[ CXReviews ] ClassicalX - Classical artists with a popular edge!

WOW Russell was in Lincoln, And I have to say I think it was THE best concert yet. I've only been to 3 so far , but this was the best. His singing was top notch and he had such a great rapport and banter with the audience.

I dragged my sister along (she was photographer for the night) and we started queing about 2pm, ready near the front of the queue for the 6.30 opening of the gates.

During the wait I left my sis in the queue and went to local sandwich shop and got a sandwich , and who should follow me in there but one of Russell's backing singers. (the Tall guy with the grey hair).

Anyway after a few hours waiting we got in the castle, and parked our bums right at the front of the stage.

I saw Paul and handed him the Card and Champagne we had bought for Russell, and as I was trying to talk with Paul, cos Paul said 'Russell would definitely like this gift' other people were pushing past me to hand over cards etc. Paul said to them jokingly to just chuck the cards at Russell at the end.

Anyway after a short wait the concert was starting. The backing singers were singing but we couldnt see them, suddenly we turned round and they were behind us, singing on the road. that was cool. One of them was different. The 2nd male was a different guy to the last concert I had seen them all at, (Highclere). Mike was on Piano and started the intro to Caruso, and after about a minute Russell came out to a rapturous applause. He was wearing a charcoal grey suit and shirt throughout the entire concert. (no suit change at half time). Russell's hair looks really good. I like it, it's not too long and not too short. It was a bit spikey but not as much as his Encore days.

Caruso was brilliant, I love that song. I love when Russell sings with emotion , it's almost like he's crying. As if he's the one it was written for. He's so good he makes each song his own.

Next was Magia Sara, then I Believe.

After he'd finished singing I believe, Russell said I'm sorry I got distracted when they turned on the Cathedral Lights. (The cathedral was right in Russell's view and when the lights are turned on it looks more beautiful than it does in the day.) Then came Panis Angelicus and Ave Maria. And then Russell sang You are so Beautiful. Someone shouted that it's their favourite and Russell put on a funny voice and said 'It's my favourite too'. He sat on the chair (which was a typical pub chair) and joked how they can't afford chrome stools anymore. Then as he sat down he noticed a roll of gaffa tape on top of the piano, picked it up and looked at Mike on the piano as if to say 'whats this for?' Mike looked back at him shrugged his shoulders and they both laughed. Then got down to the singing. That song always brings emotion to me, as it always feels like Russell is singing it to me. It doesnt matter where I am sat, Russell somehow, on each concert I have attended, manages to look me in the eye for a split second perhaps, as he says those beautiful words.

Final song of the first half was I'll Walk With God. Russell gave great praise to Mario Lanza and then sang the song. Again a perfect rendition with great power in his voice.

I can't remember if Music of The Night was in the 1st or 2nd half so i'll mention it now. Russell mentioned how he doesn't do many of the West End songs in his set , but this one is a classic that he just had to do. It was SO good. Very powerful voice and again it was one Russell made his own, the Emotion wow, it was as if Russell was the Phantom. mmm beautiful. Loved this one, (so wish he will put it on an album- Please Russell Take Note!)

1st song of the second half was Il Gladiatore. What more can I say about that than PERFECT! The next song I think has to be the highlight of the night. VOLARE. Russell stood right near the back of the stage, as far back as he could get and leant on the piano, and started singing the first line, but he left the gap a bit to long between the line and the first Volare. so the audience sang the Volare and OH Ohh. Russell looked at us all with a glint in his eye and a smile on his face, started waving and walking, as if to say well if your singing I dont have to lol.

Anyway he came back and sang the song and he got really into his dancing, doing lots of turns and shaking to the music. I thoroughly enjoyed that one, and I think my sister did too.

Next was Funiculi-funicula. I made my hands sore by clapping the whole way through that one, but I don't mind.

(Now cant remember the rest of the order of the tracklisting barr the last 3 songs, so the rest of the order is guesswork.)

Russell went of stage to get some water, and someone in the audience joked about it being vodka. Russell looked back to the side of the stage where he got the water from and said jokingly 'This isn't Russian', and rolled his eyes and laughed.

Russell introduced the band. strings, drums, guitars, singers, then last but not least my MD Mr Mike Moran. Then mentioned how Mike used to work woth Queen and the late great Freddie Mercury and then Russell went onto sing Who wants to live forever. Again a very powerful rendition. That night Russell seemed to be using all his notes, and hey I'm not gonna complain. Russell went on to mention how he's dedicated the next song to the England cricket team and how we're gonna thrash the Aussie's. then thought 'oops are there any Aussies here?' and right near the front of the audience was a big cheer. Russell sang it anyway - Swing Low. Then Russell thanked the audience and said how it was his last UK concert of the year, we all went 'awww' , he said it's sadder than that and moved closer to the front of the stage put his hand to his ear, and the audiance gave a louder 'AAWWWWWWWWWW'

During the concert people were shouting for Russell to sing Elvis, just by shouting the word 'ELVIS' Russell's reply to that was 'No I'm Russell . and I'm sorry I have news, Elvis is no longer with us anymore'

Also during the 2nd half someone shouted 'Granada' Russell said sorry I think this is ITV Also during the concert Russell Said 'I notice alot of you have been using flash photography which isnt allowed' and then did a sort of tutut finger point, then he laughed and started doing lots of poses.

After Swing Low my sister was about to put her camera away. I told her to keep it out as Russell will come back on to sing Nessun Dorma and You Raise Me up.

And low and behold Russell came back and sang Nessun Dorma. and went of stage and then came back for the final VINCEROOOOOO!!!!

Russell went back off stage and came back again and said I hear a few of you want me to sing Elvis. Well it'll have to be quick cos I'm on a curfew,and then went on to sing Can't help falling in Love. This was a beautiful version on the song, with a slight Elvis twang to the voice. I think I preferred this concert version of the song than the version he did for Elvismania.

After the sang was done Russell went off stage and I thought that was it. End of concert, Russell's sung Can't help as the last song instead of You Raise Me Up. Then suddenly I heard the tune of the bagpipes. Yes Another song from Russell yet to come. Russell came back out and sang You Raise Me Up. I sent my sister to get as close to the satge as possible for some really close pics.

Finally the concert was over, Russell received raptorous applause throughout and MANY standing ovations.

Russell kept coming back on stage. and then suddenly he was gone and the fireworks were out.

Concert over.

It was the best concert , and I'm just so lucky to be able to say it was performed in the town I live in.

Thank you Russell xxxxxxxxxx

Anyway hope you like my review and I havent bored you with the length of it. rainy xx _________________