Last Sunday, “Undisputed Queen of Soul” (as her hypeman calls her, and he's correct) Aretha Franklin brought her soul and gospel show to a sold-out Microsoft Theater in Downtown LA. The 2015 Aretha is in fantastic physical and vocal shape and is eager to “bring church” to her fans and thank the Lord for her deliverance. It was a moving, unforgettable show that started with a shot of pure adrenaline (a cover of Jackie Wilson's “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher”), followed by a run through her undeniable '60s soul catalogue (“Natural Woman,” “Don't Play that Song,” “Ain't No Way,” “Think” and “Chain of Fools”—top that as an opener suite). Legendary orchestral soul arranger H. B. Barnum conducted the Aretha Franklin Orchestra in musical settings that went from the tastefully understated (when Aretha sat at her beloved piano) to a full-tilt, big-band rollick.
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