Neil Diamond Proves His Ability at SPAC

by Marilyn Nason, The Post-Star, August 16, 1971

All the magic that was supposed to surround Neil Diamond really does. With more than 11,000 attending his performance last night at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, he proved beyond a doubt why he is one of the hottest performers in show business today.

He is handsome, has a deep, rich, pure voice, comes on with a warmth of personality. He is able to combine singing, guitar playing and bits of humor in the right proportions for a complete show. In short, he is that rare breed, an all-around entertainer.

Diamond sang everything the audience expected from this singer who has consistently been voted one of the top male vocalists year after year.

He did “Soolaimon,” Cracklin’ Rosie,” “Sweet Caroline” and “Kentucky Woman,” offered several encores including “He’s Not Heavy, He’s My Brother” and “Brotherly Love” that really sent the audience away screaming for more.

He is a deceptively relaxed individual, for he is really working every minute.

At one point, he even spoofed some of his earlier compositions, calling them “my 400 dumb songs.” He offered a few excerpts to prove his point and he was right.

Diamond was backed by six excellent musicians. For a welcome change, the sound was not too loud. The show was one every age could enjoy, although the audience was predominantly under 25.

For the fashion-minded, his black wavy hair is very long. He wore a deep red shirt opened to the waist with black pants and boots.

Opening the show was Fred Smoot, TV writer-comic, whose act was a straight nightclub routine. He is obviously versatile, bright and witty, although, frankly, a bit too sophisticated for the SPAC audience and better left for nightclubs.

Tonight at 8:30 an equally large audience is anticipated for the return concert of singer Judy Collins.