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DERNGATE
THEATRE, NORTHAMPTON
17th November, 2004
WINTER
TOUR 2004 - Part 5
REVIEW
This is proving to be the most
amazing experience. To go to every concert of the tour is undoubtedly
the best decision I ever made and I am having the time of my
life.
Soon after I arrived at tonight’s
venue, Mario appeared in the foyer. He spotted me and immediately
offered his hand to shake mine! On three separate occasions
tonight, I had lengthy conversations with the conductor, Ben
Foster. He said that Mario is such a character during rehearsals.
This certainly comes across during his performances. He also
spoke very favourably of Holly who had sung with Hayley in Llandudno
and feels she has a good future in the music world. I am constantly
overwhelmed at how friendly everyone is and how they always
find time to talk to people like me when they clearly have such
a tight and exhausting schedule. Ben even said that he had been
looking at HWI earlier in the day and that he looked forward
to reading the reviews! Er… Can I start again, please?!
And so we come to tonight’s concert
which was, perhaps, the best yet. Mind you, I was in the centre
of the front row, just a few feet away from Hayley!
Towards the end of her set, Fiona
danced right round the front of the monitor speakers, so close
to the edge of the stage that I wondered if she would end up
in my lap!
By now, the audience was exhausted
and needed to be calmed down. Who could achieve this better
than Hayley? She sang “Beat Of Your Heart” which seemed gloriously
soothing after what had preceded it. As always, I sat there
totally spellbound by Hayley’s gorgeous voice. For me there
can be none better in this world.
Next came a song which was totally
new to me, “Wiegenlied”. Hayley explained that it was the theme
from a Japanese film entitled “Lorelei”. She had apparently
recorded it not only in its original German, but also in Japanese
which was, as she put it, “interesting” [giggle!]. Tonight,
however, she only gave us the German version. Right from the
first concert, I knew I would have trouble over the title of
this song as my German is even more limited than Hayley’s Japanese.
I overcame my expected predicament a few days ago…. I got Hayley
to write it in my notebook! I think I’ll frame it!
“Wiegenlied” (thank you Hayley!),
is a beautiful song whose gentle melody is well suited to Hayley’s
voice. Truly delightful.
The final song in the set was “Never
Say Goodbye”. By now I was totally immersed by the beauty of
the occasion. Oh, that voice. So, so lovely.
Mario returned and gave sensational
renditions of two more songs, finishing with the title track
from his latest album, “Follow Your Heart”. Initially, his voice
was soft and gentle, almost dreamlike, but it built up to display
his incredible strength which Mario always delivers with consummate
ease. In the past, I have attended concerts with the sole purpose
of seeing the main performer with no more than a passing interest
in any of the guests. This time it is different. I have enjoyed
Mario’s sections so much on five occasions so far that I can’t
wait to see him again for the final two concerts of the tour.
He is amazing and yes, I also bought his two CDs!
I saw Giselle (Steve’s assistant)
before tonight’s concert and she said that Hayley was exhausted
and so would not be doing a signing session. I said I would
therefore not wait outside the Stage Door and, for once, would
leave her in peace. But not for long…. I’m going to Southend
on Sunday!
Roger Mansbridge
19th November, 2004
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