TALENT IN ACTION - RETRO ARTICLE

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OLIVIA NEWTON -JOHN 

Riviera Hotel, Las Vegas

In her first stateside "Iive" show in six months, MCA pop star Olivia Newton-John again recorded a polished. professional musical pack age March 24 before a packed Versailles Room audience.

Her 16-song, hour long show included a variety of hits, lesser known songs and a unique comedy sketch with mimists Shields & Yarnell in her segment.

And always, her dear, strong vocal stylization blended successfully with her improved stage presence in illuminating each selection.

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The petite blonde soprano scored her best rock effort with Gary Wright's "My Love Is Alive" while offsetting the mood with her own ballad composition "Changes" and melodic   Pony Ride, which showcased her dramatic ability to interpret songs.

New hit 'Sam, topping the easy listening chart, worked well with her seven man band featuring standout guitar -  Skip Criparn and Rick Ruskin.

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Change of -pace 'Nevertheless' combined with "As Time Goes By" again allowed Newton-John to demonstrate her articulate phrasing of the melodies in evoking melancholy moods.

 Classical overtones were evident in 'The Air That I Breathe" offset by country rock versions of "Jolene" "lf you love Me" and "let It Shine" in her familiar  four-four rhythm 

Her many hits "I Honestly love You" "Have You Never Been Mellow and 'Love Song" proved why she has become a formidable recording artist at such a young age.

The only flaw in the show came on Please Mr.Please' when she was overpowered by guitars 

HANFORD SEARL 

BILLBOARD / 1977.04.23.