5,000 Hear Andy Williams At Saratoga
by Don A. Metivier, The Post-Star, July 9, 1974
Andy Williams starred Sunday evening in another of the Saratoga Festival’s polished and smooth special events.
The holder of 17 gold records, representing the sale of more than 35 million record albums, Williams entertained the crowd of more than 5,000 with 20 musical numbers, many of them his hits.
Performing with a 32-piece orchestra conducted by Jack Feierman, Williams’ musical director, the former Tonight Show singer was the totally professional entertainer.
Completely at ease with a big audience, Williams showed great preparation with every note carefully orchestrated and tightly arranged.
Performers of Williams’ calibre bring a great deal more than music and words to their performance, as they put together a total musical package, taking advantage of the fine orchestra as well as their own talents.
Williams sang many of his hits, including: “Theme From Love Story,” “Summertime,” including a chorus in Japanese “Hawaiian Wedding Song,” “Moon River,” and “Impossible Dream, ” but the highlight of the concert had to be a full rendition of “MacArthur Park,” which utilized the orchestra to its fullest, as well as Williams’ pleasant voice.
He also played a song on the piano, at the urging of Feierman, and then took a turn at leading the orchestra.
His comments to the audience, which were not interrupted by the usual shouts when a performer tries to talk to the crowd, were also in the same relaxed manner.
The program was opened by two funny and talented comedians, Bill Skiles and Pete Henderson.
They clowned and gagged their way through the first half of the show, getting the audience in a perfect mood for the 75-minute concert by Williams.
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