Howard Jones brought an enchanted evening of acoustic music to a nearly sold-out crowd in the Huntsman Center on Saturday.
The audience knew something was up when they noticed camera cranes and a roving camera crew taking shots before the concert began.Then announcer David Stopps appeared with a disclaimer, "Those of you who wish not to appear in the video may leave now."
The show was videotaped for release later this year because, "Salt Lake City means so much for Howard," said Stopps. And without any further interruptions, a white-gowned figure stepped on stage to light a mass of candles to a recording of Jones' "Cathedral Chutai."
Jones and his percussionist, Carol Steele, then stepped to their respective instruments. Jones sat at an electric piano and Steele immersed herself inside a ring of congas, bongos, chimes, bells and cymbals.
The rippling energy of "Pearl In a Shell" was the first to roll off the stage. Then came the jazzy "Don't Always Look at the Rain," which paved the way for "Exodus" and its medley partner, a remake of the Beatles' "Come Together."
Jones - "Hojo" to his fans - presented a well-balanced mix. Steele's batted rhythms highlighted the piano man's soothing voice and finger playing.
Other tunes included the slide-piano-inspired "Give Me Strength" and "You Know I Love You . . . Don't You?" from the album "One to One." The music continued with "Like to Get to Know You Well" from Jones' second album "Dream Into Action," "New Song" from "Human's Lib" and "Everlasting Love," during which Steele went off on an ear-pleasing conga, bongo and cymbal solo.
Jones also managed to mix some new songs into the lineup. "Wedding Song," "We Make the Weather," the experimental "Not One of the Lonely Tonight" and a song for his children called "Sleep My Angel" contained familiar Jones melodic touches and were welcomed with enthusiastic applause.
A reworked version of "Over and Above" from the album "Working In the Backroom" - which, by the way, is only available at the live shows - mesmerized the crowd with its heartfelt lyrics about spiritual relationships.
Throughout most of the songs, the audience engaged in duets with Jones. This was especially true during "What Is Love," "Things Can Only Get Better" and the spirit-lifting hit, "Life In One Day." Steele, while pounding away, occasionally chimed in with backup vocals that brought depth and dimension to the show.
Jones, a favorite in Salt Lake City, kept the energy alive with his piano crescendos and casual speak. Steele, who at times wasn't happy with the her monitor output, didn't let technicalities rain on Jones' show. She kept right in there and used her hands, elbows and fingers to frame the songs with solid and sometimes calypso-like beats.
Acoustic pianist/vocalist Rebecca Timmons and guitarist Robert Bartolucci opened the show. Her chiming voice hissed like Tori Amos' and growled like Joan Osborne's. Bartolucci's finger picking provided the perfect counter to Timmons' intricate piano.