Luther Vandross
Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now

March 30 1995: not just the mere date of a concert, but the date of an extraordinary event with an exceptional protagonist: Mr. Luther Vandross, one of the most admired voices of the soul world, that voice, that day, decided to etch that date within the Wembley arena with one of the most beautiful offerings that the soul music scene and beyond could provide.

Luther, who in his short life managed to sell more than 40 million records and win 8 Grammy Awards, insisted on being remembered not only for these staggering numbers but also for a concert that, due to the quality of the musical arrangements, the voices, the choirs, the scenography, and choreography, the guests, the exquisite reinterpretation of already famous tracks, and for the, not least, performance of the great American artist who truly did everything on stage, with that voice capable of everything, remains a monument built by Luther, not merely a monument to the Artist, but to all music, soul, R&B, pop, soft rock, black, white, and any other shades you desire. Of that concert, about which I am enthusiastic and keep watching the videos repeatedly, renewing my emotions each time, soul food, there are very particular moments that completely capture me, like some duets with extraordinary Stars, but in these lines, I would like to highlight the moment when "ain't no stoppin' us now" is celebrated: an explosion of refined disco that bursts forth onto the audience with strings, brass, with the elegance of a piano that skillfully mixes it all, like in a colorful cocktail with a unique taste.

Breathtaking choral and orchestral cohesion, the extraordinary voice of our Luther supported and emphasized by a substantial choir until a certain point, then gives life, in the end, to very high-level vocal harmonies this time in counter-chorus, in a truly superb play of voices. A particular section of the choir seems to evoke gospel voices: black and white America dancing, playing, and singing notes of great intensity. Those who sing and those who listen can't stay still: backing singers and Luther himself emphasize changes of pace and rhythm with movements synchronized with each other, nothing is left to chance, not even the sumptuous costumes of the three central backing singers that harken back to other times. It is a party, the party of music, but with a capital M.

Thank you, Luther, wherever you are!