Chicago Philharmonic, Maestro Scott Speck conducting, brings a creative collaboration of talent and artistry with Aretha Rising.

Aretha Rising – Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra

Capathia Jenkins and Darryl Williams, with back up singers Nick Trawick, DeShana Wooden, and Calli Graver amaze with their vocal talent along with this remarkable orchestra.  The acoustics of the Harris Theater create  a canopy of multilayered sound beauty. Darryl Williams singing A Change Is Gonna Come brings goosebumps and much needed hope after a heartbreaking week of violence in Texas.  And Aretha’s Gospel (What A Friend We Have In Jesus/Climbing Higher Mountains) simply lifts you up.

The concert features an array of songs, not only Aretha’s.  Try A Little Tenderness, At Last, Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Isn’t She Lovely, Amazing Grace and many more wonderful tunes. The horn section satisfies your soul. You can feel the positive energy between the vocalists. The audience emerging from the theater is indeed soothed by this wonderful performance.  

The vocals and orchestra pay homage to Aretha’s career and certainly live up to the challenge of these iconic songs. Respect and A Natural Woman sound amazing with this orchestra. A joy for the listener.  And certainly the queen of soul would be proud.  

Reviewed by Judy Nathan