John Denver
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Performers: John Denver, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra conducted by John Mauceri.
True to bestselling form, the Hollywood Bowl's annual Fourth of July blowout began with a flourish of Western film music and ended with a symphony of fireworks accompanied by Sousa. In between the orchestral Americana, John Denver gave some evidence that he is growing somewhat beyond, but not completely out of , his cuddly image.
Almost unchanged at 52, Denver could still soar, his upper range bright and vibrant on hits such as "Annie's Song" and "Calypso."
Yet in his more recent material, Denver is trying to become more serious and more monumental, more artiste than Middle American entertainer. At least he is showing a cautious capacity for growth -- more energy and commitment went into recent pieces "Eagles and Horses,""Amazon" and "Foxfire Suite" than one of his best songs, "Rocky Mountain High." And for once, the Bowl Orchestra did not merely saw away superfluously for a pop star: It had a substantial role to play in "Foxfire" and "Calypso."
On their own, John Mauceri and his orchestra made timely news by presenting the concert premiere of five often nicely ominous minutes of music from David Arnold's score for "Independence Day."
As for the Sousa marches down the stretch, well, the real action, as always, was skyward.
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