A review of "Patti LaBelle Live!" by Patti LaBelle

Recorded at The Apollo Theatre in New York, and first released in 1992, this live album includes versions of "All Right Now", "Somebody Loves You Baby", "Lady Marmalade" and "Wind Beneath My Wings". In a flawless vocal performance, the former 1960s soul group singer Patti LaBelle proves that she has the vocal prowess to stand shoulder to shoulder with the best of the disco divas. Below is a review of "Patti LaBelle Live!".

The songs

Patti LaBelle Live! opens with a storming rendition of "All Right Now", a song that has come to define the singer's robust vocal range and fearless approach to the big chorus. Patti LaBelle's music has always seemed effortless, but she simply glides through this set like a vocal force of nature. Changing tones In "Somebody Loves You", she purrs as much as she sings, her voice shimmering over a soothing chorus of backing singers. The songs, such as the meltingly smooth "If Only You Knew", are delivered like medicine to cure a broken heart or boost a flagging soul. She proceeds with a rousing version of "Lady Marmalade" and then draws in an expectant audience with the double emotional punch of "I Don't like Goodbyes" and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". Patti Labelle concerts are not for the faint-hearted.

The facts

- "All Right Now" earned LaBelle a Grammy Award nomination in 1993 for "Best female R&B vocal performance."
- LaBelle's backing band for the concert included guitarist Herb Smith, saxophonist Kim Waters, pianist Jonathan Lasane, Raymond McKinley on bass, Jon Paris on drums and backing vocalists Debbie Henry, Cindy Mizelle, Brenda Roy, Charles Buie, De'Netria Champ and Jackie Gouche.
- "Lady Marmalade" was first released in 1974 by the girl group "Labelle", of which Patti Labelle was the lead singer alongside band-mates Nona Hendryx and Sarah Dash.
- The choir that appears on the record is the "The Wilmington Mass Choir".

Final word

Equally at home with jazz, blues or soul, LaBelle's voice at its very best is dynamic, direct and imbued with that wonderful "something" that sets her apart from other great singers. She may not have the back catalogue to compare with the likes of Diana Ross or Aretha Franklin, but she certainly has the vocal talent. Her greatest asset may be her flair for performance; it shines through on this album.