How can living legends overcome the demands of their history? By being as good as or better than what we have read about them.
On Tuesday night, at a sold-out gig at Vicar Street, the Reverend Al Green did just that. Surrounded by a dozen sterling backing musicians and singers (they dressed in black casuals, the Reverend was attired in a blinding white suit, which stretched the symbolism somewhat), he played a scorcher, simultaneously adhering to a great soul tradition and stoking the fires of hot R&B.
Celebrating 30 years in music, Al Green is justifiably recognised as one of the great soul singers. There were moments during the performance when Green's vocal technique ventured beyond the physical and into a realm where the hairs stand up on the back of the neck. When that happens, something special takes place that is difficult to define but so very easy to enjoy.
Intercutting his necklace of classic hits - Let's Stay Together, Call Me (Come Back Home, Take Me To The River, and more - with a playful performance that was as much serious religious ceremony as entertaining soul revue, Green was careful not to over-extend himself. Unlike other living legends - soul, funk, rock, pop or otherwise - Al Green remained true both to himself and his audience, short-changing no one.
If there's only one near-religious, transcendental, blazing soul gig to go to this year, make sure it's this one. The Rev won't let you down.
Al Green performs tonight at Vicar Street. Contact 01-4546656 for ticket details.
