Rawls brought
romance to Shell

By John Berger
Special to the Star-Bulletin

LOU Rawls didn't tell the audience to "put your hands together" at the Waikiki Shell on Saturday. He didn't have to. Rawls took the stage, slid into "Groovy People," and the crowd naturally got into the music. He had the crowd going his way for the rest of the show.

Lou Rawls got the first of three Honolulu Symphony Starlight pops concerts off to an impressive start. Unlike many of the artists working the "oldies" circuit these days, Rawls looks and sounds as contemporary as ever. His voice has lost none of its resonance and luster. He still hits all the notes and works a full-length show. He still weaves the romantic magic of years past.

Rawls' choice of material was close to perfect. He did many of his Top 40 hits, displayed his skill as a song stylist with his renditions of other artists' hits, and presided as an engaging raconteur as well.

Rawls also brought an excellent band. David T. Walker earned several ovations for his bright guitar solos. Percussionist Billy Hulting's work on vibes was also outstanding and added rarely heard textures to the arrangements. Musical director Jeff Colella deserved more volume on his piano, but he and the others -- Ken Elliott (drums) and Curtis Robinson Jr. (bass) -- provided competent support.

Equally important was the smooth interplay between Rawls, his combo and the symphony, led by pops conductor Matt Catingub. The symbiosis could not have been smoother, and the show epitomized the pops concert ideal. The symphony horn section added a strong brassy edge on several numbers. The strings sweetened several others. Catingub brought all the components together in powerful arrangements of "Tobacco Road" and "Hoochie Coochie Man." Rawls rose to the challenge with impressive performances of both.

Abe Weinstein added another facet to the show by initiating the gospel-style vocal responses behind Rawls' rendition of "Bring It On Home."

"Send in the Clowns" showcased his vocal finesse; it was a great moment in a fine show. He should have taken a bit more time with "A Natural Man," but after rushing through the spoken introduction about the bad old days, he sang the rest of it well enough.

"Wind Beneath My Wings" wasn't a hit for him back in 1983 but his rendition has since become a classic second to no other version. Rawls followed it with his signature "You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine" to close the show.

Rawls had a fine opening act in Waianae-born vocalist Ginai, who introduced songs from her next album and showcased her musical partner, Zanuck Kapala Lindsey. It was their first performance with the symphony; it should not be their last.

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