Mikki Prost and Chas Díaz: Take Two

[Gary R. Beck]

Mikki Prost and Chas Díaz
Take Two

Many music lovers have followed Mikki through her years as Patsy Cline and then she added personal nods to Connie Francis and Brenda Lee. True artists reach personal pinnacles but are not satisfied. They reach higher and wider, into areas they had never explored. Artistry is growth. This show is a step into musical areas of pop, country, oldies, blues, jazz and rock 'n' roll. She has united with famed Canadian studio musician guitarist Chas Díaz resulting in a well-thought-out selection of favorite meaningful songs. Genres are crossed smoothly including lesser-known compositions and ones a listener may not have heard in decades.

The pair opened with a recognition of Country Music's first top black artist, Charley Pride, who passed away recently. They imparted his signature song "Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'", a swinging song for true love. It takes two to sing "Jackson" as Johnny Cash and his wife June Carter sang in 1967 and our duo tonight swung the room with strong driving beats.

Songs may be discovered simply hearing a tune which interests a person. Mikki came across Joss Turner's beautiful song "Your Man", one more fine composition by Chris Stapleton. Smooth as "Tennessee Whiskey" displayed down-to-earth country lyrics, a creation recorded by George Jones turning it into a 1983 top two hit on the country charts. "You're as sweet as strawberry wine." Mikki pointed out that Chris Stapleton's recording later made this tune ever more popular.

The title Take Two arises from a second take of a movie shot. Here, it refers to a new 'take' on an established hit. But it also pertains to the show theme of 'takes two' making this show dual, Mikki and Chas. One will sing a stanza, then the other responds, ending in both singing harmoniously. Other times, one takes the lead throughout with additional background vocals. The back and forth then both together is an intriguing feature of this new show.

Although Roy Orbison had major success on his own with "Crying", one of the greatest songs ever written, but he teamed with k.d.lang and they recorded a 'take two' duet. Mikki and Chas gave this special tune sheer justice.  "Never No More" sang Patsy Cline, getting rid of a man and replaced him with a love who does not make her blue. This is a lesser known cut, said Mikki, and she enjoys delving into the fullest extent of this artist.

Set Two continues the respectful experience of Patsy with "Don't Ever Leave Me Again" and Mikki enjoying the hillbilly rock of the number. Then, as customary at all her Patsy tribute shows in the past, the crowd shouts for "Crazy", the Willie Nelson penned masterpiece which put the Star on Patsy's song list. Mikki has every spot, every note placed in her mind exactly where it should be, leading to overwhelming praise of her as an artist. Chas' guitar works very well chord after chord, displaying his knowledge of the instrument.

Another song which has excited Mikki to include it tonight is "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen. The two of our artists blended together working the magic of the melody and lyrics. Soulful pop brought the Bee Gees song "To Love Somebody" to their mics with each taking turns at lead verses. Together they mixed their voices sounding as though they had sung together for years.

"Ain't No Sunshine" was presented as a tribute to Bill Withers, another musical icon lost in 2020. Mikki remarked that this tune with its 'I know's" was difficult for her to perform as she desired. Chas helped her and the team shone forth tonight with this closing tune.

More photos on the Facebook Shows page listed below.

Nacho Daddy

Basilio Badillo 287

SouthSide, Colonia Emiliano Zapata

Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, MX. Tickets: http://www.nachodaddy.mx

322-688-5566

Gary R. Beck 

Puerto Vallarta, JAL.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/PuertoVallartaShows 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/837053096708212

A Note from Nacho Daddy management:

MAKING THIS PANDEMIC PAND-EPIC!

We are slowly bringing bringing back live entertainment, keeping a careful eye on safety and guidelines. We have a great season of entertainment lined up and can’t wait to see everyone, whenever you are ready to come say hi. Audience capacity is currently limited to 50% downstairs and 40% upstairs, and we are also streaming all performances LIVE on Facebook and YouTube! 

For everyone's safety Nacho Daddy will only have one performance per evening Upstairs at Nacho Daddy  until further notice.