(pictures from HullabaLOU 2010)
In a near packed house at the Norton Center in Danville’s Centre College, Rev. Al Green gave us an intimate connection to himself and his music. Armed with a 16-piece band, stockpile of roses and endless bottles of orange Gatorade, the Rev. reached out to everyone in the audience. Starting with a roll call of Lexington and Danville residents, he shows love for Lexington and it was his first trip to Danville. He proclaims, “I want Kentucky. If I can’t have it all, I don’t want it at all”. He takes us across the ocean to Japan, wondering how the Japanese people can sing his songs so well, yet after they finish, he cannot understand them. However, it made him smile that his music is transcendent throughout the world. 
Of course, like no other performer does it, his use of roses is a trademark. So much so that his rose toss is likened to an NFL quarterback with surgical precision. Several songs in particular were rose factories, such as Let’s Get Married, Let’s Stay Together and a song off the set list, just for Kentucky, Pretty Woman. The rose toss sometimes included the Rev. to take off his suit jacket. Every time he took it off, screams in the crowd followed. There was also a Motown revue, which also included two Sam Cooke songs as well as Otis Redding, or “Big O” as Al says. During a rendition of Amazing Grace, you could hear the crowd say, “Feels like church up in here” There were moments where Al let his band showcase their skills. Starting with a guitar solo, he was begging the guitar to sing out. There was a dual drum solo, with percussion intertwining perfectly. He introduced three of the backup vocals as his daughters, calling them “Green Power” The keyboard player got into his solo so much, his throne flew back as he swept the keys, leaving him standing and waiting for a stagehand to help him back to earth. The horn section trio was featured in the standard closing song, Love and Happiness, hitting the notes we all recognize.
At one time during the show, Rev. Green says, “I know when you see me sweat, you want to turn the AC on. Leave the fans off, I am going to sweat anyway, it’s my 2nd job” He further explains that #1 is preaching, #2 is sweating and #3 is singing. There were some short impersonations, with Louie Armstrong and even Elvis coming out of Mr. Green. His falsetto was elegant and strong, leaving no doubt the vocals were still fresh. He even backed off the mic on several occasions, using the amazing acoustics of the room to his advantage. Standing ovations were typical during the show, giving praise back. After 35 or more years of doing this, he humbly utters, “I have love for you all” as he reminded us throughout the show.
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