“I wrote some songs - and I hardly ever write songs. “These last couple years of lock down - it was harsh,” she observed, explaining the roots of the new album Thank You, one which she recorded virtually in her garage during quarantine for release via Decca Records this past November. “It’s so lovely to be back with you,” said Ross. Shifting gears, the group picked the pace back up, heading into “If the World Just Danced” from Ross' latest studio album, her 25th and first since 2006, moving from a docile jazz hall vibe to full on dance club banger. Januin Las Vegas, NV Photo by Barry Brecheisen In her finest lead vocal of the evening, Ross took over as all four backing singers left the stage, turning Ravinia’s 3,350 seat pavilion into an intimate jazz club, playing with the crowd during a breathy closing vocal on the Billie Holiday classic.ĭiana Ross performs on stage at the Paris Theater. “We’re gonna do this from Lady Sings the Blues,” said Ross, introducing one of the evening’s unquestionable highlights in “Don’t Explain.” Returning to the stage in a black dress, Ross and company slowed things down, the singer channeling Billie Holiday as she looked back on her starring 1972 role as the jazz chanteuse. “Did you get it?” she asked, pausing in pose. Ross sauntered right, stopping in front of the piano, bending over at the foot of the stage to assist a pair of fans in the front row desperately trying to line up a selfie. But I’ve gotta be careful, right? Because I’ll feel this later!” “I’ve got to see you out there moving your bodies!” she exclaimed, the band meandering into the trademark bassline of the Nile Rodgers-penned disco hit “Upside Down.” “If I can move mine at 47… are you listening?” she joked, radiant smile on display at 78. “Can you feel the music?” asked Ross rhetorically, playfully moving her hair to get a better look.
On stage, Ross was energetic and engaging, quick with a joke in her banter with the Chicagoland audience. And there are many,” she said, setting up “Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand).” “I’m so grateful for all of the blessings in my life. “Put your hands in the air, move the energy around,” requested Ross of the audience as the house lights came up.
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