From Tin Pan Alley to Hollywood, through the turbulence of the 1960s and on into the 21st century, the songs of Neil Diamond continue to attract new fans.
Jason Scott should know. His Diamond Forever, a Celebration of Neil Diamond show celebrates the music and talent of the legendary singer-songwriter, as local audiences will see when he performs at the Vernon Fraternal Order of Eagles Hall, Saturday.
“Neil Diamond has recorded his music so many times, and changed it so much, that interpreting that music can in itself be an art,” said Scott. “When you look at Neil Diamond’s history and career of six decades, you realize the music and the possibilities of that music are unlimited.”
The process of interpreting Diamond’s harmonious combination of notes is not dissimilar to a symphony conductor interpreting the music of Beethoven from a score, added Scott.
“Certainly Neil Diamond is not just a simple songwriter, but a composer and performer as well. His music has that universality and timelessness that transcends his own personality, and the personalities of anyone performing his music. The proof of this is the audience itself, crossing all generations, with new fans added every year, and the songs themselves, which are so well known as to be archetypal.”
A signed recording artist, writer and performer, Scott has won many accolades for his Diamond tribute.
He was the first ever Canadian international performer to win the Be a Legend celebrity tribute artist competition as Diamond at the Imperial Palace Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. A well received audition followed with On Stage Entertainment, owners of the world famous Legends In Concert.
In 2010, Scott was awarded the Sunburst Convention of Celebrity Tribute Artists Best Platinum Showcase award. In 2011, he not only won the second place Vegas Tribute Artist trophy, but was invited to perform as the opening act for the headlining Country Superstars show at the Las Vegas Golden Nugget Showroom.
Scott has also been invited to perform at The Reel Awards Show gala held at the Golden Nugget and ended up winning the Reel award in the pop and rock category.
Scott has made appearances at the Rosen Plaza Hotel as well as the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Resort at Disneyworld in Orlando, Fla., and aboard the Royal Caribbean cruise ship, The Monarch of The Seas. He has appeared in Las Vegas at The Greek Isles Hotel and Casino, The Southpoint Hotel Casino and Spa, The Imperial Palace, and the world famous Stardust Resort and Casino before it was demolished.
For the last two consecutive years, he has performed his Diamond Forever show on the Las Vegas First Street Stage at the Fremont Street Experience.
Enhanced by background stories, humour, authentic costuming, studio recorded audio tracks and realistic vocals, Scott is said to personify and embody the legend that is Diamond.
His audience interactive show creates a sight and sound experience that transports Diamond fans, old and young, down memory lane.
“This music bridges generations,” said Scott. “The show is structured but also spontaneous, loose and huge fun as the performance is very audience interactive. Sometimes I find myself in the crowd and then other times I’ve found some of the audience on stage with me.”
Diamond Forever, a Celebration of Neil Diamond takes place at the Eagles Hall, 5101 25th Ave., Saturday. April 26. Dinner and show tickets are $30. Doors open at 5 p.m., dinner is at 6 p.m. and show is at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at Eagles Hall. Call (250) 542-3003.
