James Brown Still Has Plenty of ‘Soul Power,’ but Needs Better Support Behind Him

James Brown demonstrated that he still has “the feeling” Saturday night at the Greek Theatre. It was too bad that his tepid backing band and opening act Coolio couldn’t come close to matching his fervor.

After nearly 40 years in the spotlight, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame legend can still wear a 20-piece band like it’s an extension of his body, eliciting sounds and wails with a simple cue of his fingers, always in complete command of the stage and at the center of attention.

The power of soul was readily apparent in the Godfather’s trademark grunts and in the way he shouted, shimmied and strutted across the hard stage as if on brand new legs.

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The Soul Generals, his Vegas-style revue complete with dancers and five female background singers, often diluted his power. Brown has always staged elaborate productions, but they always communicated a certain intimacy.

Little of that was apparent Saturday. Without a strong musical sidekick like a Maceo Parker, Fred Wesley or Bobby Byrd to call out to, Brown retained only a fraction of his firepower.

He belted out staples from his catalog, from opening number “Cold Sweat” to “Soul Power,” in the same strong voice as always, but he would often be interrupted by the intruding voices of the Bitter Sweet, the backing singers he allowed into the mix a little too often.

With the exception of guitarist Keith Jefferson and a too-brief cameo by longtime saxophonist St. Clair Pinkney, the band had little to add.

Only Brown’s stirring rendition of “It’s a Man’s World” reminded that he still has his legendary chops. When he closed his eyes and opened his mouth, time stopped.

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Coolio, meanwhile, should have stayed home. Despite his fun-loving spirit and self-deprecating humor, the rapper had a hard time moving the crowd and phoned in his performance.

The audience danced to hits such as “1,2,3,4 (Sumpin’ New)” and “Fantastic Voyage,” but most of the time it just stared, emotionless.

Walking across the stage and leading a call and response might have worked in a smaller venue, or in front of dedicated fans, but it came up short at the Greek.

Even doing push-ups during “Gangsta’s Paradise” couldn’t pump any life into the heart of the crowd. Fans would have gotten more out of listening to his records.