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During a behind the scenes look into the revue, [[Stage lighting instrument|lighting designer]] Nick stated that the big moments of the album will be accompanied by big lighting from behind Knowles for the "epic big scenes", as opposed to performances such as "1+1", where Knowles is bathed in a single [[Stage lighting instrument#Spotlights|spotlight]] above a piano.<ref name="rap-up4"/>
During a behind the scenes look into the revue, [[Stage lighting instrument|lighting designer]] Nick stated that the big moments of the album will be accompanied by big lighting from behind Knowles for the "epic big scenes", as opposed to performances such as "1+1", where Knowles is bathed in a single [[Stage lighting instrument#Spotlights|spotlight]] above a piano.<ref name="rap-up4"/>

===Attendance===
On August 16, 2011 celebrities including [[Sean Combs|Diddy]], [[The Dream]], [[Jay-Z]], [[Russell Simmons]], [[Adrienne Bailon]], [[Ne-Yo]], [[Frank Ocean]], [[Duffy]] and [[Mary Mary|Erica Campbell]] attended the revues second show.<ref name="suarez2"/> On August 18, 2011 celebrities including [[Lady Gaga]], [[Maxwell]], [[Usher]] and [[Jennifer Hudson]] attended the revues third show, with husband Jay-Z attending for a second time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2011/08/19/lady-gaga-attends-beyonces-new-york-show/ |title=Lady Gaga Attends Beyoncé’s New York Show |publisher=Rap-Up.com |date=2010-10-18 |accessdate=2011-08-20}}</ref>

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/beyonce-lights-up-roseland-finale-225143


===Concert synopsis===
===Concert synopsis===

Revision as of 15:14, 20 August 2011

4 Intimate Nights with Beyoncé
Revue concert by Beyoncé Knowles
Promotional poster for Knowles' New York show
VenueRoseland Ballroom
New York City
Associated album4
Date(s)August 14, 16, 18, 19, 2011
No. of shows4
Beyoncé Knowles concert chronology

4 Intimate Nights with Beyoncé is a revue by American singer-songwriter Beyoncé Knowles. Held in four dates in August 2011, the concerts were part of Knowles's campaign in support of her fourth studio album 4 (2011). The concerts were performed to a standing room-only audience at the Roseland Ballroom in New York City. In addition to songs in 4, Knowles performed previous hits in prior albums and with former girl group Destiny's Child. On stage, Knowles was backed by four female dancers and a 20-piece female band including a horn and orchestra section.

Following the sales opening, tickets were sold out in 22 seconds, and for the remaining three performances in the following minute. The revue's kick off on August 14, 2011, easily gained acclaim, most of whose critics appreciated Knowles' ability to perform under the circumstances of a smaller stage and a larger band.

Background

File:Beyonceroseland soldout.jpg
The revue was held in New York City's Roseland Ballroom to a standing audience.

On August 5, 2011, Knowles' official website, beyonceonline.com, announced that she would be performing at New York City's Roseland Ballroom for four nights in the same month.[1] The set on each night of the 4 Intimate Nights with Beyoncé concerts will be the entire but one collection of her fourth studio album, 4.[1] Tickets for all four shows were available on August 10 on Ticketmaster.[2] The first date went on sale to the general public at 1 p.m. EST, followed by the second show at 2 p.m. EST, third at 3 p.m. EST, and the final concert at 4 p.m. EST.[2] Citi card-members were able to order tickets early with a pre-sale beginning at noon EST on August 10, 2011 through the Citi Private Pass Program.[2]

When tickets went on sale to the general public on August 10, 2011 for the first show of 4 Intimate Nights with Beyoncé on August 14, 2011, the date sold out in 22 seconds.[3] Within the minute following the first sold out date, Columbia Records reported via Twitter that all four shows had sold out, stating “It’s official @Beyonce’s 4th & final show at Roseland Ballroom is SOLD OUT! Thats a total of 4 sold out shows next week!”[3][4]

In a radio interview with Philadelphia's Power 99FM, Knowles' husband Jay-Z spoke in depth about the upcoming intimate shows and compared her to Michael Jackson stating, "I know that's blasphemy to compare the two because Mike was such an innovator, but I think she's like the second coming. You know, the hard work and dedication that she puts into her shows. It just makes you want to work harder at your own craft. She's like a machine."[5]

On August 19, 2011, the first part of a "Behind the Scenes" look of the revue was released.[6] In the behind the scenes special, lead guitarist Bibi stated "She’s listening to her inner voice right now and doing what she wants to do. I think she took risks. I think she’s being more authentic and doing what she wants to do instead of doing what people expect, which is good."[6] Kim, the revues musical director described the idea of the intimate revue stating "This project is the most mature project for Beyoncé, because to be able to be in an intimate setting like this like the Roseland, which is a historic place, it's an amazing thing. I think the challenge of it is to be able to present your whole album as its own concept, as its own piece and its a great way to educate the people about what this album means to her; It's for her, it's for the fans, it's for anybody.[6]

About the show

Fashion and stage

During the show, Knowles performed in a gold lamé mini-dress courtesy of her mother, Tina, and shoes by Stuart Weitzman.[7][8] She wore the slinky gold sparkling mini-dress from the beginning of the revue to the end.[9] Knowles was assisted on stage by four female dancers clad in shimmering black leotards.[10] Marcus Barnes of Daily Mail described Knowles' fashion choice as "fab" as she strutted on stage.[11] Georgette Cline of AOL's The Boombox stated that the Tina Knowles-penned metallic dress showed off her curves and demanded the audiences attention once she is seen on stage.[12]

While on stage, Knowles was backed by a 20-piece all-female band and orchestra.[13] The band consisted of a drummer, keyboarder, and guitarist and for the first time in Knowles' touring history, a horn section and an orchestra.[14] The band additionally included, among others, two saxophonists, a guitar player, a seven-piece string section, a pianist and a conductor.[15] Jon Caramanica of The New York Times noted that the all-female band plays an important spectacle to Knowles' performance, as she is both a part and in charge of the "army".[15] Usually known for performing in arenas that hold 20,000 or more people, Knowles performed in standing-room-only Roseland, which holds a maximum capacity of 3,200 people.[16]

During a behind the scenes look into the revue, lighting designer Nick stated that the big moments of the album will be accompanied by big lighting from behind Knowles for the "epic big scenes", as opposed to performances such as "1+1", where Knowles is bathed in a single spotlight above a piano.[6]

Concert synopsis

File:Beyonce1+1.jpg
Knowles performing "1+1", a promotional single off the album.

The show begins with Knowles taking the stage stating "This is going to be a little different, y'all. It'll be more intimate,"[9] before she begins revealing multiple stories from her musical history including before—auditions with Destiny’s Child starting at age nine, her father’s early and frequent involvement managing his daughter’s career and getting dropped by Elektra.[17] After delving into her musical history, Knowles states "I just want to have a good time with y'all," before she begins the revue's set list with her rendition of Michael Jackson's "I Wanna Be Where You Are".[18] Following her rendition of "I Wanna Be Where You Are", Knowles begins a medley of past Destiny's Child hits, stopping each track to discuss her life and mindset during each stage of her career.[17] During her performance of "Independent Women" she reveals how her father, Matthew Knowles, submitted the track to the Charlie's Angels (2000) soundtrack without permission, reveales that she wanted to write a song "that celebrates a woman's curves" inspired by Stevie Nicks’ guitar riff in “Edge of Seventeen” (1982) for "Bootylicious" and states "With a lot of success comes a lot of negativity...they were being nasty but it inspired me" before performing "Survivor".[18]

File:Beyonce i care.jpg
Knowles performing "I Care" with lead guitarist Bibi.

After "'03 Bonnie & Clyde", the final song in the medley, Knowles began to tell the story of how her first album came to be, stating "[The label] told me I didn’t have one hit song on my album. I guess they were kinda right. I had five!"[17] Knowles than continued with a slowed-down, jazzier version of "Crazy in Love," allowing the orchestra to augment rather than transform the tracks.[17] During the Ne-Yo penned "Irreplaceable," Knowles has the crowd assist her in her performance. After stating "On April 4, 2008, somebody put a ring on it," Knowles has the audience, which contained both men and women ranging from ages 8 to 38, flip their hands to the Billboard Hot 100 No. 1, "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)".[18][19]

Knowles than begins to perform virtually all of 4, beginning with "1+1", where she is found kneeling atop a piano wrapped up in smoke and red hued lights, reminiscent to her performance on the American Idol finale.[18] Knowles than continues down the original track listing of 4, following "1+1" with a rendition of "I Care" where she whipped her hair to the brooding brass and ominous beat of the song, while bringing the song to life with immaculate vocals.[8] "I Miss You" begins with Knowles performing while seated, only to later be brought to her feet while altering the songs ending with additional vocals and instrumentation. "Best Thing I Never Had" follows afterwards, with a slight alteration in the songs melody. Knowles than slow-winds to "Party" as the crowd swayed their arms back and forth and stretched out the "y" to every other verse.[18] Knowles than began harmonizing with the back-up singers for "Rather Die Young", before following a heavily choreographed version of "Love on Top" which was given an uptempo overhaul for the special revue.[8] Knowles would begin the countdown of "Countdown" later allowing the audience to finish the countdown from nine-to-one. "End of Time" and "Run the World (Girls)" had Knowles utilizing flamboyant light displays bringing elaborate routines to a smaller stage.[17] The show ends with the last song—the self-empowering ballad “I Was Here”—with “Roseland, we were here.”[17]

Critical response

File:Beyonce at 4 intimate night.jpg
Knowles' revue easily gained acclaim from mainstream critics.

Jason Newman of Rap-Up gave the show a positive review, stating, "For a singer long accustomed to stadiums, Sunday's show was the most intimate performance most fans would see from the ubiquitous superstar."[17] Newman favored Knowles' ability to display both stamina and vigor, which make for a stadium-perfect show.[17] Newman later finished his review of the revue by stating, "The medley combined the quick blasts of a Las Vegas revue with the emotional candor of a singer-songwriter performing to a near-empty room. It was an odd, yet effective juxtaposition; a global superstar who could effortlessly shuffle between slick, bombastic R&B and awkwardly honest confessions of a tumultuous career. By the end of the set though, humility, as one expects from a singer with 16 Grammy awards and more than 75 million records sold worldwide, turned to sly confidence."[17] Jon Caramanica of The New York Times gave Knowles critical acclaim, favoring performances of "underdog tracks" such as "Party" and "Love on Top".[15] Caramanica continues his acclaim for Knowles stating:

In her performance it's always clear that a finely tuned engine is at work, but what was refreshing here was that it was in service of a surprisingly casual manner. She made funny, exaggerated faces; twirled her hair (when it wasn’t floating); and spoke to the crowd like a knowing buddy. She was working off a teleprompter for her between-song patter, but improvising frequently, and for the better[...] Beyoncé persevere[s], with a voice that skips up octaves and still gains power, with words that are as compelling as they are straightforward, with legs that treat the stage floor like an enemy in need of a thorough stomping. Even in moments of uncertainty, these are her constants. They survive her missteps.[15]

File:Beyonce i miss you.jpg
Although the song garnered mixed reviews by critics, Knowles' performance of "I Was Here" was favored by most critics.

Erika Ramirez of Billboard additionally gave Knowles a very positive review on the revue, stating that Knowles is one of the only artists around that can "pull off" a 90-minute set in Stuart Weitzman heels and leave a "beyond packed" audience satisfied to the point of not needing an encore.[18] Daily Mail's Marcus Barnes continued the praise towards Knowles stating that she "dazzles", "looked fab" and "sparkled", later agreeing with Jay-Z's accusation of Knowles being the "second coming of Michael Jackson".[7] Nekesa Mumbi Moody of ABC News's Associated Press also praised Knowles' performance at the revue stating that although Knowles has nothing to prove by this point in her career, "even queens need to show what it means to be royalty".[20] Moody continued stating that the revue is a "dazzling rebuttal" to all negative chatter revolving 4.[20] Moody states "She put her track record up for display along with her new material with a subtle but undeniable message that she is not to be doubted, or counted against."[20] Mike Wass of Idolator began his review of the revue, starting with "Beyonce never fails to amaze".[21] Wass continued by praising Knowles for raising the bar for live entertainment with a flawless display, stating, "The worldly pop icon’s ability to bring new depth and texture to quality material is almost as impressive as her uncanny knack for connecting with the audience on an emotional level".[21] Wass finished his review with the revues finale of "I Was Here" which deals with trying to leave a mark on the world, to which Wass stated "But the pop veteran can sleep easy. Mission well and truly accomplished."[21]

File:Beyonce single ladies.jpg
Knowles performing "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)".

Entertainment Weekly's Brad Wete gave 4 Intimate Nights with Beyoncé a positive review, stating that the revue proves that "Beyoncé’s bigger than any ballroom".[22] Wete continued his praise for Knowles' revue stating "[...] her excellence is undeniable. Her quaking vocals beat her contemporaries and competes with legends’, as does her dancing," finishing his review with "I’m looking forward to seeing her in a bigger venue, where there’s more space for her voice to soar, elbow room for her band to play, and room for her wild-child fans to dance."[22] Dan Aquilante of the New York Post stated that after the performance at the revue, Knowles' album 4 was to be "rated a 10".[23] Aquilante continued, stating "Where tunes felt lackluster and flabby on the recording, Beyoncé injected a vibrancy in the new songs that boosted the material to be almost the equal to some of her best and biggest radio hits."[23] Yolanda Sangweni of Essence viewed the revue as a chance for Knowles to remind us her "vocal chops" are what got her here, and ended her review by stating Michael Jackson and Diana Ross would be very proud of Knowles' accomplishments and performance at the revue.[24]

Jocelyn Vena of MTV praised Knowles for her "never-miss-a-note voice" and "razzle-dazzle dance moves", and for matching the crowds energy with her enthusiasm for live performance.[19] Jozen Cummings of The Wall Street Journal described the revue as Knowles' "most intimate work to date", adding that their is no specific stand-out moment because it was a performance between Knowles and her fans, and a critic would have no place in picking a specific "best moment".[25] On an opposite note, Jody Rosen of Rolling Stone gave the revue a mixed review stating that "a Beyoncé concert is a big, blowsy affair, a bit like a Las Vegas floor show crossed with a typhoon. 'Intimate' is not the adjective that leaps to mind," only to later compliment Knowles as "a woman who can make a club feel like a coliseum."[9] Rosen continued to complimented Knowles on performances such as "1+1", "Party", "Love on Top" and "Countdown", but named "I Was Here" "a hollow exercise in self-mythologizing."[9] VH1 negatively reviewed performances of "I Miss You" and "Rather Die Young" as "unfortunate interludes," but later continued acclaim for the revue in their review stating that "there’s no doubting Beyoncé’s talent as a performer; her undeniable vocal ability, show(wo)manship, and charm" which infused the room the entire evening.[26]

Set list

  1. "I Wanna Be Where You Are"
  2. Destiny's Child Medley:
    1. "No, No, No (Part 1)"
    2. "No, No, No (Part 2)"
    3. "Bug a Boo"
    4. "Bills, Bills, Bills"
    5. "Say My Name"
    6. "Independent Women"
    7. "Bootylicious"
    8. "Survivor"
    9. "'03 Bonnie & Clyde"
  3. "Crazy in Love"
  4. "Dreamgirls"
  5. "Irreplaceable"
  6. "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)"
  7. "1+1"
  8. "I Care"
  9. "I Miss You"
  10. "Best Thing I Never Had"
  11. "Party"
  12. "Rather Die Young"
  13. "Love on Top"
  14. "Countdown"
  15. "End of Time"
  16. "Run the World (Girls)"
  17. "I Was Here"

Source(s): [17][26]

Additional notes
  • Although set to showcase Knowles' fourth album 4, "Start Over" was noticeably missing from the shows set list.[27]
  • "Bug a Boo" was added to the shows "Destiny's Child Medley" after the revues second night on August 16.[26]

Tour dates

Date City Country Venue
North America[28]
August 14, 2011 New York City United States Roseland Ballroom
August 16, 2011
August 18, 2011
August 19, 2011

Broadcasts and recordings

  • Following the shows first night, photographer Myrna Suarez had photographed Knowles on stage to promote the show.[29]
  • Photographer Myrna Suarez followed up the revues second show with additional photos.[30]

References

  1. ^ a b "Beyoncé To Perform '4 Intimate Nights With Beyoncé' At New York's Roseland Ballroom | The Official Beyoncé Site". Beyonceonline.com. 2011-08-05. Retrieved 2011-08-15.
  2. ^ a b c "Beyoncé Announces 4 Intimate Shows in New York". Rap-Up.com. Retrieved 2011-08-15.
  3. ^ a b "Beyoncé Sells Out NYC Show in 22 Seconds". Rap-Up.com. Retrieved 2011-08-15.
  4. ^ "'4 Intimate Nights With Beyoncé' Concerts Sell Out Instantly | The Official Beyoncé Site". Beyonceonline.com. 2011-08-10. Retrieved 2011-08-15.
  5. ^ Osorio, Kim. "Jay-Z Compares Beyoncé to Michael Jackson | News". BET. Retrieved 2011-08-16.
  6. ^ a b c d "Behind the Scenes of Beyoncé's Roseland Ballroom Shows [Part 1]". Rap-Up.com. 2010-10-18. Retrieved 2011-08-20.
  7. ^ a b Marcus Barnes. "Beyoncé dazzles on 1st night of sell-out run at Roseland Ballroom in New York | Mail Online". Dailymail.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-08-15.
  8. ^ a b c "Beyonce's Intimate Night At Roseland Ballroom: Idolator Review | Music News, Reviews, and Gossip on". Idolator.com. Retrieved 2011-08-15.
  9. ^ a b c d By Jody Rosen. "Beyonce Gets Intimate in First of '4' Roseland Ballroom Shows | Rolling Stone Music". Rollingstone.com. Retrieved 2011-08-16.
  10. ^ Up for Discussion Jump to Forums (2009-09-14). "Beyonce Owns NYC in '4' Concert Debut - The Juice". Billboard.com. Retrieved 2011-08-15.
  11. ^ Marcus Barnes. "Beyoncé dazzles on 1st night of sell-out run at Roseland Ballroom in New York | Mail Online". Dailymail.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-08-15.
  12. ^ Posted Aug 15th 2011 12:55PM by Georgette Cline Comments. "Beyonce Kicks Off Intimate Roseland Shows - Watch". The Boombox. Retrieved 2011-08-15.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  13. ^ "Beyonce Ruled New York in '4′ Concert Debut Performance". PopCrush. Retrieved 2011-08-15.
  14. ^ Barrett, Annie. "Beyonce performs first of four-night run of her new '4' album at small NYC theater - an EW review | The Music Mix | EW.com". Music-mix.ew.com. Retrieved 2011-08-15.
  15. ^ a b c d Jon Caramanica (2011-08-15). "Closer to Her Fans and Further Away From Her Past". The New York Times. Retrieved 2011-08-16. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  16. ^ Gavin DeGraw: Posted. "Beyonce 4 Intimate Nights With Beyonce Roseland Ballroom | Vh1 Blog". Blog.vh1.com. Retrieved 2011-08-15.
  17. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Concert Review: Beyoncé Reigns at Roseland Ballroom". Rap-Up.com. 2010-10-18. Retrieved 2011-08-15.
  18. ^ a b c d e f Up for Discussion Jump to Forums (2009-09-14). "Beyonce Owns NYC in '4' Concert Debut - The Juice". Billboard.com. Retrieved 2011-08-15.
  19. ^ a b Vena, Jocelyn (2008-04-04). "Beyonce Serves Up Intimate Performance In NYC - Music, Celebrity, Artist News". MTV. Retrieved 2011-08-17.
  20. ^ a b c By NEKESA MUMBI MOODY AP Music Writer (2011-07-01). "Review: Beyonce Showcases Her Dominance at Concert - ABC News". Abcnews.go.com. Retrieved 2011-08-15.
  21. ^ a b c "Beyonce's Intimate Night At Roseland Ballroom: Idolator Review | Music News, Reviews, and Gossip on". Idolator.com. Retrieved 2011-08-15.
  22. ^ a b Barrett, Annie. "Beyonce performs first of four-night run of her new '4' album at small NYC theater - an EW review | The Music Mix | EW.com". Music-mix.ew.com. Retrieved 2011-08-15.
  23. ^ a b Posted: 12:55 AM, August 17, 2011 (2010-09-16). "Beyoncé performs songs from her CD '4' at Roseland Ballroom in NYC". NYPOST.com. Retrieved 2011-08-17.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  24. ^ Yolanda Sangweni (2011-08-17). "Beyonce Gives an 'Intimate' Performance in NYC". Essence.com. Retrieved 2011-08-19.
  25. ^ Cummings, Jozen. "Beyoncé Gets Intimate With Fans at Roseland - Speakeasy - WSJ". Blogs.wsj.com. Retrieved 2011-08-16.
  26. ^ a b c Gavin DeGraw: Posted. "Review: Beyonce 4 Intimate Nights With Beyonce Roseland Ballroom | Vh1 Blog". Blog.vh1.com. Retrieved 2011-08-17.
  27. ^ "Beyoncé Kicks Off Intimate New York Concerts [Video]". Rap-Up.com. 2010-10-18. Retrieved 2011-08-15.
  28. ^ "Beyonce to Perform 4 Nights at the Roseland Ballroom! | The Official Beyoncé Site". Beyonceonline.com. Retrieved 2011-08-15.
  29. ^ "Beyoncé Dazzles in New York | The Official Beyoncé Site". Beyonceonline.com. Retrieved 2011-08-15.
  30. ^ "Beyoncé Continues "4 Intimate Nights with Beyoncé" Residency at Roseland Ballroom | The Official Beyoncé Site". Beyonceonline.com. Retrieved 2011-08-18.

External links

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