Concert Review
B.J. Thomas
Avalon Ballroom @
Fallsview Casino
Saturday May 21, 2016
By: Joseph Suto
Five time Grammy Award winner B.J. Thomas took to the stage at The Avalon Ballroom inside Fallsview Casino Saturday evening. The 75-minute set recalled a more simpler time in the music industry as Thomas delivered many of the songs that made him famous.
Following “Rock And Roll Lullaby” Thomas recollected recording the song in New York City in 1972, “back when music was good” he proclaimed which received a great response from the what you would call an experienced crowd. He went on to say the recording featured guitarist Duane Eddy as well as backing vocals by the sixties all girl group The Blossoms.
As predicted “(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song” and “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head” were the best received songs of the evening. In my eyes the track that stood out the best was “Whatever Happened To Old Fashioned Love”, a song that topped the Billboard Country charts in 1983.
One fan yelled out for one of his early songs “Mama”. The song was not on the initial set list as Thomas had called an audible to his band members as the request was honored.
At 73 years old, Thomas’ voice showed no signs of wear as he delved into many of his hits that sounded as fresh as his actual recordings. A great example of this was the gospel song “Peace In The Valley” was which done a cappella.
It was a magical performance from one of the best entertainers in the industry. Thomas was charming, good-humored and above all a true professional. Granted seeing Thomas perform in any capacity these days is a moment to cherish. At one point during the show he told the audience that he wanted everyone to have fun tonight. Thomas and his band lived up to that promise as the smiles on the faces of the glowing attendees were quite evident as they filed out of the venue following the show.
Set List
Get Ready
The Eyes of a New York Woman
Most of All
Rock and Roll Lullaby
I Just Can’t Help Believing
Hooked on a Feeling
(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song
Whatever Happened to Old Fashioned Love
I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry
Mama
Peace in the Valley
Mighty Clouds of Joy
Don’t Worry Baby
Band Intros
Little Green Apples
Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head
(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher
