By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Sun-Times
January 2, 2004
New Year’s Eve concerts traditionally end some time after the clock strikes midnight. But when you’re the Queen of Soul, 2004 begins when you tell it to.
After singing a soulful rendition of “Auld Lang Syne” at 11:15 Wednesday evening at the Chicago Theatre, Aretha Franklin good naturedly laughed at her gaffe and promised to sing the song again at the appropriate time.
But after an extended version of “Freeway Of Love,” Franklin left the stage. It was 11:30.
The abrupt ending was a little odd, like the perky blonde ponytail bopping atop her head of black hair or collaborating with the young hip hop dancers who joined her on stage during a few numbers. But as incongruent as some of the elements were, the voice was magnificent. During the 75 minutes she was on stage, the 61-year-old diva clearly had it going on.
Who else can have a purse handler carry a Louis Vuitton handbag on stage before her entrance for no apparent reason?
Though Franklin’s set list was anemic on old hits such as “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)”, “Chain of Fools” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” Franklin worked the crowd as she exhibited a voice that had no need for a microphone. It’s no wonder the state of Michigan has designated her voice as a natural resource.
The 15-time Grammy winner also has the distinction of being the first woman to be admitted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame. She has the kind of voice preachers envy—the type that conveys truth and makes you want to believe.
Backed by a formidable band that spanned at least two dozen musicians—including her son Ted—Franklin sang a soulful version of “Try A Little Tenderness,” which was less a plea than a heart-felt suggestion. And when she sang the title track from her new album “So Damn Happy,” she manipulated the pedestrian lyrics with her knowing voice.
The young dancers who joined her onstage were an unusual inclusion for the show. Their club movements would’ve been more at home at a hip-hop show than at Franklin’s concert. But they were talented and definitely fun to watch. And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention it was a pleasure to see dancers of all sizes on stage, proving you don’t have to be a waif to have rhythm.
Much has been said about Franklin’s weight, but it’s a fact that she looked resplendent in her glittering gown. And while she may be a diva, she made the same new year’s resolution as the rest of us: to lose weight, no, really, this year.
After relaying a story about shopping on Michigan Avenue a couple weeks ago, Franklin sang a gorgeous rendition of “O Holy Night.” Franklin may have cheated us out of ringing in the new year with her, but for a moment, she brought back Christmas with that moving rendition.
