Described as an androgynous, openly gay, drag-loving, African American, falsetto-singing, unapologetically flaming man-diva, Sylvester has experienced a continuous surge in popularity in the decades after his death. His latest posthumous release, Live at the Opera House: The Complete Recordings/Live at the War Memorial Opera House, gives new listeners over two hours of reasons why.
While audio recordings can’t capture the visual glamour and fabulousness of the evening – or the backstage drama that involved Sylvester’s pre-show drug use, triggered by the large number of A-listers in the audience – Live at the Opera House nevertheless illustrates how he was a force to be reckoned with on stage. There is no phoning in of the performance, no backing tapes, and no lip-syncing.
Recorded on March 11, 1979, this 14-track project from Craft Recordings gives listeners 13 unedited songs plus a recording of the mid-concert ceremony honoring Sylvester with a key to San Francisco. There’s more than an hour of never-released music to enchant long-time Sylvester fans and reach out to the uninitiated.
He’s backed by a 26-piece orchestra and a powerful band. Sylvester also added two new backup singers who also recorded as the Weather Girls and Two Tons O’ Fun. Unsurprisingly, Martha Walsh and Izora Rhodes stood toe to toe with Sylvester, matching his vocal prowess.
The hits are here, with “Dance (Disco Heat)” and “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” appearing in extended versions and as part of an orchestral medley. Sylvester also digs into deep cuts and covers. “Blackbird” by the Beatles is rendered in a big band rev-up style with a level of funk not envisioned by Lennon and McCartney. “Lover Man (Oh Where Can You Be?),” popularized by Billie Holiday, is a slow-burning torch song and Sylvester gives a uniquely powerful delivery.
His vast vocal range displays a versatility with jazz and soul music. Look for Live at the Opera House: The Complete Recordings/Live at the War Memorial Opera House in either 3LP colored vinyl or 2CD formats as well as digital high-definition editions. The liner notes are courtesy of The Fabulous Sylvester author Joshua Gamson. Never-before-seen photos from the multi-night run of shows are also included.
Though Sylvester left us in 1988, this bold, elegantly packaged collection confirms his long-lasting legacy. The only downside to Live at the Opera House is that these performances have no accompanying video.
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