The Ray Mann Three are a trio of cheeky lads playing minimalistic soul with a touch of funk and blues. Describing them as laid-back is an understatement as these boys sit, relaxed as anything. They were a very appropriate warm up act for The Reverend Al Green as they put the crowd into the groove of soul but were at the same time respectfully subdued leaving Green to bring the “wow” factor. Ray Mann was the master of the cheek with his funky smooth falsetto vocals, teasing lyrics and impromptu giggles.

The only criticism to be made of The Reverend Al Green was that his set was TOO SHORT. Everyone wanted more, more, more! As the band exited the crowd were dismayed by roadies coming on to pack up straightaway, meaning there would be no encore, and no more Al. It was a sad moment as we realised the hour of pure joy was over.

Al Green doesn’t just put on a show, he puts on a production. The big band is made up of blaring brass, pulsating organ, hammering drums, funkadelic bass, thrilling guitar and backup singers with such strong vocals coming straight from their guts into blissful harmonies to make your hairs stand on their ends. This band was nothing short of amazing and gave the introduction whilst we waited for The Reverend himself to appear. Mr Green is the kind of performer that deserves a formal proclamation of his presence, and as his announcer spouted the words “Aaaaaaaal Green” the crowd looked in awe towards the spotlighted dapper gentleman dressed in a smart black tux and raring to go.

Let’s Get Married had a slow intro of Green’s raspy soul voice then when the chorus hit the crowd knew they were in for some unforgettable music. The Reverend interacted joyously with the crowd, making jokes about keeping the tigers locked up, booing Brisbane and shouting “YOU the man, YOU the man” Mr T style to some heckler in the crowd.

Lay It Down, from his newest album of the same name, was a sweet love song and we had the first taste of his amazing falsetto. His male dancers appeared, with their coordinated dance moves framing Mr Green who joined in himself every once in awhile. Take Me To The River let the band members showcase their amazing skills in solos. We also had a taste of “The Reverend” side of things, as Mr Green started an Amazing Grace sing-along before the trio of backup singers performed the rest of the song in a spine tingling three part harmony.

Green had a swift costume change before all-time favourite Let’s Stay Together which had the delightful dancers and big band in full steam. More singing along and dancing before the tear jerking and subtly performed How Can You Mend A Broken Heart. If the introduction of soft organ and drums wasn’t enough to set you off the mournful harmonies surely would have. But it was not an evening for tears, and trumpet choruses with the blissful dancers perked things up for Here I Am Baby.

Then came a medley of various hits as a tribute to his roots, which was a nice touch but at the same time it would have been nice to hear all of the songs in their entirety (including I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch), My Girl, I’ve Been Loving You Too Long and (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay). Tired of Being Alone and I’m Still in Love With You led into the funky Love and Happiness. The band blasted, Green and his dancers were shaking it as were the crowd. But then The Reverend exited stage right and the crowd looked in alarm at the dancer’s butts jiggling before realising this was to be the last vision of the night.

Green at one stage asked if the crowd wondered if he’s still got it. He certainly proved that yes, he had it, and then some. “Love and Happiness” just about sums up the feeling created by this unforgettably joyous performance, with The Reverend Al Green proving he is a master of soul. Hopefully he won’t wait another 40 years to return to us.