Syracuse in focus (SIF)

D. Bowens was a thriller on the keys

When you say you are going to do a Michael Jackson tribute, it had better be good, really good.

Everybody knows the music; everybody recognizes the man behind Off the Wall, and enhancer of the Moonwalk.  Drummer Emmanuel “Never Miss A Beat” Washington brought together a groovy collective, including vocalist Brian Michael, and they nearly shook the foundation of the Clinton Exchange and Amos block during the Taste of Syracuse last night.

Fans were white and they were black; they were young and they were old. They all knew the lyrics and for a few hours along a small strip of Erie Boulevard they celebrated the King of Pop and his musical legacy.

BMichael’s falsetto and high leg kicks were enough to make a side man cry. He definitely proved himself worthy of covering the MJ classics. We were also impressed with guitarist Jay Lock and his Van Halen impression during “Beat It.”

Although the set 20 minutes late, the group exceeded expectations. In short, EMan has done it again (we witnessed his Tribute to James Brown last years). He continues to prove himself as a bandleader and fuser of talent.

The show ended with a drama-filled, dance to “Thriller” and it drove the crowd wild. We wish they would have had time to do “Smooth Criminal.”

We overheard one lady, when she heard the fine and mellow voice of Gabby Gorman say, “she sounds like Teena Marie.” So of course we are hoping E-man does a tribute to Rick James next (and brings back Gabby for the duets).

Brian Michael…won’t stop til’ you get enough!