Alexander O'Neal - Takes it intimate

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Veteran makes it special for fans

Alexander O'Neal **** The Soul sensation Alexander O'Neal is back at the Bosidale restaurant venue, after picking up a lifetime achievement award their earlier in the year. A night that was very special to Alexander, so he wanted to go back their to play three very special nights. And the night that I went was very special, and I was so happy to see an artist I really respect in a really nice venue like this.

I have to say I don't go to a lot of sit down meal concerts, so didn't really know what to make of it. I always find them a little awkward, where do you stand... can you go down the front... are you meant to stop eating while the act is on. I find it's just a little confusing, and personally don't totally like it because I like to give an artist my full attention. Because I think their music deserves it. When I was down the front taking pictures, a waiter was pouring Champagne for a couple... while Alexander was singing. I found this a little strange, but maybe I wouldn't have, if it was me getting the bubbly... maybe it would have then been something quite special.

Alexander O'Neal's band are really tight, and they really do enhance the show. But of course it's Alexander O'Neal's special vocal tone, that makes the evening something quite special. He comes to the stage, and you can already see the smiles on peoples faces. It takes him a couple of songs to warm up his vocal tones, so by the time he get's to the third song 'Hearsay' he is at his best. This song I have always loved, and it sounds better than it ever has done before live. Another highlight in his set was 'Never knew love like This' which originally on the record featured Cherelle, and has always been a very special moment in Alexander's set. 

Tonight her vocals are done by his backing singers, and the majority of the crowd. Another amazing moment in his set is when he get's people on their feet for his big hits like only Alexander can. You could see that the audience wanted to get up and dance earlier but worried about being told off because people where eating and told to sit back down. But when Alexander tells them to get up, people start to jump to their feet and by the end of the set no one cared  and everyone was on their 

By this point most of the restaurant had made their way to the front, not caring about their meals anymore. For songs like the infectious 'Fake', which made you feel like you where at a concert by The Time and mega hit 'Criticize' which took everyone back to when they where younger and this song was all over the radio waves. I know that a lot of Alexander's tunes are the anthem to my life, and bring back so many memories... so these songs are very magical to me.

It's a shame that the stage was far at the back, and the lighting was not so great. I don't think this is a show for a normal gig goer because I think they would be disappointed... but if you wanted something quite special and unique. Then this is most defiantly something you would want to try, a unique treat. I think if you attend a lot of concerts, then go and see him at places like the London, Palladium. Alexander O'Neal still knows how to put on a show, and is a real veteran in the Soul game and an artist that needs to be respected. For me the set is a little short tonight, but that is because Alexander O'Neal always leaves his audience wanting more.

Alexander O'Neal - Setlist
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Intro 
What can I say to make You
What's Missing 
Hearsay
Sunshine 
If you were here Tonight 
September
The Lovers
Never knew love like This 
Saturday Love
Criticize 
Fake

Review and Photo's by Dan Devour

Check Out! the Video for 'Never knew love like This' Below...