The Smothers Rediscovered (with ONJ)
As far as pure musical enjoyment is concerned, the opening set of the evening by singer Olivia Newton-John wiped-out the Smothers’ pathetic efforts.
Ms. Newton-John, an Australian who sings in a country-folk-rock-pop manner, has had a few American hits already notably, “If You Love Me,” “If Not For You,” and a gorgeous recent single (from her current MCA LP) “I Honestly Love You” and she has a voice, style, and impression to match her voice.
She is a gorgeous person, one of the few whom I have found to be more attractive backstage in the glare of dressing-room lights than on stage. Anne Murray, by the way, is another.
Ms. Newton-John was beautifully gowned, perfectly composed, engratiating and professional and, above all, a most attractive conveyor of nicely paced and selected memorable songs.