Ronald and Ernie Isley in concert Thursday night at Lynn Auditorium.
By BILL BROTHERTON
LYNN – Can a 76-year-old gentleman be a sweet-talking, seductive loverman? You bet, especially if you’re Ronald “Mr. Biggs” Isley, the iconic soul singer who charmed ladies and their fellas out of their seats Thursday night at Lynn Auditorium.
Ronald and younger brother/guitar hero Ernie brought their catalog of hit songs and their Isley Brothers band (five musicians, three gorgeous dancers and powerhouse singer Kandy Johnson Isley, Ronald’s 35-years-younger wife) to town for a dazzling 80-minute show. The uptempo numbers got the near-capacity crowd up and dancing; the slow love songs melted the coldest of hearts.
Having problems with your partner? Forget couples counseling, just pop “Between the Sheets” or “This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak For You)” into the CD player and let the Isleys work their magic. Problem solved.
The crowd was really into the music, from the first notes of opening song “Fight the Power” to the closing salvo of their funkified cover of Seals and Crofts’ “Summer Breeze” and the classic “Shout,” recorded in 1959 by the Isleys and famously revived in the film “Animal House.” Ronald can’t quite reach the high notes these days, but his voice is still smooth and strong.
“That Lady (Part 1)” was a highlight, with Ronald, holding a cane and hat and looking dapper in a glittery black suit, swaying to the soulful beat.
Truncated versions of funk archetype “It’s Your Thing” and “Twist and Shout” (with a bit of Wilson Pickett’s “Land of 1000 Dances” tossed in) got audience members moving and grooving while the band cooked and the ladies danced the frug, the jerk and, of course, the twist. Would’ve been nice to hear longer versions of these tunes, but they sounded great.
Ronald sat down for a fine run-through of Todd Rundgren’s “Hello, It’s Me,” which started with a snippet of Lionel Richie’s “Hello” and found the crowd shouting encouragement to the singer and band.
Kandy Johnson Isley showed off her mighty, gospel-influenced voice during “(At Your Best) You Are Love,” a duet with Ronald, and the Whitney Houston homage “Jesus Loves Me,” earning the night’s loudest applause.
Ernie Isley seized the spotlight with his ferocious, beautiful playing on “Love the One You’re With,” a soulful strut. His “Voyage to Atlantis” was a guitar showcase. He hitched up his black leather pants and laid into some ferocious solos, playing his tricked-out, coffee-colored Stratocaster behind his back and with his teeth a la Jimi Hendrix (who played guitar with the Isley Brothers in the early ’60s).
“Shout” was a rousing closer. The dancers, in tight, white fringe outfits, made like the Ikettes while the band roared through the rock classic, never getting a little bit softer now. This was a full-tilt boogie.
Bill Brotherton is the Item’s Features editor. Tell him what you think at [email protected]
