The Singer His Music and The Musicians
The Singer - Neil Diamond
"This tour may be the last time I sing those songs ("Sweet Caroline" to "Song Sung Blue" ) on stage. I want to make the Greek show something special, a document of the last six years - 23 or 24 of the songs I specially like, including some like "Shilo" and "Red Red Wine" that I've never done in concert. It's kind of a farewell to a period in my life"
Asked after the performance if he was nervous before going on stage, and Neil replied " No, I wasn't nervous at all. I went out and did a show and it all worked beautifully." The fourth night Monday August 21st and the following four nights were recorded. On Tuesday (22nd August) Neil was very ill with a 102 degree temperature, but with the help of antibiotics, continued with another great performance. Although his voice still possessed a nasal quality. Thursday was the night when a "Hot August Night' made recording history
Musical Director Lee Holdridge
Musical director Lee Holdridge had the task of creating something special for the opening. Neil was to begin with "Crunchy Granola Suite" An idea was devised the opening piece start with a solo cello and gradually instruments were added then the entire string section a strong organ line the percussion until the sound swelled and swelled. And then, and then a huge downbeat the entire rhythm section came in with the vamp to 'Crunchy Granola' - making an exciting dramatic opening.
Attention was also focused on the end of the show by adding strings to "Soolaimon" which was to be the first encore. Holdridge's notion was that " even if you don't hear the strings, visually you should have everybody on the stage singing, playing, whatever so that the last thing the audience sees is the whole stage going It worked great".
The Musicians
Drums Dennis St John
Guitar Richard Bennett
Guitar &
Vibes Emory Gordy Jnr
Percussion Jefferson Kewley
Keyboard Alan Lindgren
Guitar Danny Nicholson
Bass Reine Press
Guitar Neil Diamond
Strings 36 piece strings section