For a night going under the banner The Divas, there was a surprising lack of dramatics and petty posturing from the stars. "We're three sisters, divas I got a problem with," remarks Dionne Warwick, the closest a manicured foot gets to being stomped. Warwick, Gladys Knight and Randy Crawford made some of the biggest hits of the golden era of soul, from the early 60s to the mid 80s, and when they open together with That's What Friends Are For, it's difficult to guess who will come off best.
Randy Crawford, resplendent in layers of lilac, looks happy but self-conscious as she eases her way into Rainy Night in Georgia. While her gentle but soaring vocals sound ageless, and the widest smile in soul is kept in place, the fragility of her voice appears to be no gimmick. "I need to go on a diet," she says, forlornly. "Oh well, I guess some men like women like this." As she takes her time through a collection of gems including Almaz and Knocking on Heaven's Door, Crawford is surprised by the ecstatic reception she's given. "Do you like me?" she asks, less a pop princess than an eager-to-please child. Her urban street sound, always more New York than Motown, and genuine delight at the dancing crowd is a revelation.
But while dipping into the back catalogue means joy for Crawford, Dionne Warwick seems less thrilled. She sprints through the classics, just throwing in a chorus in the case of You Won't Get to Heaven if You Break My Heart. Walk On By, Alfie and A House Is Not a Home follow at breakneck speed. After witnessing Crawford's emotional response, Warwick's professionalism appears cold. As controlled as her vocals, Warwick knows all she has to do is turn up to get 'em gasping.
Gladys Knight, by contrast, is determined to put on a soul spectacular. Backing singers, two dancers - including brother Bubba Knight, one of the original Pips, as well as her band - show that Knight is out to party. And she parties hard. From the pure funk of Friendship Train to the gut-wrenchingly beautiful Memories, Knight has the personality, looks and moves of a superstar. You're always aware you're watching something special, even though the act is so polished it's more worthy of Vegas than Hammersmith. It's a shame there's so much time spent reminiscing about the good old days,when all you want to hear is that fantastically earthy yet delicate voice. With emotion, professionalism and passion on display, it was the night of the diva after all.
