23 March 2017 (gig)
26 March 2017
Mario Biondi as part of his ‘Best Of Soul Tour’ played to a packed house in the magnificent Teatro Regio of Parma. Even if MB is onstage with a nine piece band of excellent multivalent musicians, this was very much the Mario Biondi show, with the band members remaining fixed to their spot for the whole gig except when Mario requested the presence of a singer or musician at closer quarters. It’s a Vegas style show more than a concert and rather more crooning than soul. Let’s say more Lou Rawls than Barry White or Maurice White of EW&F.
indeed MB really does have an exceptional voice, sound and true like his above mentioned idols and it really is a great listening experience. However, as perfect as is the playing and singing, the fact that there is no space for any improvisation means the ‘groove’ tends to be standardized and the ‘soul’ rather empty, at least for my personal taste. A gig it is not but as a show its grand.
The crowd are very appreciative if rather subdued but as no one gets out of their seats, indeed Mario does not ask them to dance or sway, there are a few moments of true inspiration and unexpected brilliance.
For me, highlights are the opening track and MB’s pièce de résistance, ‘This Is What You Are’, Burt Bacharach’s ‘Close To You’ hits all the right spots, ‘No More Trouble’ raises the bar with the band relaxing and giving the performance some edge, ‘After The Love Has Gone’ has a top notch MB on board, and the great 2015 single ‘Love Is a Temple’ is a smacker.
I would love to see Mario with a five piece band in a smaller location where everyone would have to work at it just a bit harder to really capitalize on his talent; to go from good to great. Still if it’s a good evening’s entertainment you are after then this show is hard to beat.
