Rita Coolidge Pays Homage To Her Favorites

Concert Review
Rita Coolidge
Bear’s Den Showroom
Inside Seneca Niagara Casino
Niagara Falls, NY
Friday November 4, 2016
Review/Photos: Joseph Suto

Two-time Grammy winner Rita Coolidge played the Bear’s Den Friday evening. It marked her first area appearance since 2012. During her ninety minute set she focused on paying homage to many great song writers as she told stories about the songs. She also released a memoir earlier this year entitled Delta Lady.

Coolidge was backed by a fabulous band that included musical director and guitarist John McDuffie, bassist Randy Landas, keyboardist JT Thomas and drummer/singer Lynn Coulter. Coulter also sang a duet with Coolidge.

The first part of her set she played a pair of tunes written by the late Allen Toussaint. “Basic Lady” and “Shoo Rah, Shoo Rah” were prominently featured.

It was during the middle portion of the show where she mentioned that Kris Kristofferson was her favorite ex-husband. She prompty played a pair of songs written by Kristofferson, “Late Again (Gettin’ Over You)” and “Who’s To Bless and Who’s To Blame”.

The latter portion of her set featured her top hits. Fan favorites such as “We’re All Alone”, “The Way You Do The Things You Do” and main set closer “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher” were the highlights.

“Lover Please” from Breakaway an album which she recorded with Kristofferson ended the evening. The song was penned by Billy Swann known for his smash “I Can Help”.

With her fascinating new memoir out she tells her story with a candid eye to detail. Music has always been her life and the memoir like her concerts help bring everything full circle.

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Set List
Hallelujah I Love Her So
Basic Lady
Superstar
Tattler
Shoo Rah Shoo Rah
I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight
Late Again (Gettin’ Over You)
Who’s to Bless and Who’s to Blame
Loving Arms
I Can’t Stand The Rain
We’re All Alone
Born Under a Bad Sign
Fever
The Way You Do the Things You Do
How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)
Amazing Grace (Cherokee Anthem)
(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher