B.J. Thomas Pleases Over 2,000 at SPAC

by Marilyn Nason, The Post-Star, June 19, 1971

B. J. Thomas put on a good show and more than 2,000 last night at Saratoga Performing Arts Center thought he was the greatest.

He sings a clear, understandable tune and, behind all the hair, beard and mustache, there’s a handsome, talented young man.

For his first appearance on stage in a crazy, high-style tuxedo and lace open-necked shirt, Thomas gave the customers what they wanted in full measure.

At 24, he has had a meteoric career and it’s obvious why. He’s been smart enough to realize that slipshod performances are sure-fire descent route—with or without his Burt Bacharach tunes for support.

Knowing this, Thomas worked like mad, moving around the stage and putting strong emotional impact into songs all too often sung in listless but noisy fashion by preceding SPAC performers.

The Texan also won my applause for the clearest, most understandable enunciation of musical scores heard in a long time at SPAC.

Because of this, every song was a joy, whether fast-tempo rock or “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,” “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” and particulariy pleasing “The Eyes of a New York Woman.”

Midway through the performance, he shed his extra-tight double-breasted jacket, played guitar and this, too, was quite good.

Backing him was a four-man band, who, he said, had been his orchestra for countless club and college dates.

Thomas got better as he moved along in his, the second portion of the show. He gave no encores and the usual “can we escape the hundreds of young girls waiting at the stage door” worked again. Thomas escaped in his familiar black limousine leaving screaming girls bewildered at the stage door, now an all too familiar six-year-old sight at SPAC.

Opening the show was a Troy group, The Patterns, two men, a girl, and a bass accompanist. Quite obviously bent on emulating the now-defunct Peter, Paul and Mary, the trio was good, but ill-equipped to handle the entire first half. Since the long range purpose of SPAC has been to provide a showcase for both recognized and rising talent, no criticism can be lodged here.

This weekend a full house is assured with the incomparable Johnny Cash at 8 tonight and tomorrow Tom Jones at 2 and 8:30 p.m.