Last night I headed back to Roy Thompson Hall for another Pop series concert - James Bond: The Music. Here is the primer:
"Bond, James Bond! Conductor John Morris Russel returns to the TSO to highlight the dramatic music of the blockbuster 007 film franchise. You'll feel like film's most infamous spy when you hear the cool bossa nova beats and passionate torch songs including Diamonds are Forever, Live & Let Die, and Goldfinger"
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| James Bond: The Music |
Now that I got to hear a bunch of 007 themes back to back my favorite is a toss up between "Skyfall" and "For Your Eyes Only." I may be a bit more biased towards Skyfall only because I watched Adele perform it live at the Oscars not to long ago which was incredible. However listening to vocalist Capathia Jenkins last night, who did a pretty good job on her own with Skyfall, was simply amazing all night. She definitely gave Sheena Easton a run for her money when she sang For Your Eyes Only. Probably one of my favorite Moore era Bond Films - probably because it takes place in Greece and I actually visited Meteora and took a picture of that famous monastery!
Right after the break they did a quick "Spy-Fi" segment including the theme songs from Austin Powers, Mission Impossible & Pink Panther amongst others. Learned that Mission Impossible has 5/4 timing which is very rare in music and difficult to dance too! During Pink Panther the conductor had everyone snap there fingers along and the crowd did a good job keeping on beat. It really showed how awesome the acoustics are in that building.
As always the TSO put on a great performance. Conductor John Russel was super enthusiastic about the performance and his Bond history lesson along with his witty comments between songs was a lot of fun. Vocalist Ron Bohmer was also great - having to change singing styles as much as his outfits throughout the night. This must have been tough but it did show some versatility in his singing abilities. Capathia Jenkins however definitely stole the show with each performance more powerful then the next. She was superb!
As always a great time at Roy Thompson Hall and the Pop Series.
Here is the setlist:
James Bond Main Theme
On Her Majesty's Secret Service
Thunderball
For Your Eyes Only
Dr. No (Suite)
Tomorrow Never Dies
Surrender
From Russia with Love
Diamonds are Forever
Live and Let Die
Intermission
Soul Bossa Nova (Theme to Austin Powers)
Johnson: The Avengers
Peter Gunn Theme
The Avengers
Mission Impossible
Pink Panther
Theme from Shaft
Skyfall
Licence to Kill
The Look of Love
You Know My Name (from Casino Royale)
Nobody Does it Better
Encore: Goldfinger
John Morris Russell, conductor
Capathia Jenkins, vocalist
Ron Bohmer, vocalist