Spring Break
The Daily OrangeThe entertainer: Billy Joel's low-key performance hits all the right notes
By Alex Shebar
Posted: 3/26/06, 11:14 PM EST Section: Pulp
He would also often introduce his songs with what album and year they were from, along with any stories or comments that seemed to even amuse himself.
"This song isn't about anything in particular, but it did help a lot of history students pass," he told the audience before breaking into "We Didn't Start the Fire."
"It was unbelievable; Billy was on top of his game," said Henry Haber, a freshman accounting major. "He really played to the audience, and he really enjoyed himself and all of Syracuse appreciates it."
Joel did have some help with his performance. He had a backup band of eight skilled musicians, many who played multiple instruments. Joel seemed to include as many different sounds into his pieces as he could, including accordions, electric pianos, two drum sets and multiple percussion, brass and woodwind instruments.
And while unable to still hit some of the higher notes, Joel's voice has remained strong, and he sounds as good as he did long before most of the crowd was born. What has remained amazing, if not advanced, is Joel's talent on the piano. Throughout the show, he performed numerous solos, displaying his amazing talent on the instrument. There was even a specific camera set up to display his hands, which was appreciated since it was entertaining to see them move across the keys.
"It was phenomenal, absolutely phenomenal. It's Billy Joel - what else do you have to say?" said Josh Davis, a junior finance major.
When the show finally ended, people shuffled out of the Dome into the warm night, with smiles on their faces and literally, songs in their heart.
"Ain't it wonderful to be alive when the rock 'n' roll plays?" Joel sang to the crowd in "Keeping the Faith."
Yes, it certainly is.
"This song isn't about anything in particular, but it did help a lot of history students pass," he told the audience before breaking into "We Didn't Start the Fire."
"It was unbelievable; Billy was on top of his game," said Henry Haber, a freshman accounting major. "He really played to the audience, and he really enjoyed himself and all of Syracuse appreciates it."
Joel did have some help with his performance. He had a backup band of eight skilled musicians, many who played multiple instruments. Joel seemed to include as many different sounds into his pieces as he could, including accordions, electric pianos, two drum sets and multiple percussion, brass and woodwind instruments.
And while unable to still hit some of the higher notes, Joel's voice has remained strong, and he sounds as good as he did long before most of the crowd was born. What has remained amazing, if not advanced, is Joel's talent on the piano. Throughout the show, he performed numerous solos, displaying his amazing talent on the instrument. There was even a specific camera set up to display his hands, which was appreciated since it was entertaining to see them move across the keys.
"It was phenomenal, absolutely phenomenal. It's Billy Joel - what else do you have to say?" said Josh Davis, a junior finance major.
When the show finally ended, people shuffled out of the Dome into the warm night, with smiles on their faces and literally, songs in their heart.
"Ain't it wonderful to be alive when the rock 'n' roll plays?" Joel sang to the crowd in "Keeping the Faith."
Yes, it certainly is.
