Sing, Sing, Sing With Super Diamond

Super Diamond w/ Dudley Manlove Quartet
Showbox, Seattle, WA
02.25.17

I knew it was a night for the slightly older crowd when I heard two Phil Collins songs in a row before the bands hit the stage, but that didn’t mean there was a lack of energy in the room. On the contrary, the room was full and abuzz at Seattle’s Showbox for local cover superstars Dudley Manlove Quartet and Super Diamond, the ultimate tribute to the sequined shirt-wearing songwriter, Neil Diamond.

DMQ has been well-known throughout the Seattle area for the last 25 years, crooning songs from the disco era through the height of 80’s pop. Simply put, they are engaging as all hell. These refined pros know their library back to front, so they are able to have a massive amount of fun. Manlove himself appreciated the crowd as he sauntered up and down the stage singing hits such as Abba’s “Dancing Queen,” Duran Duran’s “Rio,” and my favorite of their set, David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance.” It has been a while since I have seen a crowd get so pumped for an opener, but some had good reason, as Manlove exclaimed, “I think I have played some of your weddings.” There is always a special bond between a bride and groom and their wedding singer.

When the lights went down for the men of Super Diamond, the lighters in the crowd immediately went up. The opener, “Holly Holly,” was an immediate energy booster as the sparkle-clad quintet implored the crowd to “SING!” From the start, I could see why this band was so Super. First of all, the entire band has “changed” their last name to Diamond. Secondly, lead singer Surreal Neil (Randy Cordero) encompassed the effortless showmanship of the actual Neil Diamond. Finally, I have never seen a more hulking, but very debonair bassist as Matt Tidmarsh (Diamond).

Their set was a slow and effective crescendo through the highlights of Diamond’s library. Whether it was melancholy stories such as “Love On The Rocks,” or signature Diamond favorites like “Cherry Cherry,” every song was a sing-a-long during a dance party that shined like Cordero’s shirt.

A night inside the mind of Neil Diamond would not be complete without paying respect and tribute to “Sweet Caroline” and ending the night with an ode to “America.” It will be hard to find a louder crowd than the one belting out these classics.

Review and photos by Phillip Johnson