And so it came to pass that the multitude of people I've spoken with agree. Madonna, or it is Esther, needs to reinvent herself again into something more palatable. This tour isn't doing it for anyone apparently. Much as I hate to hate, *ding* time's up. Next incarnation please.
However, on the Sunday night after Maddy's opening show, Niki Haris ROCKED the house with sky-high energy and nothing but love for Chicago. Formerly Madonna's backup singer for many years, Niki has been doing her solo-thing for quite a while now. Four CD's later, she has never sounded better.
Sound-Bar hosted her short-yet-satisfying dance show. Bringing a small stage to the main floor, Niki Haris strutted her stuff with two gorgeous local dancers. With the crowd right up against the stage, fearless Niki made contact with Chicago in a big way. Traveling through a couple of her quick hits, she let us have it with her radiant energy. It was a performance no one will soon forget. But that's not all.
Post-show, she graciously autographed CD's in the Round Bar and made contact with anyone who was so inclined. It was amazing to see her chat with EVERYONE, and take the time for a quick hug, a picture, or a quick kiss on the cheek. She stayed until the last fan made their way over. Talk about realness!
So in a fitting segue, Niki Haris' CD entitled 'Dance' will make you want to get up and do exactly that. Covering old and new dance music sounds, the album almost sounds like a history of dance floors from the last 20 years.
'The Fall' kicks off the disc with a Progressive big room sound. 'Upper Room' is pure happy Disco House. Throwing back to the early 90's Acid House's 'What's It Gonna Be' has those digital orchestra hits that we all lived for back in the day.
A modern Garage sound with beautifully arranged strings and an acoustic guitar strikes all the right chords on 'Love Will Be Around'. Latin House beats dance around guitars and pianos on 'Spanish Harlem'. Not to mention the fabulous hook that says 'she can take it all night...' Delish.
'Ain't That The Way' and another ballad 'Throw It Away' slow down the energy a bit and funks up the groove with R&B flavors, not quite dance but both beautiful tunes in their own right. 'Some Day' is an Electroclash tune, right in line with the times. 'Do You Love As Good As You Look', another Acid House throwback will make you want to find that last pair of Z. Cavaricci's you bought.
And finally, enter the Niki Haris I ADORE, 'Total Love' is THE track you'll hear on my dance floor, most likely more than once in a night. It's so hollerin'-diva-House that I nearly screamed with joy when I heard it. Visit her site at nikiharis.com and pick this album up!
With you in 4/4,
Peter Mavrik
