“Forever 5th Dimension” is so pleased to present this compendium review of our fave duo, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. at Catalina Jazz Club over Labor Day Weekend. Very special thanks to “a duo” of wonderful fans, Deniserose Torres & Jonathan Weitz!! –Robert
MARILYN & BILLY’S CATALINA LOVE-IN BRINGS JOY
Jonathan: I had a fantastic time seeing Marilyn & Billy last Friday at Catalina Jazz Club. Marilyn looked stunning in a leopard print dress, Billy was quite sharp in his dark blue suit. The sold out and star-studded crowd was overjoyed once they took the stage.
Deniserose: The show started with “It Takes Two” and continued with “How Sweet It Is”…which while singing to each other, you feel they are speaking to everyone in the audience as well.
Jonathan: Next were some goodies from The 5th Dimension songbook– “Up-Up and Away” and “Wedding Bell Blues.”
Deniserose: Billy’s soulful rendition of “A Change is Gonna Come” is showstopping.
Jonathan: Their most popular hit as a duo, “You Don’t Have To Be A Star,” was followed by sublime surprises…
Deniserose: Marilyn shares with us her breathtaking rendition of the song she sang when she played Julie in SHOWBOAT on Broadway, “Can’t Help Lovin’ That Man.”
Jonathan: And she does one of my personal favorites, “(Last Night) I Didn’t Get to Sleep at All,”
Deniserose: Just when you think it can’t get any better, they let you know it can with Billy’s “I’m Just A Lucky So And So,”…a Quartet version of “Blue Indigo,”… the jazzy “Got to Get You Into My Life”…
Jonathan: and a Beatles Medley that had everyone singing along!
Deniserose: “Because You Love Me” is next which demonstrates how they can make a song so tender and powerful at the same time. Billy then grabs your soul and gets it dancing with the Blues song “Let the Good Times Roll!”
Jonathan: Nothing is better than when Marilyn sings “One Less Bell To Answer,” to a well-deserved standing ovation!
Deniserose: I’m speechless to describe Marilyn’s “One Less Bell to Answer,” it’s too beautiful for any of the words I could come up with. “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” was the first song I ever heard The 5th Dimension sing…I was 9 years old and I just knew that must have been how angels sing! Hearing it again on this occasion at Catalina Jazz Club has only strengthened that opinion.
Jonathan: The love-fest flows ’till the very end as Billy’s poignant “Lean On Me/Love Train” with Marilyn and the talented backup singers has all in attendance hopping aboard!
Deniserose: Marilyn & Billy’s energy is infectious, their performance inspirational and like my mama told me all those many years ago…they perform with such JOY!
Jonathan: The Dynamic Duo is always on point and consistently entertains their audience with no signs of slowing down!
(Photos courtesy Jonathan Weitz Collection)
>>Visit Marilyn & Billy, their official page on Facebook or at http://www.mccoodavis.com
FOREVER 5TH DIMENSION 
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