July 15, 2010 - There aren’t many singers who can boast the consistent career and vocal ability of Frankie Valli. Now into the seventh decade of his career, Valli is still taking his sentimental, feel-good hits on the road for all to see and hear, and that’s good news for anyone who appreciates being entertained by a bona fide music legend. Those who gathered at the Wolf Trap Center for the Performing Arts to catch Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons were in for a musical treat, and lucky to score a ticket before the outdoor venue sold out.
Looking sharp in a white shirt with his hair combed back, not much has changed when it comes to Valli’s look on stage over the years. But the people standing behind him are another story. Valli tours with four young backup singers, a musical arranger, and a three-piece rhythm section – and that’s not all. For this occasion, the Four Seasons received assistance from the local Wolf Trap Horn Section. The sounds emerging from the stage were full and tight, with Frankie’s falsetto as icing on the cake.
As the hits began to roll, Valli barely seemed to break a sweat between them. His early Four Seasons material was the main source of songs for the evening, but also included were cover selections from the recently released “Romancing the 60′s“. This featured a startlingly good rendition of “Call Me” and an equally impressive “Spanish Harlem“. Valli had the entire crowd in the palm of his hand by the time he dusted off the covers, but he was just getting started.
Couples young and old rounded out an all-ages pack of fans, which of course included a fair share of those who knew (and sang) the words to each song. Then again, singing the words to each song can’t be too hard a task at a concert starring the voice of “Grease“.
Valli took to a chair to deliver the opening lines of his first ever solo hit, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You“. The song has been covered by dozens of renowned artists in the time since its release, but the ultimate treat remains to be watching the man himself perform it live.
It’s an emotional piece, and it was fitting to see the singer solo on stage with a twinkle in his eye has he perhaps recalled a time long ago. From the audience’s perspective, there’s something awe-inspiring about watching the legend himself sing a lasting classic that sounds like it’s being ripped right out of one of those “Time Life” commercials right before your eyes.
Top notch choreography and backing vocals from The Four Seasons brought much life into the show, adding texture for both the eyes and the ears. The four young guys on stage with Valli couldn’t have been more thrilled to be there, and what’s more is that even Valli was humbled by their talent.
We’ve all heard Frankie Valli’s trademark voice of in endless replay on the radio for years, and although nuance changes have taken place over time, the high notes seemed to come with ease. Carrying himself on stage with a somewhat reserved but yet expressive style, Valli gave a classy performance through and through.
Vocally, he was a spotless wonder throughout. But perhaps his most impressive feat emerged near the end of the show when he shook the hands of over 50 eager front-frow fans, all while finishing out with “Ragdoll“. It’s not exactly an easy song to sing while on a hand-shaking marathon.
By the end of the set as the band broke into the likes of “Sherri” and “Walk Like a Man“, one began to wonder if there was an end to the parade of hits.
Valli and his music tell a story that’s timeless and unique. One of the most recognizable voices in American pop culture, he forms a genuine connection with the audience to complete a show that is both musically and nostalgically satisfying.
