Roger Whittaker brought his "Whittaker Family Christmas Musical Safari Show" to Abravanel Hall - and what a trip it was! Folk tunes from his native Kenya, traditional carols from his beloved English countryside, Calypso ballads from Jamaica and more.
When it comes to "comfort music" - what I like to think of as the musical version of "comfort food" - no one does it better than Rog.And this year he brought along his beautiful and talented daughter, Jessica (or J.J. as she's known professionally). One of his sons, Guy, also assisted back stage, making a brief dash onto the stage to replace one of Dad's microphones.
Roger Whittaker is one of those rare celebrities - a solid family man (married 31 years this year), a doting grandfather, a consummate musician . . . and I don't believe he's ever been on the cover of the National Enquirer (unlike another famous British family).
Roger and his small ensemble of very talented musicians and backup singers entertained a capacity - and rapt - Abravanel Hall audience with some of his hits and several Christmas tunes.
You know the hits. You've been buying and playing them for three decades - "New World in the Morning," "Mexican Whistler," "The Last Farewell" and "I Don't Believe in If Anymore."
The show was sprinkled with ample amounts of humor (humour?), too. Cajoling the audience into joining in a spirited sing-along of "The Twelve Days of Christmas," he first conducted a brief warm-up, then commented "Wonderful! Of course, I had to bribe the Tabernacle Choir to come here tonight to help you out!"
Then, during the subsequent singing of all 12 verses, daughter Jessica was saddled with the thankless task of juggling large posters with reminders of which "day" we were supposed to be singing about, getting them more and more mixed up in the process - and tossing in a few extra signs along the way, including a big "Ooops!" . . . "What's next, Rog?" and "Will Roger remember to breathe?" (He did.)
Much of the music that Whittaker has composed himself was inspired by his own trips and safaris, including two beautiful Christmas songs that he wrote during a trip to Rome with his wife. Battling jet lag left him with sleepless periods - and time to write.
In the intriguing "Momma Mary" Whittaker ponders how Joseph and Mary might have reacted to a media blitz if the wonderful event of 2,000 years ago had occurred today. "The Governor's Dream" is a lyrical glimpse of what an ancient Roman governor might've dreamed concerning the impact of Christianity on the Roman empire.
There were some jovial songs and moments as well - like Whittaker's colorfully illustrated ode to the possible benefits of raising canines instead of children ("I Would've Had Dogs") and the delightful musical story of "Darcy the Dragon." (It's not easy going Christmas shopping when, every time you talk to a clerk, a burst of flame chars the merchandise.)
And there were some hauntingly beautiful tunes, notably the title cut from "A Time for Peace," a ballad about sharing the feelings of Christmas, and "A Perfect Day," a poignant daddy/daughter duet by Roger and J.J.
Whittaker's hilarious spin on Ebenezer Scrooge, spewing out his intense dislike for the holiday in "I Hate Christmas - Don't You?" was lively and fun.
His musicians, most (if not all) who've toured with him many times, had opportunities to share their individual talents as well. Pianist David Fraser, who hails from Wellington, New Zealand, was spotlighted in "White Christmas" and "Blueberry Hill." Guitarist Brian Russell of Vancouver, B.C., soloed in a terrific country-western piece and Nancy Walker did some terrific work on the synthesizer.
Unfortunately, because some of the musicians' names were announced during the applause, they were muffled and indistinct. But if my memory serves me right - and frequently it doesn't - the two backup singers were Kirsten Campbell of Toronto and Lorna Greenwood of Nashville. Campbell is an elfin-size singer who can really belt. She sang a spiritual that faithfully captured the heart and soul of this unique style of music.
Another highlight was all four singers - Roger, J.J. and the two backups, joining for "Amazing Grace." Encores included one of Whittaker's own father's favorites, "Old Man River," and a jaunty "Gonna Have Fun Tonight."