27 minutes of Diana's performance:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgsdWhul18k
Thanks to Grady Johnson for the YouTube posting.
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27 minutes of Diana's performance:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgsdWhul18k
Thanks to Grady Johnson for the YouTube posting.
http://www.ocregister.com/entertainm...e-64162--.html
Diana Ross serves up satisfying nostalgia at Hollywood Bowl
Review: Four years since her triumphant return to performing, however, the iconic diva is showing signs of fatigue.
When Diana Ross returned to live performing four years ago, wowing critics and fans alike with a brief 11-date tour that included an indelible appearance at the Pantages Theatre, the result was nothing short of triumphant.
After more than a decade away, the Motown diva was suddenly in miraculously strong form, fully recovered from a stint in rehab two years earlier after a drunk-driving arrest and, two years before that, a botched Supremes reunion that went nowhere fast. Surely no one came away that night anticipating that Ross would restore any record-store bankability; she hasn't been a major seller since "Endless Love" at the start of the '80s, her ensuing work noticed only by staunch devotees, though "I Love You," her collection of rock covers from 2006, has pushed past the 100,000 mark.
STILL A CROWD-PLEASER: Diana Ross, 64, seen here performing in Zurich, Switzerland, on July 9, offered a pleasing 75-minute set stuffed full of Supremes smashes, '70s ballads and more recent covers Friday night at the Hollywood Bowl. [[Ms. Ross did not permit photographers at the Bowl.)
STEFFEN SCHMIDT, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
MORE PHOTOS »
Diana Ross
•Where: The Hollywood Bowl
•When: July 25
•Next: The diva performs again at the Bowl Saturday night at 8:30
•How much: $10-$149
•Call: 714-740-2000
•Online: www.ticketmaster.com, www.laphil.org
Set list
Click here to find out everything Lady Supreme played at the Bowl.
What that show proved, however, was that Ross, having then just entered her 60s, still had a future as a cherished American icon capable of expertly reviving her '60s and '70s pop-soul gems while packing almost as much power [[if not elasticity) in her reedy purr as she exhibited at the time of … well, maybe not "Lady Sings the Blues," but certainly "The Boss." As had been the case with Barbra Streisand or Bette Midler or [[if you caught her on a good night) Aretha Franklin, Ross had reminded that she could still be a showstopper, one who relies on few frills.
Cut to her likeable but by no means spectacular performance Friday at the Hollywood Bowl, her first of two nights at the venerable venue this weekend - and now I just don't know what to think. My kinder side wants to view it as a pleasant evening of nostalgic entertainment. But my critical side can't help but notice the flaws - how hoarse she was in her mid-range, how many times her voice cracked, how it all felt like Vegas plastic, not the sort of crowning achievement one expects from a star of her caliber in such an auspicious headlining stint.
Granted, familiarity does indeed breed contempt, and the surprise of 2004 wasn't apt to be repeated. She performed then like a tarnished legend with something to prove; she performed here like an old pro merely seeing to it that people got their money's worth.
And, to be fair, they did, even from a 75-minute, four-gown show that should have been longer and started earlier. [[The L.A. Philharmonic was solid as ever on two jazzy symphonic pieces, Richard Rodgers' "Slaughter on Tenth Avenue" and Duke Ellington's "Harlem." But that appetizer wasn't entirely necessary.)
Announcing at the outset that she would journey through "my lifetime of music, starting with the good old days," Ross didn't miss many signposts. You wanted Supremes smashes? You got five effervescent heartbreakers right off the bat: "My World Is Empty without You," "Where Did Our Love Go?," "Baby Love," "Stop! In the Name of Love" and "You Can't Hurry Love." You prefer her big ballads? How about the sad affair of "Touch Me in the Morning" or the questioning "Theme from Mahogany"? [["Endless Love" was curiously absent, but I think it got cut on the spot when either Ross got the set list mixed up and started - and then stopped - the wrong song, or she failed to inform the band that time was short and she was skipping it.)
Or perhaps you dig it most when Diana does disco. No sweat - here's "Upside Down," there's an encore of "I Will Survive." Then again, maybe you're the sort who doesn't actually care what she plays, so long as she keeps her Cher-like parade of ridiculously skin-tight dresses moving. [[The first, red with billowing arms of tulle, was the most over-the-top. The last, canary-yellow with a plunging neckline, also had the longest train. The slinky one during the Billie Holiday sequence was the most appropriate, both for the music and her physique. All were so heavily drenched with sequins that the sparkle must have been visible from the dark side of the moon.)
Were I to have checked my thinking cap at the entrance, I, too, would consider Ross' revue a nice diversion, a fine summer's night out. Honestly, the crowd seemed so delighted by set's end, that's pretty much where I'd prefer to leave off my critique. Actually, I was so impressed by yet another contoured version of "Don't Explain," that kinda made it all worthwhile for me - and makes me wish she'd indulge an entire evening of such singing, where the rasp of later life adds nuances younger vocalists can't possibly achieve.
Still, I can't shake some reservations. You tell me: What does it mean when Ross belts the high notes of "More Today Than Yesterday" with more oomph and pizzazz than those of her own classics? That her perma-smile and poodle hair now hides the soul of a seasoned interpreter who wishes she were taken seriously as something other than a nostalgia merchant? Or is it that she's already growing tired of the routine again?
Contact the writer: 714-796-2248 or bwener@ocregister.com
I'm not bored. It's actually funny that Marv gets so agitated when Diana Ross succeeds at something. For years, he has dished it out - now Ross supporters are fighting back and he's jerking and sizzling like a squirrel biting into a telephone wire. Whoop that trick!
Love the youtube video - Thanks for posting !!!
She sounds and looks good !!!!
Glad to see Diana still has her saxophone player ~~~ That man can blow a mean horn.
Thanks to all the positive posters for the reviews and video!
Do folks have more photos?
A review from 2008??? Lol, seems as if Marv is getting his knickers in a twist & can't stand the thought of Ms Ross getting rave reviews or having anything positive said about her. A bit desperate and pathetic really but if that's what rocks his little Diana obsessed world, then who am I to argue??
Now THERE she's got her shit together! Not under pitch and hoarse like on RTL, the Supremes songs sounded good, and done in a proper fashion with good pics on the big screen. I do find it a bit odd that "Love Child" is arranged identical to the Sweet Sensation version.
i haven't been on these boards long but it doesn't take too long to figure out what an embittered, frustrated troll marv2 is. really pathetic. gurlfriend is chomping at the bit and throwing a hissy fit that Diana Ross has still got it and gets reviewed by major publications like the LA Times while Mary Wilson gets reviewed by....yeah, so now you get the point.
Stop crying marv2. Here's a crying towel, dry your eyes gurl...and STFU and go back and sit in the corner.
I was at the Bowl on Saturday night and was seated in section T. I paid over $100 per ticket. Section T is almost all the way to the back. So believe me she will not be splitting a $35 dollar ticket with anyone!! This show was amazing.... Thousands of fans everywhere. The hotel I was staying at was completely sold out. The desk lady said everybody was heading to the Hollywood Bowl. Traffic was a nightmare all hotels were sold out you couldn't get a room anywhere all beause of the one and only DIANA ROSS!
******OMG!******...LUV this!!!..ah ha ha ha ha ha ha ha HA!
"Ross supporters are fighting back and he's jerking and sizzling like a squirrel biting into a telephone wire. "
and this is just the beginning.. wait until the announcements for MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL [[which will play forever on Broadway) getting made into a movie [[which will actually be "The Diana Ross Story").. show some compassion, it must be lonely watching those trailer park shows with former Supreme Mary Wells..oops.. whoever...haha
Hey everyone we all know marv2 write terrible things about Diane Ross and we all know marv2 got a real unhealthy obsession with Diane Ross and we all know the disgusting things he post about homosexual gentlemen over at youtube but lets not stoop to his level. please leave Miss Mary Wilson out of this. miss Wilson is a lovely lady and a true Supreme and like Diane she deserves our love and respect. Dont lower yourselves to marv2s level. Stay classy and stay positive.
Thank you.
Roberta
Have to agree with Roberta, Mary Wilson is indeed a lovely talented lady. Not everyone can be the great DIANA ROSS, but that does not mean they do not possess their own unique talent. Try to stay cool......
Yeah, yaw'll are talking powerful smack to ol' Marv. I think he realizes he's now outnumbered and has backed off. You guys read him like you were at the library reading the latest bestseller that can't be checked out. You know those books they only give you an hour or two to read so you go at it fast and furious. LOL. Vgalindo, I think Milven did a jab at Mary Wilson splitting a $35.00 ticket not Diana Ross. If you gonna battle, you gotta make sure you know your opponent. Lol.
I was being sarcastic. She most definately will not be doing shows for $35. I love the Hollywood Bowl. Was there years ago to see another of my favorite ladies. Almost flew in to see Diana at the bowl but then she scheduled something on this coast. I will see her in couple of weeks. Our tickets cost $149 each.
What a SHAME,you guys are puttin' one former SUPREME down,just to build another former up,this is CRAZY on both ends,come on guys,this is so CHILDISH,if you love Diana,and think she is great,love her,or if you love Mary Wilson,and think she is great,love her,[[and i do)this is soooo SILLY,i do know this,Mary and Diana dosen't like it,so please Stop In The Name Of Love lol,if you say Marv has an obession with Diana,and then you come back puttin' Mary down,that don't make you any better,just saying,Please stay positive.p.s are any of you guys going to see An Evening With Natalie Cole At The Hollywood Bowl?as The Jackson 5 sang I'll Be There.
You are right. The jab of splitting a $35.00 ticket wasn't a jab at Diana. Actually, it wasn't even a jab at Mary even though the reference was to her. The jab was to Marv. He professes to be such a fan, yet he wasn't fan enough to cross the Hudson and go see her open for Herman's Hermits. I'm glad to see Mary still able to get bookings.
I actually saw this show, but did not comment because I didn't enjoy any of it, including Mary. Mary was not bad. I think the audience expected something else from her. I did like her enthusiasm trying to win over the audience. For me, the best Mary shows are when she does not do Supremes songs. By depending on the Supremes' so much, she has cornered herself into an oldies act.
I was at the same theater a week later to see Gladys. Ticket prices were tripled, audience was much nicer and friendlier and Gladys was in top shape.
But back to Diana. I am looking forward to seeing her in less than two weeks even though I know in advance that she will open with I'm Coming Out again. Wouldn't it be nice if she changed her act a little and opened with something different and unexpected and inappropriate like Sugar Sugar by the Archies [[Yes, I'm bein' sarcastic again :rolleyes:;):):D)
Point taken and you are right. As a Supreme fan, I don't like to see any of them attacked. The main culprit is Marv. He actually goes out of his way to attack Diana and proof is right here in this thread. Knowing of his dangerously fanatical attraction to Mary, the easiest way to attack him is to say something degrading about Mary. Not right. Not fair to Mary. And it makes all Supremes fans seem as petty as Marv is.
I will give it my best shot to refrain. But you won't get the same promise from Marv. And Ralph will continue to give him member privileges.
It looks like ET will be doing a story on Diana tonight.
All man Jonc! You don't know nothing but how to waste people's time with you feeble, ongoing attempts at starting fights.
I just posted what others have said about Diane's concerts in recent years and you and some of your boys just can't take it. You get all psychotic over a woman none of you know. I wished all you that go all crazy over Diane the opportunity to meet and know her!!!!
Now if you are upset about the reviews, the email the papers that printed them until they submit to your will...........NOT LOL! Diane is doing good just to be able to be still standing upright behind a microphone anywhere. Be happy for that.
Hey man are you crazy? Are you crazy? I don't need to cross no goddamned Hudson to see Mary. I see her all the time, but that's none of your business fool! Why don't you make a point of meeting me face to face and make me see things your way! It's easy to sit up here and talk shit hiding behind a computer.
Roberta I am waiting on your smart ass response to this that is not even directed to you. Stop playing like you are a woman and stay outta of it!
I ain't no culprit! You just do not agree with or like some of things I say. Is that suppose to make you better than me? I don't give a S%^T about no tired ass Diane Ross. You want to smear and talk about me because I am not a fan? You'd better check yourself man and stop talking shit directed at me. Talk about "Dianah Ross" and leave your weak assed jabs for someone else and not me!
Dont you ever try talking your smart talk about Ralph! You would not
even be here if it weren't for him. None of us would be jerk!
Marv
jonC lolololololol. That guy must have jilted you at the alter because youve got it bad and that aint good marv2.
For the record I could give a hoot about Dianes reviews or Marys reviews or Justin Beiber reviews. Im just glad Diane and Mary are still working and enjoying they work.
How come everytime Diane Ross go on tour you go beserk?
Roberta
Sad but true. Why can't anyone stop Marv or reign him in? He does bring out the worst in people and they fight back by attacking his idol - just as he attacks theirs. He has not done any service to Mary Wilson. He's actually made things worse for her. I hope she realizes this because he sure doesn't. And as usual, when he's really pissed; Marv goes and challenges someone to a physical confrontation that he knows may never happen. But let me remind you all that several forum members have gladly volunteered to meet him-- just as long as he names the place and time and then let the chips and fists fly and fall as they may. He's the one who never takes that challenge. Next, he will play the victim and whine that he's being picked on when it was one of his cronies and he who entered this thread and started the fight as usual. He needs his own reality show: The Real Madman and Big Baby of the East Coast or wherever he lives.
From what you are posting on this thread, my guess is that I am way better than you. I did not smear you. You are the one calling me crazy. You are the one who just called me a fool. You are the one who called me a jerk. And you are the one who wishes to meet me face to face? Why? You said that I am too scared to meet you face to face. Why would I be afraid? I'm not afraid of discussing with words in person or on a computer. Or should I be afraid of a physical threat if I meet you in person? Am I better than you? From your postings here, all here would agree that I am most definately better than you. And you know it. And what can you do about that? Nothin' !! Live with it !!
Tracy also said Evans new album will be coming out in September. Boy it has taken forever for this release. Does anyone know if it will have the reported duet with Diana? I sure hope so.
Publicity on a national entertainment news show! OH OH. Heads will explode over this! I saw THE ET feature. It was with her five children after her triumphant "Hollywood return." ET said this.
Maybe he had $100.00 that he wanted to spend and didn't mind it. Some people have it like that. Money is no object when it comes to getting something they want. Why worry about how other people spend THEIR money? Sounds like hating to me.