's concert at the St. Pete Times Forum last Saturday night could have, for all intents and purposes, been billed as a magic show; for his first (and most impressive) trick, the young charismatic crooner seamlessly transformed an ordinarily cavernous hockey arena into a cozy Las Vegas-like night club. And while this feat might be easily achievable with the sophisticated array of lights, ambiance and a healthy dose of kitsch, it takes the right type of personality to make it work. Enter Buble: Canada's own golden boy who miraculously melds the genuine likability of vocalist Bobby Darin with the modern day charm of singer/dancer Justin Timberlake. [All photos by Jeff O'Kelley.]
On paper, the idea of a handsome, quirky, vocally gifted mid-30's-aged guy whose repertoire and presentation appeals equally to grandmothers and 'tweens seems too contrived to be true. This would be a smarmy, money-hungry record company exec's dream come true — the guy has all too many attributes that add to his marketability and the idea almost sells itself. But, alas, Buble's story and his climb to the successful heights he's achieved are hardly the things of legend. The self-admitted dorky teenager, who learned to sing standards via his grandfather's constant influence and his collection of Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald records, is living proof that talent, charm and personality will get you far. How else would it be possible for a modern day performer whose act seems more at home at a martini bar to sell out a hockey arena in this day and age? Practice, practice, practice. And Michael Buble's polished personable onstage persona is surely one he rehearsed from his days and a wide-eyed aspiring boy singer.
