Johnny Mathis

The Voice of Romance Tour

Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Ft. Lauderdale, FL,
January 26, 2022

Reviewed by Todd Sussman

Valentine’s Day seemed to arrive early this year as Johnny Mathis’ new concert tour came to Ft. Lauderdale. Aptly titled The Voice of Romance Tour, his shows are all about the music that audiences have come to cherish.

Many touring acts these days build shows around their latest releases. However, Mathis’ repertoire represents more of a deluxe box set, if you will—the best of 70 years of recordings. It’s an unmatched catalog.

Entering from stage right in an avocado green sports jacket, white slacks, and sneakers, “business casual” Johnny wasted no time in getting down to business. This living legend graced us with his unmistakable voice—the warm tenor you’ve heard on radio, film soundtracks, concert stages, and albums for all these years. And that voice is still very much intact.

Backed by a 25-piece orchestra, Mr. Mathis proved the glorious ballads for which he’s known indeed stand the test of time, as does he. Early on, he sang a hits medley featuring “It’s Not for Me to Say” and “Chances Are.” His 1957 recording of “Wild Is the Wind” (title song from the film) is considered one of the best versions, and Mathis did not disappoint with his heartfelt live rendering. His song styling and the emotion he conveys and evokes remain awe-inspiring. Nowhere was this more evident than in his six-song tribute medley to composer Henry Mancini, culminating in “Moon River”—and there was not a dry eye in the house. 

At the end of Act I, he introduced standup comedian, Brad Upton, who called Mathis a “national treasure and a genetic wonder.” (Indeed, at age 86, Mathis has still got it!). Upton, in his engaging commentary, covered everything from wearing masks in the pandemic to his nostalgia for wall phones. He added a humorous touch to the evening.

A formally clad Johnny returned for Act II in an elegant gray tuxedo. After some trademark ballads (including “A Certain Smile” and “Wonderful! Wonderful!”), Mathis and the orchestra showed off their R&B chops on “Betcha By Golly Wow.” Next came “Misty.” If ever a singer and song were meant to be together, it’s Mathis and “Misty”—smooth, mellow, romantic. Inevitable.

Later in the set, he shared the spotlight with solo guitarist Steven Peavey, who brought his acoustic finesse to a selection of deeper cuts from Mathis’ discography, including “Yesterday” and “You and Me Against the World,” and then segued into a classic signature song, “The Twelfth of Never.” Johnny closed-out the night in celebration mode, with the tropical dance rhythms of his famous Brazilian medley—a fan favorite—featuring “Mas Que Nada” and “Brazil (Aquarela do Brasil).”

Throughout the show, music director/pianist/conductor John Scott Lavender, who has been touring with the star for 31 years, excelled at bringing out the best in the orchestra, no matter what the genre—from a lush, enveloping, full-on symphonic sound to the quieter moments. He coordinated a seamless blend from number to number.  

If Mathis’ tour is coming to your neck of the woods, grab a ticket. It is a gift to see this iconic artist still going strong and still bringing his magic to live performance.

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Visit  johnnymathis.com/wp2

Write to Todd Sussman at Toddaos@aol.com