It's difficult to choose a favorite song of the night for a variety of reasons. But using my own criteria, my favorite
song of the night was Daybreak - it was magical. Second favorite song (although a very close race with number one) was
Copacabana - also magical.
As for sheer beauty, it was Weekend in New England. Last night's rendition was exquisite. Of all the ballads that he
normally does in this portion of the show, this is my favorite. Last night Barry asked for requests - this was the
song he finally settled on. Someone in the audience asked him if he could do it acapella - he paused,laughed, and
said, "No..." But you know when he sings the first chorus, where he sometimes holds the notes out longer? Oh, what
he did last night! Exquisite - there's no other word for it. After he completed the chorus, he added, "that was kind
of acapella!"
For the ballad, Kye brought out a jacket that's either new, or I just haven't noticed it before. It's brown, but it's
not plain. Almost looks kind of shiny. Really nice. But my favorite was the one he put on for Copacabana. That's one
of the most gorgeous jackets I've ever seen him wear. If it's not knew, then there was something about my angle last
night that was allowing me to see it in a different way. The blues in it are so beautiful.
The 70's segment is probably going to be one of my favorites of all the "decade bits" that he does. Part of it is
because this is turning out to be one of my favorite CDs. And part of it is simply the way the segment has been put
together. It's upbeat, happy, hopeful, caring - it leaves you with a good feeling.
There was a funny moment last night, I'm not sure which song - I *think* it was during Can't Smile - but Barry turned
to walk back to the piano and they had started pulling the piano back. He pretended to be trying to judge the distance
as if he were going to have to make a run to catch up with it and hop on the platform. Hilarious moment.
And then there was the moment when Barry couldn't seem to get his 70's jacket on - no matter what Kye did to adjust the
way he held it, Barry couldn't get it on. I'm sure that wasn't one of Barry's favorite moments of the night, but from
a fan point of view, seeing how he deals with things like that is one of the reasons we love him so much.
Barry made it a very magical night, a very special night that will live in my memory forever. It almost seems trite
to say "thanks" - we say it so much. But it's all we can do to express our gratitude for what he's given to us and
given up of himself over all these years.
