Shalamar, with special guests The Last Days Of Disco, performing their Songbook Tour at The Royal Concert Hall Nottingham on Tuesday 7th June 2022.
Images and Review by Kevin Cooper
American R & B and soul group, Shalamar, came to the Royal Concert Hall on Tuesday night to take their fans on a trip down memory lane. Best known for their hits in the 1970’s and 80’s, they were originally created by Soul Train TV producer and host Don Cornelius and talent promoter Dick Griffey back in 1977.
With Howard Hewett and Jeffrey Daniel, the group have sold over twenty five million records worldwide at their height, and with these two now joined by Carolyn Griffey, they continue to entertain and get people dancing to their all time hits.
But first to entertain was The Last Days Of Disco, a group consisting of three very talented female singers, complimented by two males, who never stood still the whole time that they were on the stage. Opening with Irene Cara’s What a Feeling, the night flowed from hit after hit.
D.I.S.C.O was followed by Let’s Groove and the mass sing along began in earnest. The Jacksons Blame It On The Boogie and The Pointer Sisters’ Automatic had the crowd on their feet where they stayed for Deniece Williams’ Let’s Hear It For The Boys, The Trammps Disco Inferno before set closer Rhythm Of The Night brought to an end a set that may well have stolen the show.
With the band taking their place on the stage, Shalamar opened with Talk To Me which segued into Make That Move and Friends, and it was immediately evident that there was a problem with the sound. With Shalamar’s vocals drowned out by the band, they had to make up for the poor sound quality with excellent synchronised dancing.
Sweeter As The Days Go By was instantly recognisable before Dead Giveaway had the crowd dancing. Things were slowed right down for Somewhere There’s A Love and for the first time Hewett’s voice really shone through. Other slower songs included I Don’t Wanna Be The Last To Know and Help Me before Take That To The Bank had everyone back on their feet.
Daniel’s did not disappoint, wowing the crowd with his slick dance moves, including his signature backslide, the move that eventually evolved into Michael Jackson’s famous Moon Walk.
Saving the best for last, they belted out their hits from their 1982 album Friends, including There It Is and I Can Make You Feel Good which was cleverly mashed up with Sister Sledge’s He’s The Greatest Dancer.
Back on for an extended version of A Night To Remember which brought to an end an evening that had showcased all of their hits which delighted the crowd.