One reason that I hold a bit of hope that Sade will come back (her concert review can be read here), even though she is the definition of ‘eclectic recluse’, is that Aretha Franklin also recently came to town, for the launch of the TD Jazz Festival 2011. Seeing both her and Sade within a two week span enlightened me a lot on how to maintain a legacy and make truly everlasting musical history. The, *ahem*, respect, that The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, was given before she even thought of setting foot on stage was something I have never seen in my life, and may never see again. To say I was appreciative of the lessons taught that rainy Friday night at Metro Hall would be a disrespectful understatement. Lesson one:

Aretha Franklin floats.

(all pictures courtesy of Richard Budman for shot7.com)

I mean it. She doesn’t seem to possess the same ‘start/stop’ gait that most mortals have when they walk with left and right feet. She seems to glide, saunter and float her way around her domain, even at the dignified age of 69. (Actually, there was an opening act who need not be named, because they took far too long to even knowingly warm up the crowd and graciously, ie: QUICKLY, pass the mic to the host to introduce Aretha. About a thousand anxious fans, both with wristbands under the show’s tent, and those outside, exhaled a palpable sigh of relief when our "Aretha Moment" was finally about to manifest. Let’s get this magic signed, sealed and delivered!

Once the instrumentation army set up their positions (about ten middle aged gentlemen of various ethnicities and characters), what transpired next denoted the gravity of everything that was about to go down. The tuxedoed band, as well as the three full-bodied and statuesque back-up singers on stage, finessed, polished, and fine-tuned their instruments, voices and harmonies for THREE FULL SONGS before Aretha even appeared on stage! It was truly something reminiscent of the arrival of royalty: it was like the musicians had to lay a bed of sonic rose petals, orchids and chrysanthemums down before the Queen would even set foot down in the court of the crowd and concert. Honestly, for any other artist, it would have been a tedious display of pretentiousness. But on this occasion, it actually felt proper.

“Hello Toronto! How you doing?” Aretha announced as she was finally introduced, to a wall of adoration. Then with few breaths to spare, she jumped in: “Alright, here we go!!” Within 4 bars, the journey to soul music heaven was underway. Half way through song one, “Cherokee,” Aretha is already riffing and scatting notes back and forth with the saxophonist, who is blowing up a scorching storm. Wow. Two songs in, and lifelong dreams are already being manifested. “Natural Woman (You Make Me Feel Like A…)” was effortlessly turned into an unforgettable epic that delicately but masterfully slipped from Aretha’s lips with the breathless confidence that only someone in their fifth decade of vocalism mastery could weave together. She kept rising and falling with her every emotion, alternating the energy she put in each sequence, and making an enormous version of the song worth every moment. The ONE moment of ‘these are the Demands of a Diva’ that were perceptible for the nearly two hour experience was during this song, where Aretha, as the song was swelling, deadpanned to the soundman: “Turn the ladies DOWN. Turn the girls down,” like it was a commandment from someone higher than God. That was the other- side-of-the-power-of-Aretha that I witnessed, and it was eye-opening. The ear was opened much more too.

Time and space were at Aretha’s disposal the whole time. How many forces of nature do you know that could still remain the star shining in an orchestral sea of 23 instrumentalists, at its culmination? Whether it was her low-key and affectionate banter sprinkled between random songs, or her commandeering of any soul, jazz or blues standard she chose to bless us with “an Aretha version” of, she never left anyone with a moment of doubt as to why she has been christened “the Queen of Soul”. Truly. Any random notion that she “might have lost it” was definitively abolished. Her perceptible healthiness and happiness became another layer of icing on the cake served that night. It’s a blessing to see how a Queen can shine so brightly for so long.

Police estimate of the concert population was around 18,000. Many of them watched on the huge projection screens stationed around the grassy expanse along Bay St., and from the few blocks along King St. West that were shut down. With the additional thousand-plus inside the tent, it was officially a major moment to collectively behold for the city of Toronto. The summer night breeze and the random audience members serenading each other and getting crowd cheers only made for more memories.

It was great to witness how Aretha structured her set. She spent the first segment of the showcase establishing her desired effect, truly radiating a timeless talent for taking things we all knew, and cradling them in charming places insider her phenomenal octaves. “Giving Him Something He Can Feel” was a sure-shot stunner, as this woman showed everyone that "age ain’t nothing but a number," and that she sure still had some swing and sway in her hips, let it be known, throwing in: “Men, you know what I’m talkin’ bout, right?” Those who don’t, certainly wish they did. Her seamless transitions of character between playful, dignified, stern, delicate, enormous, imperfect and immaculate illustrated a legendary veteran’s experience displayed upon the stage. At all times, she commanded all attention. And she deserved it. Over earned it. With no ego. No cheap tricks. And no disappointments. “Daydreamin’” was nothing less than mesmerizingly hypnotic in its captivating power. Aretha dreamweaving with her singers in a pulsating, lounge version of the classic. And her outro? Bubblingly sublime. This is the essence of all that Soul music came from. Not a wasted note or emotion. Her example still surpasses the test of time. Next, “You Send Me” was given in a loose and uplifting manner, complete with crescendos and climaxes that were killing us all so very softly. And for the 80’s pop radio lovers, can you believe she actually did “Freeway Of Love”? Half the time, my jaw was hung, but the rest of me couldn’t stop bopping down nostalgia lane. And because she just couldn’t stray from proving she is virtually infinite, ”I Say A Little Prayer” showed her range and depth was still as impeccable as ever. I never heard her voice break. Yet, her performance perfection was of a different calibre: it was just breath control on a level superior to anyone else trying. She could do no wrong.

After taking an off-stage intermission after standing on her feet the majority of the show (she broke her toe and is slowly healing still), Ms. Franklin’s second act mainly consisted of tracks from her latest album “A Woman Falling Out Of Love,” which felt a lot like an encore that was nearly as long as the first segment. Rules are not what icons adhere to. And only with utter control of every moment and assured expertise at what to say and do at each point in time can one break all the rules and remake them again in their own image. She did so with undeniable ease and poise. The speakers out in the park could not pick up her voice as much as those under the tent, but as the night went on, she shared more jokes and anecdotes with people. She disarmed the crowd with some of her wit, and stepped from behind her image to give moments of genuine connection to people. It all culminated in a biblical rendition of “Bridge Over Troubled Waters,” and witnessing it was the epitome of what gospel, soul, rhythm and blues music is. The theatric level of amazing grace she gave to the audience could not be overstated. She played along on the piano while singing from the ocean of her soul, and could have extended that grand finale until the sun came up, not a single person would have gone home.

But speaking of that…

Throughout the entire show, there subconsciously existed a singular tangible thought in the air… “When is she going to sing ‘Respect’?” And after creating what is certain to be one of the most remarkable singing performances of a lifetime... it was nothing short of mindblowing to see Aretha “The Queen of Soul” Franklin in the flesh, and then, after all is said and done:  go home NOT hearing her sing one of the most memorable classic hit songs of all time. Of all time! The city of Toronto got Rodney Dangerfielded by Aretha that night. No ‘Respect’!!

Nevertheless, Aretha thanked Toronto and exited to a roaring tidal wave of a standing ovation, and left everyone in the audience knowing that no matter what is happening in the music industry, the internet or on TV, there is absolutely nothing in the universe like the live experience of listening to True Soul Music. I have seen countless concerts in my life, but seeing Aretha Franklin was an experience I will remember dearly, beyond forever. Nuff respect due.

Different voices, different depths, different  directions. But Sade and Aretha Franklin both reminded me why their beautiful music still has thousands of people passionately paying attention and still singing it, years and years and decades after much of it was first released. They never, ever have sounded like anyone else, no matter what is popular or what is selling these days. They embody eternal integrity, and to this, I bow in deep appreciation.

There is only one Aretha. Only one Sade. There can never be enough love given to them, or their heavenly voices. Thank you for these eternal blessings, music gods.