Michael Bolton at Mohegan Sun

We were invited as friends of Mohegan Sun to see Connecticut’s own, Michael Bolton for free last night. This is one of several private (not advertised) shows we have been privileged to attend the past couple of years. Not owning a single recording by Michael Bolton, I felt this would be a perfect opportunity to experience his music. Bolton’s achievements include selling more than 75 million records, recording eight top 10 albums and two number one singles on the Billboard charts, as well as winning multiple American Music Awards and Grammy Awards.[3][4]

I feel it is vital to experiment with other forms of music outside of one’s comfort zone. It is what grows and further defines us. As I learned last night this was what changed Michael Bolton’s life as a vocalist.

Michael Bolton and his brilliant band took us on a journey through various genres of music, soul, adult contemporary, blues, and opera.I was especially taken with several songs in his set list.

I was knocked out by the power of Michael Bolton’s soulful voice. When he sings he reaches way inside you body and soul. It’s a fantastic connection. Something worth experiencing if you ever get the chance to see him live.

Highlights

I didn’t realize Michael Bolton played guitar so well. He strapped on a blue lacquered Paul Reed Smith guitar and rocked out to Robert Johnson’s, “Sweet Home Chicago“.

Duets

Michael Bolton did a series of duets with Amanda Brown a vocalist on his tour. He mentioned that Amanda Brown had competed on The Voice. She is a rising star you will be hearing more from in the future.

The highpoint of the evening was when he spoke lovingly about the late Luciano Pavarotti. His sentiment shifted to the time he sang with Pavarotti.

An invitation by Luciano Pavarotti to sing Nessun Dorma with him was “life-altering” according to the 62-year-old.

“It profoundly impacted the way I sing, train and preserve my voice,” he said. “The opportunity was thrilling and equally daunting. The classical discipline changed the way I was using my voice.

“Now, no matter where in the world I’m performing, I try to always include Nessun Dorma in my set and give homage to the greatest tenor ever.”

Michael Bolton then rendered a magnificent version of the operatic classic, “Nessun Dorma” in Pavarotti’s honor.

Michael Bolton’s musical journey took us through many fascinating genres last night.  We enjoyed his concert very much, thank you Mohegan Sun and Michael Bolton from the music of our heart.

Symphony Live In Istanbul – Kitaro

Symphonic Live
Symphonic Live (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I have been fortunate to experience rock music artists performing with a full symphony on stage with them. The collaboration of strings, brass, woodwinds and tympani set against rock has been extraordinary. The two concert moments that transfigured the music of our heart were Yes in 2001 (captured on DVD as Yes Symphonic Live) and Jeff Beck in 2010 performing with a symphony group, Nessun Dorma by Puccini, it is an aria from the opera Turandot.

Which leads me to Kitaro, who I have yet to see live in concert. Kitaro is #1 on my list of must see concerts. I’m beginning to think I will have to travel elsewhere in the world to see him perform but I am perfectly willing to do so, 🙂

Kitaro’s latest recording (which I pre ordered autographed today!) is Symphony Live In Istanbul. 

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Recorded Live at the Halic Congress Center in Istanbul, Turkey over two evenings in March of 2014, Grammy and Golden Globe winning artist Kitaro’s “Symphony Live In Istanbul” is breathtaking. The album features new musical material while also including eight of the acclaimed artist’s most requested and popular compositions.

This amazing performance marks Kitaro’s first-ever recording for the Domo Music Group balancing the artists trademark signature sound and expanding it to new heights with the addition of a full live symphony orchestra.

Kitaro noted “In 1980, I began composing and producing music about the passageway and excursions of the Silk Road.  This past spring, I embarked upon my first Symphonic Tour that reached Russia, Eastern and Central Europe and had the distinct pleasure of performing in Istanbul; a place where from ancient times to modern times, has flourished as an important hub of the Silk Road where Europe and Asia meet.”

 

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