Roberta Flack: Live With the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra is a concert film that showcases the legendary singer's performance at the Jubilee Auditorium in Edmonton, Canada, backed by the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. The concert was recorded on August 25th, 2001, and was released the following year. The film opens with a shot of the packed concert hall, with the audience eagerly awaiting the arrival of the singer. The camera then cuts to a shot of the stage, where Roberta Flack and the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra are already in place. Flack, looking elegant in a black and gold gown, greets the audience before launching into "Killing Me Softly With His Song," which was a massive hit for her in the 1970s.
From there, the concert proceeds through a selection of Flack's greatest hits, with the singer and the orchestra working together to create a lush, sophisticated sound. "Feel Like Makin' Love," "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," and "Where Is The Love?" are just a few of the classics that Flack delivers with her signature poise and elegance.
Flack is a consummate performer, charming the audience with her banter between songs and displaying an effortless grace in her singing. She is clearly in command of her craft, and her voice soars through the Jubilee Auditorium with ease. Even though these songs are decades old, they still feel fresh and relevant, a testament to Flack's enduring talent and artistry.
The concert isn't all about Flack, though. The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra shines throughout, adding depth and complexity to each track. The musicians are clearly well-rehearsed and in sync with the singer, blending together in perfect harmony. The orchestra's lush arrangements only serve to accentuate Flack's distinctive voice, creating a singular sound that can't be replicated.
The concert's lighting is understated but effective, with warm colors and soft spotlights highlighting the performers without distracting from the music. The camera work is similarly unobtrusive, with sleek tracking shots and close-ups capturing the concert's energy without feeling too flashy or overdone.
One of the highlights of the concert is Flack's rendition of Leonard Cohen's "Suzanne," which she performs with just her piano and a delicate string section. It's a hauntingly beautiful track, and Flack's voice imbues it with a soulfulness that is almost otherworldly. As the song draws to a close, the audience erupts in applause, a testament to the power of Flack's performance.
Another standout moment is Flack's cover of "Bridge Over Troubled Water," which builds slowly to a powerful climax. Again, the orchestra's arrangement is key, with dramatic swells and tense harmonies that perfectly complement Flack's soaring vocals.
Overall, Roberta Flack: Live With the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra is a fantastic concert film that showcases the timeless talent of a true legend. Flack's voice and the orchestra's arrangements are perfectly intertwined, creating a sound that is both contemporary and classic. The concert is a must-watch for fans of Flack, as well as anyone who appreciates great music performed with passion and skill.
