Howard Jones
Fallsview Casino
Niagara Falls, Ontario
June 15, 2019
Review by Jim Napier
A packed house greeted Howard Jones in Niagara Falls at the Avalon Ballroom inside Fallsview Casino. The show was sold out for days. Fans were there from all over Ontario. Americans braved the border crossing for the experience of seeing the synthpop legend. And they weren’t disappointed by Howard’s 30+ years of performing prowess.
You would think he would start the set with the rafters-a-rumbling from one of his many well-known singalong pop hits. But Howard instead warmed up to the endeared crowd by sitting down at a keyboard and recreating his Live Aid stint at Wembley when the entire stadium sang along to Hide and Seek from his iconic CD Human’s Lib.
Things revved up substantially as the party began in earnest as adept guitarist Robin Boult (Fish, Dave Stewart, Roger Daltry) joined Howard on stage along with Robbie Bronnimann (Nik Kershaw, Tom Bailey). Robin has also worked with the Sugababes who reached #1 in the UK with their ode to Gary Numan called Freak Like Me.
Ironically, Robin replaced Nick Beggs (Kajagoogoo) who toured with Howard earlier this year, and appeared on Numan’s Outland CD. It wasn’t long before Howard’s new stuff got the crowd up and dancing, despite the ire of the venue staff who were soundly outnumbered.
The background visuals were eyecandy on par with the effective artistry of Anton Corbijn or DA Pennebaker (Depeche Mode). A highlight was Howard’s newest single, The One To Love You, the first track on his 2019 CD Transform, produced by prominent American DJ mixer Brian “BT” Transeau (Tori Amos, Sting, Madonna, Seal, Sarah McLachlan, NSYNC, Britney Spears, Diana Ross, Mike Oldfield).
No spoilers, but you will be as surprised at the number of songs you know the words to, as at how strong and infectious the new stuff is. Howard Jones is back and strong in the 21st century, which needs his message of positivity more than ever. Throw off your mental chains and go see this show if it’s anywhere near you!
Setlist:
Hide and Seek
Pearl in the Shell
No One Is to Blame
Everlasting Love
Hero in Your Eyes
The Human Touch
The One to Love You
Like to Get to Know You Well
Beating Mr Neg
What Is Love?
New Song
Things Can Only Get Better
All photos by Joel Naphin
©2019. Please DO NOT copy or use without permission.
