He may have lost his wild hair, he still has his famous voice and his air. During the opening evening of The Hague Jazz in the World Forum he makes a journey through his musical heights with hits from the eighties and nineties. His praised rock and soul ballads get a special feel by the support of the Metropole Orchestra, conducted by Maria Schneider. For example, songs like ´Time, Love and Tenderness´ and ´How Can We Be Lovers If we Can´t Be Friends´ are just a little more exciting and powerful when not just four, but at least twenty artists play it.

Though Bolton wrote many songs in his long musical career, he is mostly famous for his own versions of soul classics. These are also well represented this night. Legends, such as Otis Reading, Percy Sledge and Frank Sinatra all come by. A truly plentiful party full of recognition is the effect. Highlight of his performance was his jump from the stage into the audience, and singing in between his fans a sensitive ballad.

Before Michael Bolton brought a smashing end to this evening, Waylon kicks off. He scores high immediately with the crowd with his powerful, raw soul voice. Remarkable is the way he translates James Browns´ ´It´s A Man´s World´. Complete with characteristic screams and tricks he makes the song his own without diminishing the quality in any way.  Just like Bolton he gets a huge boost by the presence of the Metropole Orchestra. Especially his ´Wicked Way´ seems to have a little more flair thanks to the string section than normally.

(Jade Yorks)

Photo: Ron Beenen