McCoo & Davis, “When a Man Loves a Woman” Concert
Review by Robert-Allan Arno
A “magic garden” of special fans came out for Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr.’s east coast concert mini-tour at the Patchogue Theater on Long Island, New York, Friday April 12—which I attended–and then at the Bergen PAC (Performing Arts Center) in New Jersey on Sunday, April 14. And one, the vivacious Hiromi, came all the way from Japan…for both! Oh, and fitting of the occasion, the renowned Jimmy Webb was in the “Island” audience, too! The 7-time Grammy winning First Couple of Pop & Soul were opened for by their friend and fellow icon Darlene Love. Ms. Love’s delicious dynamic has that mid-60’s “wall of sound” vibe, and it was of audible interest to hear the Patchogue Theater’s tech team make the transition to Marilyn and Billy’s flavor…and not right away. And thus, timeless tunes like the Webb-composed “Up-Up and Away,” Laura Nyro‘s “Stoned Soul Picnic,” and the duo’s own Grammy-winning “You Don’t Have to Be a Star,” not to mention the number 1 “Wedding Bell Blues” possessed a mix akin to what we would hear back in the day, on AM radio. Yes, we were all feelin’ too cool for school!
Then the shift to “technicolor sound” happened when Marilyn talked about her crowd-beloved hosting of “Solid Gold” and both Sir Davis and Lady McCoo launched into the TV series’ memorable theme song, sharing verses as if no time had passed. From there, we were treated to a flawless theatrical style of presentation with gorgeously layered orchestration under the direction of Major Black, first class staging, and diamond-shining, life experience enhanced voices that had the audience enraptured in hushed awe at some points, yet equally up on their feet, dancing at others. Marilyn’s American Pop-Jazz torch standard, “One Less Bell to Anwer” by Bacharach/David had attendees cheering her ultimate prowess with a prolonged thunderous ovation which stopped the show. Then it was Billy’s turn to apex the concert’s title, “When a Man Loves a Woman” with a scorchingly passionate rendition that shook the rafters and yes, had the crowd back standing in extended ovation.
With all the talk of Beyonce‘s revision of Paul McCartney‘s “Blackbird” in the air, Marilyn stepped forward with graceful power to present her own version from the duo’s recent, critically acclaimed CD, “Blackbird: Lennon-McCartney Icons.” This moving, soaring interpretation with dramatic Civil Rights-themed backdrops should be spotlighted on the Broadway stage…no ifs, ands, or buts about it. How clever to feature Billy’s rejoinder with “Help” complete with a Gospel interlude that backup singers, Cydney, Cynthia and Andre, along with Marilyn, rendered to support Billy’s fervent plea. The luscious duet, “And I Love Her (Him)” brought further elegance, healing peace, and soul to the proceedings. The rhythm shifted with a tip of the hip hat to Ashford & Simpson with “Solid” merging into The 5th Dimension chart-topping medley which defined a generation, “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.” A lovefest ensued as Billy encouraged us to join in on the sunshine, making us all feel–like the couple itself–just like a one-time “Dimension.” An evening with McCoo and Davis is like a visit with longtime dear friends, but ones who have found their fountain of youth in keeping things freshly stylistic amid their trademark balloons, picnics, and bells. Clearly, those Marilyn and Billy instantly recognizable voices of our lifetime are miracles of artistry and a soon to be 55-year marital union reflected in their audience’s everlasting adoration.
Backstage fun with the ever-vibrant Marilyn & Billy and special fan from Japan, Hiromi
Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of the Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-24, intellectual property, all rights reserved.
FOREVER 5TH DIMENSION 
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