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08 April 2004
Natalie Cole, Ask a Woman Who Knows (WNET/BBC)
There is no doubt that Natalie Cole, like her uncle and pops, has the skills to pay the bills. Whether belting out a Vegas standard, sophisticated soul or a bloody jingle, she possesses one of the creamiest voices imaginable. And regardless of the rampant white bread nature of this concert performance--marred by napping violinists, a solambulant audience and appearances by Diana Krall, her voice still manages to delight. "Tonight is a night for the woman; fellas you're invited too," Natalie informs us from the get-go. "This is about love, good love, not so good love, and a whole lot of attitude; just ask a woman who knows and everyone knows I'm a woman who knows." You bet we know. But none of her sordid past rears its ugly head. Instead we get a night of standards ("Wonderful", "It's Crazy"), classic originals ("This Will Be", "Inseparable") and even a jazzy cover of "Route 66." Not to mention countless costume changes, each more glamorous/risque' than the previous, so that by the time she eases into "I'm Beginning to See the Light" we begin to see more flash and flesh. All in all it's not a bad show. Perfect for the PBS matinee crowd, which is who helped turn this production out.
— Matt Rogers
.: posted by Editor 7:23 AM
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