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Romance and Nostalgia at the Pops
By Peggy Johnston
Jul 28th, 2009
It was a celebration of 40 years of making music on and off the stage
for Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis , Jr. at the Embarcadero Park
South. The couple announced that their 40th wedding anniversary was
this weekend.
The San Diego Symphony started the evening with George Gershwin's
overture to "Girl Crazy," a medley of tunes, including "I've Got
Rhythm," from the 1928 musical. Resident Pops conductor Matthew
Garbutt kept the tempos spritely with his customary energy and
delight in all things musical.
Then McCoo and Davis took the stage with their band, which did most
of the accompanying. The San Diego Symphony sat out for quite a few
numbers on the second half, and were not often heard when they did
play. The sound system is overly generous with the treble, making the
violins sound a bit tinny.
The first half was a musical biography of these still-great
performers. It began with "Up, Up and Away." McCoo belted wonderfully
with her rich, dark voice. Billy Davis is a good, if subtle, match.
They did a few songs from their Fifth Dimension days, including "Do
What You Want to Do." They moved on to their career as a duo and then
to the theatre. McCoo has played the role of Julie in "Show Boat" and
sang a soulful rendition of "Can't Help Lovin' That Man" from that musical.
Davis sang some gospel music from his religious album, "Let Me Have a
Dream." After intermission things got hot with the ballad, "Never, My
Love," and hits from Laura Nyro, including "Wedding Bell Blues." The
show included a nod to Duke Ellington with "I'm Just A Lucky So and
So." Other hits included "One Less Bell to Answer,""Get on Board,"
and "Chain of Fools."
Throughout the evening, the love and affection between McCoo and
Davis was palpable. Their banter was filled with the humor shared by
old friends and lovers. Their combo was excellent, with acoustic bass
solos by Kevin O'Neill and electric guitar solos by Major Black.
Thespectacular fireworks show accompanied "Age of Aquarius" and "Let
the Sunshine In." The audience was rocking and on their feet.
.
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