Marvellous Mariah
Wow. I am truly truly impressed. What a show. Five years in the Gulf and this had to be the best one yet. We've all been to one or more concerts in Dubai but how many times can we actually come out feeling we've gotten value for our money?
The Divas that start late, finish early and lip sync, some so badly they would be better off using subtitles. The boy bands are all looks, voice vocalisers and testosterone. The sound systems that take even the greatest of performers and make them sound like a pack of Strepsils wouldn't go amiss, or much worse, they sound like me in the bath.
But Mariah... Well, the venue was excellent, no confusion over parking, cause everybody knows you can't park there in the day, so you have no chance in the night. Quite sensibly, taxis were taken and traffic was not an issue. The grounds were well controlled, food and beverages made readily available and music filled the air to create a good party atmosphere.
Diva delivery: At around 9.45 pm the show began. Okay, it was supposed to start at nine, but she is a Diva after all. And the ambience was good so hardly anyone noticed. It was just that - a show. Dancing, singing, two large screens with an excellent view, no having to push up front and do the sardine impersonation to get a glimpse. The sound was amazing and not just by Dubai standards.
Mariah opened with an obscure song, but quickly moved into Dreamlover, Through The Rain, My All and more. The balance of old favourites, new upbeat dance routines and ballads was just right, the air was charged with excitement and anticipation for what she would sing next, for whether she would change yet another costume - for about 14 songs, she changed costumes seven, count them, seven stunning times. The true mark of a star: "Got to have the right ensemble for the song, dahling."
The backing singers were amazing with individual voices that reached notes in true Harlem-hair-raising style. As for the lady herself, she was just that, a true lady for the romantics, a stunning sexy mover for those who say dance matters, and an angelic perfect-pitched pro-fessional for those of us who admire real genuine talent.
GW verdict: Tonight, Mariah, you were the Hero and the perfect Vision Of Love. (Yes, she sang both songs, right at the end in an encore, to leave us with a wonderful romantic mood for the weekend.) (Gulf Weekly)
|
