submitted by Michael Savor
Tuesday, November 5th was an amazing evening filled with incredible
musicianship and class, compliments of Harry Connick Jr. and his talented
funk band. The show began around 8:15pm with an open jam session featuring
all of the talented musicians of the funk band. The second song was
"How Do Ya'll Know" and the set list seemed very similiar to other reviews
sent in from Cleveland and Detroit. Harry encouraged everyone to dance and
have a good time. He told everyone to dance in the aisles, and trust me,
people did. It was hard to stand still. Some guy threw his tie on stage,
and Harry tied it around his head. Harry wore this shiny sleeveless silvery
shirt (that he said he bought that day) with white pants and black boots.
A few songs into the show, Harry picked up the trumpet and
introduced an instrumental song that is used as a funeral procession played
at funerals of famous jazz musicians in New Orleans. Since it was election
night, Harry commented on his father (who was running for office back home)
and talked about how he used to play at all of his campaigns as a kid. He
then picked up the guitar and went on to sing an amazing rendition of "
America the Beautiful" that made me feel patriotic, even though I'm
Canadian. During the second chorus he then sang: "North America the
Beautiful". He even commented on the Quebec separation issue asking if we
wanted Quebec to stay in Canada to which everyone yelled : YES! He did this
because he performed in Montreal the night before.
For about fifteen minutes Harry just chatted with the audience
about his touring, the interviews he gives and performing in general. He
also made fun of the dressing rooms back stage, saying he was too scared to
take a shower. That afternoon Harry was on the "Dini Petty Show" (a local
talk show on TV) and the next morning Harry taped an interview on "Canada
AM" (a Canadian version of Good Morning America). After his informal
disscussion with the audience Harry played a piano solo and sang some gospel
music performing "A Closer Walk With Thee". He also sang "Send me someone to
Love".
The band came back on stage performing "Eyes of the Seeker" with
Harry on bass. The band than performed "Reason to Believe", then they
pulled out an old Sly and the Family Stone classic "Thank You" and then went
on to do "Mind on the Matter", "City Beneath the Sea", and "Hear me in the
Harmony". After he said goodnight, Harry and the band came back on stage and
jammed as Harry jumped off stage (with his bass) and walked around the
aisles and even on the balcony. Everyone had a great time and left with a smile.
The concert was simply amazing. After the show the band came out and
chatted with everyone waiting outside. Harry agreed to sign autographs
before he went on the bus which was parked out front. He seemed tired, but
he acted very friendly and polite. When I told him I saw him perform with
his big band in Toronto (Aug. 1992) He said "That's cool", and thanked me
for the compliments. My girlfriend was with me and Harry signed the posters
we bought at the concert. He didn't just sign his name, he personally signed
the posters to us. Everyone outside was really happy to have the chance to
briefly meet, and chat with Harry. He showed a lot of class, and it's nice to
see that he cares about the fans.
