For the most part, the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks special last night on NBC was solid entertainment.
In particular, Country & Western Star - Brad Paisley - was a stand-out in a performance that left audiences crying out for an encore!
The kid was charismatic and exuded a good-time quality that resonated with fans below the footlights, too.
Unfortunately, Beyonce was having a "bad hair" day and it was downright distracting.
The frazzled "do" (did she fall asleep under the hair-dryer or what?) was replete with tacky dark roots and dry wispy fly-away ends that took flight this-way-and-that whenever the wind whipped across the stage (which was often).
On the other hand, the chanteuse wisely elected to don a chic understated designer gown, which she aaccessorized tastefully with a stunning necklace - that ultimately - flattered her long graceful neck.
One tune was surprisingly just so-so!
But, the Pop Diva's high-energy performance managed to prevent the entire set from fizzling out before our very eyes, in spite of the odds against it.
No problem there in respect to the spectacular pyrotechnics which were literally dazzling in scope.
The musical arrangements laid-in beneath the stunning visuals triggered a stream of consciousness - for me, anyway -which couldn't help but usher up a flood of emotions (patriotic ones, for starters) and reflection.
Unfortunately, the production values were spotty.
Pedestrian direction (and poor camera-work) diminished the special event to amateurish proportions on occasion.
For example, when Nick Lachey (the host for the evening's festivities) attempted to introduce the broadcast at the top of the show, his voice was drowned out by a spirited gang of guests at his side who squealed with delight as soon as the director called "action" from behind the NBC camera.
A seasoned pro would have anticipated the obvious.
For good reason, the director should have instructed the attendees to remain on the sidelines silently until Mr. Lachey delivered up his intro without interruption, and for the benefit of the viewing audience at home.
A raucous cheer at the end of Lachey's show-opener would have been the professional way to go!
Sadly, the niggling dilemma continued throughout the broadcast and was annoying as heck.
I was also surprised that the musical director failed to issue a note to the performer who elected to go into "uncharted waters" in respect to the rather uneven rendition of "Amazing Grace".
To me, the artistic choices were so jarring, that they reminded me of the irritating sounds fingernails dredge up on a blackboard.
Oh, well!
In spite of the shortcomings, Paisley came up smelling roses with a 4-star performance.
Later!
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