Al Green Connects With Heart and Soul

There were a few security breaches at Al Green’s stellar concert Friday at the Universal Amphitheatre, but given the powerful music, the actions of the crowd weren’t surprising.

It wasn’t the teenagers in this case who were causing the commotion, but women in their 40s and 50s who, overwhelmed by the rapture of love, bucked against the barriers.

The farther Green went back into his expansive repertoire, from soul classics like “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” to “For the Good Times,” the more they tried to ease their way past the ushers, reaching for Green as if he were a love messiah with a healing touch.

Time has stood still for this Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member, who worked the stage and his rock-steady band with an enthusiasm that R. Kelly and LL Cool J combined would be hard pressed to match.

Able to move from mellow tenor grooves to his highest notes as if simply flicking a switch, Green mesmerized the packed hall, making the crowd sing “Let’s Stay Together” with him--in tune, no less. People couldn’t have felt any more connected if they were holding hands.

Feel-good energy abounded for the length of the three-hour event, which also featured ‘70s soul hit makers McFadden & Whitehead, A Taste of Honey and New Birth. Pure soul and dynamic singing, no matter the age of the artist or the gaudiness of the costume, never goes out of style.