Sep. 20, 2004 Aretha Franklin By John Lappen Greek Theatre, Los Angeles Friday, September 17 For her first appearance on a Los Angeles concert stage in 21 years, Aretha Franklin didn't cut corners. The 62-year-old soul diva made a big splash during the first of two sold-out Greek Theatre dates. Looking regal in a white dress with huge ruffles around her shoulders, she confidently stepped out in front of a core 12-piece band, a huge orchestra with about as many people as Rhode Island and, at one point, a gospel choir. Her retinue also included six dancers who hip-hopped about the stage on several numbers and Teddy Richards on guitar (who opened the show with his own stellar performance). To say the audience was thrilled to have Franklin back was an understatement, as she received numerous standing ovations throughout her nearly two-hour show. She deserved the adulation, as her performance was a no-holds-barred display of her big voice, impeccable phrasing and impassioned delivery during a 17-song set that ran the gamut from classic soul, roof-raising gospel and lush ballads to funky groovin' and a touch of jazz. Whatever she performed was handled with aplomb and skill. The 16-time Grammy winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer delivered solid performances on Aretha signatures including a percolating "Think," a chugging "Chain of Fools" and a boisterous "Freeway of Love." She also turned heads with a gospel-flavored rendering of "Try a Little Tenderness," along with a number of ballads including "Angel," "Make Them Hear You" and "I Want to Make It Up to You." She left the joint jumpin' just before a brief intermission with her big-band jazz reading of "Cherokee," which allowed several band members to stretch out with some fine solos. With a new album, "Duets," due in November and a pair of she-came-she-saw-she-conquered L.A. appearances under her belt, Lady Soul proved that she's not kidding around when it comes to taking care of business.