After a local DJ announced, "Give a warm welcome to the Reverend Al Green [ tickets ]," one of soul's reigning legends flashed across L.A.'s Greek Theater stage in an angelic white suit. Backed by his hot, '70s-style, 12-person soul band, Green began his performance with the lead track off last year's back-to-form album, "I Can't Stop."

His white patent-leather shoes gleaming in the spotlight, Green gathered two-dozen long-stem roses and summarily handed and tossed them out to the ladies in the audience as he sang about love in all its forms. Noted for his sexy rhythms and steaming falsetto, Green proved strong enough to command attention--if only for a short 80-minute set.

Always a man of the people, Green was shuffling through the audience before his first song ended. By his next tune, "Let's Get Married," Green unveiled his signature falsetto, bringing himself to one knee and, invariably, eliciting shrieks from ladies throughout the theater.

Known for giving his fans genuine love, Green was as affectionate as ever with his adoring fans. "I love you L.A.," was the evening's refrain. His requisite faith held firmly in hand, Green led his fans into an epic, soulful reading of that Sunday morning favorite, "Amazing Grace." Holding a red rose in his right hand, Green's face glistened in the spotlight has he belted out the song's passionate lyrics.

Green showed off his campy sense of humor and affability, stopping mid-song to laugh and deliver impromptu sermons. He talked about the power of faith and how it affected him, ending his sentences with, "If you feel good say, 'Yes!'" Introducing "Let's Stay Together," Green said, "To understand this," his arms opened wide to the congregation, "you have to go back to 1972!" And later, he launched into an unplanned jam of "I Can't Get Next to You." Guitarist Jimmy Epps fit the deep bluesy anthem with a raucous solo.

Next, Green's soul machine took the Los Angeles fans to 1973 for "Here I Am," the song that made UB40 a household name, if only for a few months. By this point Green and his group were in the zone, reeling off one classic R&B hit after another. On "I'm Still in Love with You," Green's three animated horn players swayed from side to side over his left shoulder.

Throughout, Green employed the skills he perfected as a church leader to wonderful effect. After all, rhythm and blues is rooted in gospel, and Al Green is rooted in religion. "We're up here to talk about love," he later confirmed--as if there was ever any question.

Empowered by the Almighty, Al Green still has the ability to enthrall. Another 20 minutes of love and happiness would have surely pleased the faithful and made the night that much more magical. Amen.