Sponsored By
REVIEW: Neil Sedaka, City Hall
ACCLAIMED as a consummate performer in his own right, Neil Sedaka is equally renowned as a purveyor of hits for other people.
The start of his concert features film clips of a galaxy of stars
interpreting his songs – Frank Sinatra, Connie Francis, Cher, Neil Diamond, Tom Jones, Elvis and many more. Even Homer Simpson is in there.
Then the man himself strolls on to the stage, now 70 and looking good, to take the warm applause before sitting at the piano.
It's a one man show, just the master craftsman, his many hits and a dip into his new album, The Music Of My Life.
There's more applause as he fondly remembers the 50s and 60s and says: "You could understand the lyrics!"
Yet it is more than a nostalgia trip. Sedaka's voice retains its pure
crystalline quality, readily adaptable to the ballads and to the upbeat pop fluff of Oh! Carol and Happy Birthday Sweet 16.
The second set begins with more film, this time footage shot in 1961 ("the first pop video") to accompany Calendar Girl.
It's later material, though, that shows the true depth of his writing and delivery, songs such as Solitaire and The Hungry Years.
Despite the gloss, the approach is elementary: simple love songs with melodies that stick, a formula still being applied to the new album.
Neil Sedaka is the ultimate pro who has been writing magnificent pop songs for 57 years. Three encores and three standing ovations said it all.
BUY ONLINE: The Sheffield Telegraph and Property Guide are now out every Thursday. To sign up on line click here.
MORE:
Local News
Local Sport
Arts Guide
Community News
Listings Guide
Restaurant Guide
Letters
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Sheffield
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: -4 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -0 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South west
