This is not so much a review as an account of all I can remember about Bournemouth and the concert.
Lets say that Russell is back..... and with a vengance!!His look has changed ,as has his voice.Both for the better.
Arriving at FITNESS FIRST STADIUM,BOURNEMOUTH(home of Bournemouth FC)quite early I met up with the girls I has previously only met on-line and being apprehensive,but yet excited at the prospect of another Russell Watson `fix`Once inside the stadium we waitied with baited breath not knowing how the evening would go.Soon,Bill and the orchestra took to the stage and the cheers went through the roof!! think it would be safe to say the orchestra were on fire the whole of the night.What did they play?don`t remember all of it but I do remember them playing "1812","the suite from Carmen","Pomp and Circumstance March" and the wonderful introduction"Fanfare For The Commom Man"
Russell walked out on stage to a roar of the crowd and a mass of cheers(OK,whistles).From the first note until the last I can remember shaking like a leaf.I think it is only fair to say our `boy` has now become a `man`.There is definitely a change in `our` Russell........for the better!!He had no more constant costume changes(he wore a light blue suit,white shirt and tie all evening)despite all he has been through he was his ususal perfectly charming self.He even joked with the crowd at one point that he could easily score a goal from the stage!!And he sang like an angel!! His range seems greater and the notes come more easily from him.
What did he sing?Can`t remember all of it but I know the old favourites were there:Nella Fantasia,Caruso,Core`ngrato(with just piano)Ava Maria,Funiculi Funicula,Volare and many more.The real treat of the evening for me was hearing his rendition of the Lanza classic"Loveliest Night Of The Year"He also performed(accomapnied by a cheering,flag waving crowd) the prom Favourites"Land Of Hope And Glory"and Jerusalem"as well as the England rugby anthem "Swing Low Sweet Chariot"
All in all a very successful evening for Russell and his fans.There could not have been one person leaving the stadium and not say they had had a wonderful evening Russell gave 100% and the fans KNEW it!!!!
Just when you thought things couldn`t get any better.....Russell,yet again,both surprises his fans and delights them with (as in my mind)best yet from our favourite tenor.
Despite cool weather,we started to arrive mid afternoon.We knew this was to be the last concert Russell would give of 2004 so we were determined to make the most of this one.We were not disappointed as yet again,Russell delivered the goods.Confirmation that Russell Watson had indeed left the "boy" behind and had evolved into a fine "man".The banter that is Russell was still to be there but he had a more confident air about him now.
The set list was,for the most part the same as the previous Summer outings but by now his stage presence was so much more relaxed.There was a determination to drink in as much of it as possible and have as much fun as he possibly could.This could have served as a way of convincing himself that he was well and truly back to form after his health scare last year.We were treated to the flag-waving proms anthems yet again(this time with me and my Saltire!!) and at least 3 "Vincero`s" at the end of Nessun Dorma.Then,just when you thought you`d had your fill he surprised us all with a sneak preview of his new CD(the title track Amore Musica)which, I think, left a few pulses racing and weakened a few knees.
The best thing I can think of to end this is to declare to the world "HEEEERRRREESSS RUSSEEELL!!!!
Our boy has blossomed into a fine man.