www.facebook.com/groups/160024457441608/permalink/1005079982936047/Concert Review by Anwaar Hassan
All good things must come to an end and when you leave a venue wishing it would not have ended so soon, you know that you leave with memories of an experience you'll cherish and remember for many years to come if not for a lifetime.
The last time I saw Jackie was in 2014. She was 14 then.
If you've never seen Jackie in close intimate surroundings accompanied by just a piano, then you may have missed the opportunity. Jackie and Peter were the only two performers on stage all night. Peter did his magic and the orchestra that wasn't there wasn't a miss (for me at least). More on this later.
I had a front row seat and could literally touch the stage with an outstretched hand. At this particular venue I found some disadvantages to sitting in the front row. Had to look up at the stage and I had stage speakers on stage in front of me. However, the advantage was that I could clearly see Jackie and literally every expression and emotion that she displayed, something that enhanced the experience of listening and watching her sing.
The theatre hall was small but created a rather intimate atmosphere. I would say that almost any seat was a good seat at this venue.
Here is the song list :
1. Pure Imagination
2. Made to Dream
3. Memories
4. Music of the Night
5. New Song - Fix You (Cold Play)
6. Impossible Dream
7. Wonderful World
8. Nessun Dorma
Intermission
9. Take me There
10. Original Song - Think About It - (not written by Jackie)
11. Over the Rainbow
12. Revisiting the past - (sort of medley) - Jackie w/piano accompaniment ONLY
A. O Mio Babbino Caro
B. Time to Say Goodbye
C. Think of Me
D. Somewhere
E. When You Wish Upon a Star
F. The Prayer - Dedicated to David Foster
13. Writings on the Wall
14. Safe and Sound
15. Lovers
16. The Lord's Prayer
Encore - All I ask of You
Jackie wore two dresses during the concert. The black gown during the first half and a short white dress during second half (I'm sure the ladies are going to hate me for not being more descriptive).
Jackie's entrance onto the stage, as always, is simply ... Stunning ! Simple elegance, sophistication, class etc are probably superlatives that come to mind but somehow fail to meet the mark and one is often at a loss to explain the undefinable. Its easy to understand why people are drawn to her but hard to explain. Jackie seemed a little nervous for the first few minutes upon appearing on stage but settled down pretty quickly and her demeanor and banter during the second half was a delight to watch.
Memorable Moments -
Memories
Music of the Night (Standing Ovation). Beautifully done and very expressive.
New Song - Fix You (Cold Play) - She sings it better than the original.
Nessun Dorma - First time for me to see her sing this live. Sounded even better live.
Over the Rainbow - Impeccable rendition.
New Original Song - Think about it - This is a must listen for fans !
Jackie said her new album will be out in January 2017 and will be a Pop album but emphasized that she will remain true to her classical roots. She is experimenting.
Met up with some great fans and had a great time overall.
Unforgettable Moments -
1. Jackie did something that I had not seen her do in her 5 previous concerts that I attended. She stood by the piano with Peter and relived her past with 6 songs. This was with subdued piano accompaniment only (no other electronic instrumentation). She sang the songs slowly and her voice rang pure and clear. For some fans like myself, this is about as close to nirvana as we are going to get. If she ever did a complete concert in this fashion, I'd be the first one in line :-). Her rendition of O Mio Babbino Caro is probably one of the best renditions I've ever heard from anyone including Jackie. I think there was a collective sigh in the audience when she started the song. Soul searing and hair raising !
2. Maggie - We all got to see the real Maggie today as she trotted on stage towards the end of the concert.
Jackie's voice continues to be one of the most remarkable and beautiful voices I've ever heard and the passage of time only seems to add to its beauty and splendor. Of course my opinion is biased (I'm a fan after all), but my ears don't lie :-).
I left the concert with the same thought I had the last time I attended one in 2014....
And long will the mind recall
Wondrous the music of the night
And center stage, captivating all
The Voice singing to our heart's delight.