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| - Am I really the first person Yelping Jay? Wow, I shouldn't be. I went to see him tonight on a whim because I am a Neil Diamond fan. Among my first memories in life were me sitting in a rocking chair with headphones my dad slapped on to me listening to "Hot August Night" as I looked out the window. He probably did it to shut me up, but it worked and I instantly became hooked on the music.
So, here I am 30 years later and I still get the same vibe from Neil's music. I've been a fan of "Super Diamond", a younger tribute band for years, but I have to say I never thought I'd see something like Jay White. Jay not only bears an uncanny resemblance to the real Neil (sorry Surreal Neil), it is virtually no different than seeing Neil himself up on stage. You have the added benefit of seeing the man perform in a small intimate venue with cocktail tables for about 50 - 60, and his band is excellent also. But back to Jay....
The show is a very good journey that takes you back all the way to the 60's, and through the 70's, with Neil's biggest hits. Did I mention that Jay is a dead ringer for Neil? It's ridiculous. He not only looks just like him, he sounds exactly like him to boot. He also keeps the show fun by engaging the audience. I'm not sure if the real Neil ever did this since I've never seen him, but I have a feeling he did. The real Neil is the real deal, and he wrote such great music because he loves making music and entertaining people with his gift of music above all else. Jay emulates that perfectly.
After the show he even does a nice greet the fan session outside in the lobby of the Riviera, where he has his show. Completely spellbound and starstruck, I extended my hand, shook his hand and made small talk for a few minutes. He could not have sounded any more like Neil in person with his deep baritone voice. He stood there and took pictures and chatted with everyone for 20 minutes and then headed back inside to do it all over again. What a guy.
Based on the fact that I was probably the only one under 60 in the room (ok there were a few others but not many) I fully realize this show isn't for everyone, although I would encourage anyone to see this. You don't have to be a Neil Diamond fan to appreciate it, and for a fraction of the cost of the big acts in town, this is stellar bang for your buck.
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