There’s A Bublé Song For That - A Michael Bublé Concert Review
You know that old saying, “There’s an app for that?” Well, in any mood, I guarantee you there’s a Michael Bublé song for that. Many of which he features in his current Higher Tour. I attended his Chicago stop at the Allstate Arena over Labor Day weekend, and to say it was a treat is a complete understatement.
It’s been 14 years since I’ve been to a Michael Bublé show and the concert magic has increased a millionfold.
The overall stage production value is his most high-tech to date. No spoilers, but let’s say it’s a sensory feast for the soul. From the pyro, brilliant lighting, confetti, and a pretty phenomenal catwalk put truth into the phrase “there’s not a bad seat in the house.”
One thing that has been cemented in Michael’s performing career is that he is supported by a premier team of musicians. From heart-pounding horns to smooth and dreamy strings, these musicians are not merely background. They are the nucleus, the supercell, and the hub that makes the show tick. You will not find a better group of world-class instrumentalists. An elite group led by the incomparable Musical Director, Nikolas Jacobson-Larson.
The thing that makes Michael Bublé such a consummate professional is not only his vocal abilities and showmanship but his genuine character in connecting with his audience.
After riding the highs of the Oxytocin and dopamine filing the air that night, Michael finds the bliss point of the show & slows things down for a very stripped back and poignant moment. We as a society for a few years now have been through a traumatic torrential storm. With just his voice and minimal accompaniment, Michael belts out a heart-wrenching rendition of Charlie Chaplin’s “Smile.” For those three beautiful minutes, it is like the universe says, “everything is going to be ok.”
Towards the end of his set, Michael launches into this eloquent monologue about how even though the world is divided on a lot of things, in that space and time we’re united. He proceeds to take the audience on a journey of spiritual proportions. Singing one of Sam Cooke’s most soulful records, Michael pours everything into “Bring It On Home To Me.” A group of angelic vocalists joins him onstage adding so much depth and emotion that a studio recording just cannot emulate.
A concert has two main purposes, to entertain & to tell a story. The story that night? A journey of resilience, joy, and a message that there is no higher power than love.