Richard
Marx In Concert At The Colonial Theater
February
19th 2016
Pittsfield,
Mass.
Richard Marx came to town Friday night at the Colonial Theater on a not so typical February night in the Berkshires. It has been the strangest winter that I can remember, one weekend its 14 below zero then the next it is pushing 60 degrees.
The atmosphere at the Colonial was one of anticipation
before singer/songwriter Richard Marx hit the stage.
This artist holds a special meaning to me and my wife as
his music was making its way to the top of the charts when we met. For me it
was a bit of a history lesson as well. Marx has not only had a record number of
hits on the charts in a short period of time, he has collaborated with several
artists and wrote songs specifically for others that have charted. His debut
recording yielded four Top Five singles and he has sold over 30 million albums
worldwide.
This night was a man, his voice and guitar, and for a few
songs he sat behind the piano. The talent this individual commands was enough
and no backup was necessary. His voice is spot on, just as I remember it in the
late eighties. He is a true showman, interacting with the audience, telling
stories, throwing out quips to engage the audience with laughter, and inviting
shout outs. Another thing that I found refreshing was how Marx discarded the
house rules of no pictures and videos, encouraging folks to pull out their cell
phones, which everyone did simultaneously lighting up the venue.
I was impressed with not only Richard Marx the vocalist
but his ability to play the six string acoustic. If you are the only performing
artist on stage you had better be able to fill in the space on your vocals and
he did that admirably the entire evening. A plugged in acoustic has a great
sound and I really appreciate what he had to offer.
He let the audience know that he wanted to give them what
they came to hear, namely all the hits. Not only was that ground covered he cut
loose with a few others lesser known tracks like the hysterical country number
“How Can I Miss You (When You Won’t Go Away).” Marx told us of his love country
music and his partnership with country star Keith Urban and the song he wrote
for him then he went directly into the song “Long Hot Summer.” I recognized it
instantly. He also played the song he wrote with Luther Vandross “Dance With My
Father,” which was very touching particularly if you have lost a parent.
With “Angelia” he decided to go the unplugged route which
was different. I recognized the huge difference in a venue between being
amplified then suddenly not. I doubt people as far back in the balcony seats could
hear him. Nevertheless it was an interesting change. Marx just emanates
confidence and pleasure when he performs and that translates into the music
directly to his audience.
Some of my favorites were the night kicking off with
“Endless Summer Nights” and the way he closed out the night with “Right Here
Waiting” behind the ivory keys. Check out the original video provided here with
over 7.5 million views!
Richard Marx is a prolific artist with a long legacy of
great music and collaborations. I don’t see him slowing down anytime soon and
would highly recommend spending an evening with him if you get the chance.
I
dedicate this night and review to my lifelong partner and best friend, my wife.
Keith
“MuzikMan” Hannaleck
February, 22, 2016
February, 22, 2016
