Nothing Like The Sun: 1987/88

Sting rediscovers the joy of performing and living...

There are shows that leave you with a smile plastered on your face - a smile blending satisfaction and, above all, high spirits. Yet, few artists truly manage to elicit such a reaction. Sting did just that last night at the Colisée de Québec.

Those who left disappointed after his September 1985 show at the Maurice-Richard Arena are in for a pleasant surprise tomorrow at the Forum. The Sting we saw last night was no longer the man who - solemn as a judge - played alongside his virtuoso jazz-scene cohorts. This time, he seemed to have rediscovered the joy of performing following the release of his second solo album, 'Nothing Like the Sun' - a record that confirmed, once and for all, the end of The Police.

It would take too long to list every highlight of this first Canadian show. In their own way, most of the 19 songs served as showstoppers.

The stage setup was understated: black platforms held keyboardists Delmar Brown and Kenny Kirkland, drummer Jean-Paul Ceccarelli, and percussionist Mino Cinelu - the group's two French members. Lower down, alongside Sting, stood bassist Tracy Wormworth, guitarist Jeff Campbell, and saxophonist Branford Marsalis.

An added bonus was the giant screen above the stage, displaying visuals throughout the show worthy of a top-tier rock documentary. A director cut between feeds from four cameras, using dissolves to transition - or subtly intercutting footage shot in Argentina showing Sting and a group of women holding hands during 'They Dance Alone'. Brilliant! Sting spoke French throughout the show, introducing his songs and musicians, but also playing the part - pretending to refuse to sing 'Roxanne' and, for the final encore, 'Message in a Bottle'.

Sting gave his audience not a moment’s respite, keeping the musical momentum going with seamless transitions between songs.

Memorable moments included the crowd on the floor singing along to 'We'll Be Together Tonight' while the spotlights were turned on them, and 'Englishman in New York', during which Sting really started to heat up the venue with his frenetic dancing.

During 'Sister Moon', sceptics noted that Sting’s voice remained as rich and raspy as ever. Kirkland’s piano solo sounded so good that it erased the last lingering memories of the 1985 Maurice-Richard Arena sound fiasco. During 'Rock Steady', Sting danced, tambourine in hand, pulling faces that the cameras were sure to catch. Enter Sting the entertainer.

Another highlight was the reggae song 'One World', which departed from The Police’s original version by taking on a jazzier feel. Sting, Marsalis, and Cinelu used Kirkland’s piano solo as an opportunity to circle the stage, dancing and clowning around. There was no doubt about it: this was a show where having fun was the main event. Cinelu turned somersaults, and Sting mimicked him after an animated chat with Marsalis - it must have been brother Wynton who’d had a restless night...

Delmar Brown stood out with his synthesiser solo on 'Consider Me Gone'. Then came 'Bring On the Night', featuring a soulful acoustic guitar intro from Sting.

'They Dance Alone' was another memorable moment, with Sting’s guitar taking the place of the pan flute found on the record. As the ballad transformed into a samba, Cinelu electrified the crowd, backing Kirkland’s solo with his drumming. It was as if the peaceful protest by the wives of political dissidents had suddenly turned into a victory celebration.

(c) La Presse by Alain de Repentigny