Had A Heart’ and ‘Walk On By’.
Warwick ranks among the 40 biggest hit makers of the entire rock era (1955-1999), based on the Billboard Hot 100 Pop Singles Charts. She is one of the most-charted female vocalists of all time, with 56 of her singles making the Billboard Hot 100 between 1962 and 1998, and 80 singles making all Billboard charts combined.
REVIEW
RACHEL JOHN
SOUTHEND'S CLIFFS PAVILION
MONDAY 30TH MAY 2022
SOUTHEND'S CLIFFS PAVILION
MONDAY 30TH MAY 2022
Every headlining star needs a good act to open their show. The function of the supporting artist is to settle the audience, warm up the atmosphere with some good music, maybe some chat too, and get the crowd ready to hear the artist they have paid to see.
Here lies the dilemma. The supporting artist is NOT who people have come to watch. Sometimes , audience members even prefer to sit out in the bar, have a drink, and avoid the opening performer altogether. On the other hand, as the lesser known performer, you are getting the chance to sing to a sellout crowd every night, and win some new fans and followers yourself.
For her valedictory (I won’t say “Farewell") tour of the UK, Dionne Warwick has chosen the very best. Last night, Hackney born Rachel John walked quietly on to the stage of the Cliffs Pavilion and took the crowd by storm.
Rachel is already widely known as a leading lady on the West End stage. She first came to prominence in the musical, Memphis, when she covered and went on for Beverley Knight in the leading role, taking over in her own right when Knight left the show. She then went on to star in The Bodyguard, and was then cast as Angelica Schuyler in the London production of Hamilton.
However, this tour marks Miss John’s debut as a concert performer in her own right, and, as the opening date of the whole tour, Southend was the very lucky first audience to hear her. With superb support on keys from Sean Lewis, she began her set with a captivating rendition of Randy Crawford’s "One Day I’ll Fly Away", before moving on to songs by Emile Sande, as well as original compositions written for her.
She moved on to some jazzy, upbeat arrangements of her favourite hymns as featured on her new album, “From My Lips To God’s Ear" including "How Great Thou Art", before ending her set on a real high with an energetic rendition of "Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing".
By the time she left the stage, Rachel, together with Sean, had given us a 35 minute set of fabulously varied music. Her effortlessly beautiful voice gave huge pleasure. I, for one, would be happy to hear her again any time she can make a trip to Southend. If you happen to book for a further date on this major tour, you are in for a treat....just don’t be late!!!
Review : Andrew Walters
Here lies the dilemma. The supporting artist is NOT who people have come to watch. Sometimes , audience members even prefer to sit out in the bar, have a drink, and avoid the opening performer altogether. On the other hand, as the lesser known performer, you are getting the chance to sing to a sellout crowd every night, and win some new fans and followers yourself.
For her valedictory (I won’t say “Farewell") tour of the UK, Dionne Warwick has chosen the very best. Last night, Hackney born Rachel John walked quietly on to the stage of the Cliffs Pavilion and took the crowd by storm.
Rachel is already widely known as a leading lady on the West End stage. She first came to prominence in the musical, Memphis, when she covered and went on for Beverley Knight in the leading role, taking over in her own right when Knight left the show. She then went on to star in The Bodyguard, and was then cast as Angelica Schuyler in the London production of Hamilton.
However, this tour marks Miss John’s debut as a concert performer in her own right, and, as the opening date of the whole tour, Southend was the very lucky first audience to hear her. With superb support on keys from Sean Lewis, she began her set with a captivating rendition of Randy Crawford’s "One Day I’ll Fly Away", before moving on to songs by Emile Sande, as well as original compositions written for her.
She moved on to some jazzy, upbeat arrangements of her favourite hymns as featured on her new album, “From My Lips To God’s Ear" including "How Great Thou Art", before ending her set on a real high with an energetic rendition of "Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing".
By the time she left the stage, Rachel, together with Sean, had given us a 35 minute set of fabulously varied music. Her effortlessly beautiful voice gave huge pleasure. I, for one, would be happy to hear her again any time she can make a trip to Southend. If you happen to book for a further date on this major tour, you are in for a treat....just don’t be late!!!
Review : Andrew Walters
West End Sensation Rachel John to Support Dionne Warwick on UK Tour
30th May Southend Cliffs Pavilion
30th May Southend Cliffs Pavilion
West End star Rachel John has been confirmed as soul legend Dionne Warwick’s special guest for her extensive UK tour, which starts at the end of May.
The news follows the April release of Rachel’s debut album ‘From My Lips To God’s Ear’, which in turn saw the London-based performer grace the front cover of soul music bible Blues & Soul Magazine.
Rachel will open for Dionne Warwick at all of her 19 UK tour dates, which starts on 30th May and ends on 1st July, and includes two dates at The London Palladium on the 5th and 6th June.
As one of the West End’s most versatile performers, Rachel made her West End debut in Disney’s The Lion King in 2005 and has gone on to play major roles in We Will Rock You, Sister Act, Memphis, The Bodyguard and The Girl from The North Country – but she shot to fame in December 2017 when she opened as Angelica Schuyler in the original West End cast of Hamilton, a role for which she was nominated for an Olivier Award.
Rachel’s debut album ‘From My Lips To God’s Ear’, released on the Westway Music label, is a celebration of her love of gospel music, performing songs that she has listened to and sung throughout her life.
Looking ahead to the tour, Rachel said, “When I found out I would be touring with the incredible Dionne Warwick my heart skipped a beat. I’ve grown up listening to Dionne’s music, so to be given the opportunity to tour with her across the UK is mind-blowing – a genuine honour. She is unquestionably one of the greats!”
Dionne Warwick said, “Rachel John’s an incredible talent who I know my audience will love.”
The news follows the April release of Rachel’s debut album ‘From My Lips To God’s Ear’, which in turn saw the London-based performer grace the front cover of soul music bible Blues & Soul Magazine.
Rachel will open for Dionne Warwick at all of her 19 UK tour dates, which starts on 30th May and ends on 1st July, and includes two dates at The London Palladium on the 5th and 6th June.
As one of the West End’s most versatile performers, Rachel made her West End debut in Disney’s The Lion King in 2005 and has gone on to play major roles in We Will Rock You, Sister Act, Memphis, The Bodyguard and The Girl from The North Country – but she shot to fame in December 2017 when she opened as Angelica Schuyler in the original West End cast of Hamilton, a role for which she was nominated for an Olivier Award.
Rachel’s debut album ‘From My Lips To God’s Ear’, released on the Westway Music label, is a celebration of her love of gospel music, performing songs that she has listened to and sung throughout her life.
Looking ahead to the tour, Rachel said, “When I found out I would be touring with the incredible Dionne Warwick my heart skipped a beat. I’ve grown up listening to Dionne’s music, so to be given the opportunity to tour with her across the UK is mind-blowing – a genuine honour. She is unquestionably one of the greats!”
Dionne Warwick said, “Rachel John’s an incredible talent who I know my audience will love.”
The dates for the tour are as follows:
30th May Southend Cliffs Pavilion
31st May Birmingham Symphony Hall
1st June Bath The Forum
3rd June Manchester Bridgwater Hall
5th June London The London Palladium
6th June London The London Palladium
8th June Brighton The Brighton Dome
9th June Cambridge Corn Exchange
10th June York York Barbican
12th June Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
14th June Newcastle O2 City Hall
15th June Edinburgh Usher Hall
16th June Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
21st June Nottingham Royal Concert Hall
24th June Bournemouth Bournemouth Pavilion
25th June- Plymouth Plymouth Pavilions
28th June Cardiff St David’s Hall
29th June Leicester De Montfort Hall
1st July Scunthorpe Baths Hall
Tickets are available from www.officialdionnewarwick.com/shows
www.rachel-john.com
www.twitter.com/1RachelJohn
www.instagram.com/1racheljohn/
30th May Southend Cliffs Pavilion
31st May Birmingham Symphony Hall
1st June Bath The Forum
3rd June Manchester Bridgwater Hall
5th June London The London Palladium
6th June London The London Palladium
8th June Brighton The Brighton Dome
9th June Cambridge Corn Exchange
10th June York York Barbican
12th June Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
14th June Newcastle O2 City Hall
15th June Edinburgh Usher Hall
16th June Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
21st June Nottingham Royal Concert Hall
24th June Bournemouth Bournemouth Pavilion
25th June- Plymouth Plymouth Pavilions
28th June Cardiff St David’s Hall
29th June Leicester De Montfort Hall
1st July Scunthorpe Baths Hall
Tickets are available from www.officialdionnewarwick.com/shows
www.rachel-john.com
www.twitter.com/1RachelJohn
www.instagram.com/1racheljohn/