The 1st set started, in a packed theatre, with Gerard's signature song "I am a singer". Singing solo in a gleaming white shirt and sparkling blue sequined waistcoat. Then into "Son of a song and dance man", where the band joined in to great effect half way through the song
Next came the Rodgers and Hart song, "Where or when" and a number of gentle love songs sung with true feeling. "If I loved you" coupled with "My foolish heart".
There was a long introduction to "I got a crush on you" and the finished song was well worth the wait. Then "Dancing my blues away" from My Man Godfrey had all present tapping their feet. Then came the song from the Canberra trip, heard in the Crows nest! no less. "I'm glad there is you", a Tommy Dorsey song.
"Love story/feelings/My Way" was Gerard's comic medley, followed by a piano solo with "The Entertainer". This truly shows Gerard's expertise on the instrument.
I can only agree with Gerard whole heartedly that "She believes in me" is a song that suits his style so very well, and what a brilliant rendition he made of it. Next was the wonderful, "Other woman other man", seemed to me to have a slightly different arrangement, but then again perhaps I hear more from it, everytime I hear it.
"Don't take candy from strangers" was followed by, "My funny valentine", and a story about a trip to Maxims in Paris, where Gerard played on stage there. "I could be so good for you", ended a perfect 1st set
The start of the second half had Gerard walk on to a darkened stage to sing "One lonely voice" in a spotlight. This is one of Gerard's songs written with Ira Gazlin, and is such a dramatic song and was followed with loud applause.
"Not funny", came next and was written by Gerard and Ned Sherin, and recorded by Marion Montgomery.
Gerard's song for Jenny was, "Why did I choose you"
"Just one of those things" came next with Gerard in a different green waistcoat. There was a sting of favourites, songs that Gerard is so good at."Time between the time", "Nickels and dimes"," Do I love you", and "Fantasy" ended the 2nd half. Of course there were a number of encores,
"New York New York", was the 1st encore, "I made it though the rain", 2nd encore. For his 3rd encore Gerard sang "Smile", written by Charlie Chaplin. This was a new one to me from Gerard, and proves that he is full of surprises! The audience were urged all to join in and they did.
"Everytime we say goodbye" 4th encore, "Johnny B Goode" his 5th encore!!!
The evening ending with Gerard wearing a stars and stripes red, white and blue waistcoat.
the band did an excellent job, being there to add the perfect frame work and necessary fills. and yet not over powering Gerard's beautiful songs.
Keyboards Kevin Earl, Drums Steve Anathy, Bass John Nacomy, Guitar Ray Harborn
I think I heard their names correctly, but apologies to any for wrong spelling.
After the concert Gerard was kept very busy for about forty minutes signing autographs and meeting all who had enjoyed another fantastic night of Gerard's music.
Quote of the evening, "After the motoring accident fourteen month's ago, there are two days that he doesn't worry about anymore, one is yesterday, and the other is tomorrow."