Johnny Reid’s show at The Colosseum this past Friday felt like a smoky night at Cobo Hall in 1976. A special night like the one Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band had when they recorded the multi-platinum Live Bullet album. There wasn’t a free seat in the house and the magic was electric. Had this been 1976 and not 2018, Johnny Reid would have been able to record the quintessential double-live album of his career right here in Windsor.

Armed with his 13-piece big band Soul Providers, Reid cranked out 16 songs spanning his career from country singer to soul master. Surprisingly he only performed a handful of songs from his new album Revival (although earlier in the tour he performed up-to seven of albums 14 tracks).

There was a sense that this was a special night, not only for the fans that waited months for the rescheduled show (due to a Casino-staff strike), but also for Reid and his band. He had a smile on his face throughout the entire performance and scooted out to the extreme sides of the Colosseum stage on both sides on several occasions.

The show had a strong 70s vibe and a bit of that Dee-troit flavour, giving the show that old Cobo Hall feel. Reid’s new music is the best of his career and he re-worked his old country favourites to the new soul sound that seems to suit him perfectly.

It’s easy to see why Reid consistently attracts large audiences to his shows. He’s the whole package. His raspy voice sounds like it was created from the DNA of Rod Stewart and Bob Seger, his stage presence is as commanding as any rock legend and his personality is captivating.

The Colosseum
Friday, Sept. 14, 2018

Soul Train
Memphis
Walking On Water
Honey Honey
A Women Like You
Shoulders
Fire It Up
Today I'm Gonna Try and Change the World
What Love Is All About
A Picture of You
When the Sun Goes Down / Old Time Country Song / Proud Mary / Sweet Caroline
Darlin' (Frankie Miller cover)

Encore:
Everytime I Roll the Dice

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