Barry Manilow - Manilow Live DVD

Even before he steps out onto the stage, the audience is on its feet clapping and screaming for Barry Manilow in Manilow Live!, which was filmed in Nashville in February 2000. Walking out and launching into "Could it Be Magic?" Manilow proves his pipes are as strong and clear as ever and his suits still as dapper. He promises "beautiful melodies, passionate lyrics, great grooves, and maybe even some swivelling hips", to the delight of the sold-out house. A consummate showman, Manilow performs 24 of his biggest hits accompanied by full orchestra. During "Can't Smile... Without You", the audience holds up signs bearing smiley faces, hearts, and "ME" in hopes that the singer will pick them for his traditional duet. "Bandstand Boogie," the long-time theme song for American Bandstand, rocks the house, then Manilow brings it down for perennial favourite, "Mandy", which segues into "Even Now". His timing is impeccable, and he knows exactly how to work the adoring crowd. The accordion interlude is particularly amusing, as is "Flight of the Bumblebee" played on a kazoo. Mixing pop, jazz, disco and big band, Manilow moves smoothly through the two-hour set, alternately sitting at the piano or standing at the mike. The bluesy "That's Life" gets an infusion of energy from audience participation, and "Copacabana" is just as infectious as ever (with Manilow doing a little of that hip-swivelling). Ending with a heartfelt encore of "Stars in the Night", Manilow Live! is a must-have for fans. --Dana Van Nest, Amazon.com [show more]

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