Ron Isley tilted his head back and closed his eyes during the Isley Brothers’ Superstars of Soul headlining set at Chaifetz Arena Saturday night. He was seemingly overwhelmed by the musicianship and timelessness of songs that he and the Isley Brothers has brought forth through a career that spans six decades.
Supported by a 6-piece band and three female background singers that included Ron’s wife Kandy, the remaining members (Ron and Ernie Isley) shifted through selections that highlighted their rise to fame in the late 1950s.
Decked in a signature black tux and cane, Ron Isley went into “Fight the Power” as brother, Ernie, strummed on electric guitar. “Who’s That Lady,” “Between the Sheets,” and “Footsteps In The Dark” followed – which found 70-year-old Ron mostly sedentary for the remainder of the set.
However the mood was cast for classic slow jams like “Don’t Say Goodnight,” “Groove With You,” “Hello It’s Me,” and “Choosey Lover.”
Although Ron may be meek in voice, his immersion into the melodic grooves shined as he crooned to “It’s Your Thing,” (which found a surprise appearance of former Temptations lead singer Dennis Edwards) “Make Me Say It Again Girl,” and “Let’s Fall In Love.”
Ron returned to his feet on the livelier “Shout” and the crowd followed suit. He continued with “I’ll Always Come Back To You,” and “Summer Breeze,” the latter found Ernie showing off his fine tuned guitar skills with an extended solo.
Later in the night , Ron transformed into his “Mr. Biggs” persona – with wardrobe change that included tailcoat and shades – as he ran through a medley of later hits like “Downlow,” “What Would You Do,” and “Contagious.” With a finale of “Livin For The Love of You” and Ernie closing out with a guitar licked “Amazing Grace” (which at points was played with his teeth), The Isley Brothers proved exactly why they have been the only musical act to have had significant chart topping success for six consecutive decades.
Supporting act El DeBarge managed to also rouse the crowd despite suffering sound troubles through the course of his set.
Mostly showcasing songs from his days in family group, DeBarge, El went through cuts like “Stay With Me,” “All This Love,” “Love Me In A Special Way,” and “Time Will Reveal.” His stripped down set found him back and forth from piano and microphone stand. His accompaniment consisted of an occasional drummer and recorded tracks – which may have worked to his detriment. Although the crowd responded favorably, his set started to feel bit shaky and lacked continuity. At one point it seemed as he would start one song but it was cut short as he immediately dove into another. Other times, he was completely inaudible altogether.
Things seemed to ground themselves with a guest appearance of younger brother Chico DeBarge as they offered his song, “Iggin Me.” Switch’s “There’ll Never Be and “I Call Your Name” followed before El returned to the piano for his latest offering “Second Chance.” Chico returned to assist with “Rhythm of the Night” which closed the set with brothers reaching into the crowd from the stage.
With an unexplained absence of Keith Sweat who was originally on the bill, opening act After 7 was also on hand and rendered selections like “Can’t Stop,” “Ready or Not” and “Nights Like This.”
