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Concert review: Anita Baker.
by Chantelle Grady, Dec. 30, 2003
GoTriad.com
GREENSBORO — Anita Baker proved absence does indeed make the heart grow fonder during her performance Sunday night at the Greensboro Coliseum’s Special Events Center.
The singer made her long-awaited return to the music scene after nearly a decade away to focus on her family and home life. Her fans missed her and showed it with a standing ovation when the R&B singer came out on stage. Baker seemed right at home, as if she had never been away longer than the usual break between albums.
The only opening act was William Troxler, a stand-up comedian whom Baker chose to perform before all her shows. Troxler was fun and entertaining, but everyone was ready for Baker to take center stage. The 7 p.m. concert started roughly on time; however, there was a lull after Troxler’s stand-up routine that left many anxious. It was well over an hour later before the main event began. The audience was polite, although they chanted, "A-Ni-Ta, A-Ni-Ta" several times before the lights went down.
Sound problems erupted early in the evening, although Baker took it all in stride and continued giving a stellar performance. It’s easy to appreciate her down-to-earth and humble manner. Her professionalism wasn’t lost on her audience, who proceeded to carry on conversations with the singer all night. The evening became more of a "Live By Request" performance as Baker asked the crowd what they wanted to hear from her previous works. She constantly replied, "That’s not on the list," then teased them all with a few bars (a cappella) from songs they asked to hear. It was impressive to see the ease with which she improvised throughout the night.
The stage was quite impressive too. It looked like a club or cabaret and created an intimate setting that seemed to fit Baker’s personality well. Two chandeliers were suspended above either side of center stage, while a grand piano on one side was adorned with candle holders and roses. Baker spent a lot of time by the piano and enjoyed her band’s performance as much as the audience did.
Baker wowed the crowd with hits including "Sweet Love" and "Giving You the Best That I’ve Got." There were moments when she would pull her long, black sequin gown up to dance around the stage as she sang. One of her former musicians, Gerald Albright, came out to cheers as he played a saxophone solo. Fans rushed to the stage snapping photos like the paparazzi as he stood next to Baker in what resembled an impromptu jam session.
Baker thanked everyone for coming and showing their support for her career. As people filed out of the venue, others stayed, and she performed a double encore.
It was definitely worth the wait.
http://www.gotriad.com/article/articleview/6218/1/17/