Bryan Ferry
w/Judith Owen
Hard Rock Live
Sunday, March 12, Orlando, FL
Bryan Ferry pulled into Orlando with a 10 piece band, an amazing repertoire, and a stunning light show. All of which proved to have the makings of an unforgettable evening. The evening’s 25 song set leaned heavily on Roxy Music’s catalog. The well heeled crowd responded enthusiastically.
It can be hard to overstate just how lush the show sounded. Full and rich. Whether the band was wending through a slower number or a more upbeat songs. The songs conveyed an elegance and grace rarely found anywhere. His reading of Neal Young’s “Hurricane” was a set highlight; as was “ReMake/ReModel.”
“Avalon” quivered with quiet tension, a waking dream brought to life. Bryan Ferry doesn’t appear to have aged much in the past thirty years and his audience was beyond appreciative. He closed the set with a beautiful reading of John Lennon’s “Jealous Guy.”
This was jazz pianist Judith Owen’s first professional visit to Orlando and she made the most of the moment with a 
remarkable Central Florida debut. Warm and engaging, her set was a mix of light jazz and bright eyed soul, with an emphasis on her most recent release, “Somebody’s Child.” backed by the formidable band of bass legend Leland Sklar, percussionist Pedro Segundo and cellist Gabriella Swallow; the band grooved and swung effortlessly. The laid back “Train out of Hollywood” simmered slowly, full of want.
The audience received her warmly. With her warm, dusky voice and radiant charm Owen was able to make the Hard Rock feel like a much smaller, more intimate space. Hopefully she’ll be able to wend her way back to the sunshine state on her own, for all those whose appetites where merely whet by her opening set.