Labelle Live in Concert - Jackie Gleason Theater, Miami Florida - Feb. 15, 2009

Anyone fortunate enough to grow up in the 1970's should be familiar with the wondrous sight and sounds of the R&B group Labelle. Yes, you read correctly - sight and sound. There was and has never been another trio like these three soulful ladies. Fronted by powerhouse Patti Labelle, along with Nona Hendryx and Sarah Dash, they single handily made a French lady of the evening (hooker) very famous in the song "Lady Marmalade." aka 1974. Yes kids, the same song re-popularized in the 2001 version by Pink, Christina Aquilera, Lil Kim and Mya. What Labelle brought to the table of popular music and culture way back when (sound old doesn't it?) was a sense of true showmanship and fun. Their costumes were out-of-this-world, literally (space suits and feathers included) and their music had an infectious beat you just couldn't ignore. Originally known as the Bluebelles back in the 1960's they had a classic girl group style which fit in well with the time. Their band included a young and unknown piano player by the name of Elton John. You made have heard of him. I understand he went rather far in the business after leaving the group. Throughout the 1970's they continued to influence their contemporaries. Eryhak Badu, Christina Aquilera, among others, have named them as early models for their own music and styling's.

Going their separate ways, Patti branched off and planted her feet solidly in pop music. She rode at the front of a musical wave with a string of hit songs. Ringing through the airwaves with "On My Own," with Michael McDonald, "New Attitude," "Stir It Up," "You Are My Friend," and "If You Asked Me To." Sarah Dash has collaborated with artists Nile Rodgers and the Rolling Stones. She has to her credit singing back up for the legendary band on their Steel Wheels Tour. She was also a part of Keith Richards' solo group The Expensive Winos. Nona continued perusing her songwriting and has worked with practically everyone from The Talking Heads to Dusty Springfield. She worked with Paul Haslinger on the soundtrack to Sleeper Cell (from Showtime) and has launched her own label, Rhythm Bank. All three have been very busy indeed. Fast forward to 2009 - the ladies have returned to their original group with their first CD together in 33 appropriately titled "Back To Now," produced by Lenny Kravitz and longtime Labelle collaborators Gamble & Huff (2008 Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame inductees) and concert tour.

I had never seen Patti live before, always wanted to; so this seemed the perfect show to attend. Not only would I get to see the legend that is Patti L but the original group that I loved so much back in the 70's. Let me be the first to say, they did not disappoint. Patti solo is a powerhouse performer. Energetic, spontaneous, full of life - times that enthusiasm x3 and you'll get the tip of the iceberg when understanding what this concert was all about. The show started with little fanfare. The lights went down, the ladies were introduced and on they came. No smoke machine, no pulsating lights; plain and simple. I'm still not really sure what Patti's dress was all about but the tail feathers were awesome. Nona dressed all in black leather looked toned and tight, an S&M dream gone good - Sarah dressed classically in a wrapped black dress. The opening standing ovation lasted at least 5 minutes before the first note was played. Their 6 piece band with 3 backup singers was tight like a well oiled machine. Great sound, great vocals, this was going to be a treat.The opening number was an odd one. "Miss Otis Regrets," by Cole Porter was a staple tune in Bette Midler's live act. Labelle put their own spin on the classic and did a fine job. The moment I was waiting for came upon me in the fourth song of the set, "Superlover." Patti dipped down, arms stretched out and bam! off went her shoes flying high behind the band, stage right - mind you this was all going on during her vocals. David Beckham better watch his back. The woman can kick a mean one and hold a note at the same time. The cheers from the audience were thunderous and well received. Of course the lady didn't disappoint; the shoes went flying (a different pair) one more time later in the show. Of course the showstopper that I was on the edge of my seat for and quickly on my feet was "Lady Marmalade." What I didn't expect was the audience participation. Patti pulled 5 men from the audience with the stipulation they could sing and dance. Let's just say as far a talent goes, the women on stage would lose no sleep this night. It was a hoot to watch however. Glad it wasn't me. I would have passed out. The guys were all great sports.

I've seen hundreds of performers and performances over the years, maybe thousands; what I took from this show was a great sense of gratitude Labelle has for their fans. Openly posing for pictures on stage for the hordes of folks who brought cameras, signing someone's album, even stopping the flow of the show to answer fans questions, I have never seen anyone do this in a show setting before. The closest would be Cyndi Lauper dancing and strolling through the audience when she plays live. There is a total sense that these women truly do appreciate each and every person sitting in these seats. Gay, straight, black, white, all were represented, all were thanked, and all were loved. The performance was heartfelt and not to be missed. Nona penned a lot of the songs performed in the set. For me the stand out numbers were obviously "Marmalade," "Without You In My Life," "Candlelight," and the Labelle classic "Nightbird." If you're expecting an hour or 90 minute show guess again. The ladies held court for two hours and did so famously. Bottom line: Labelle live is not to be missed. If they're coming to your town make sure you catch them. Who knows when magic like this will happen again.