Arts

Cabaret Festival Review: Ms. Lisa Fischer and Grand Baton

Miss Lisa Fischer and Grand Baton serve up some smooth sounds this Cabaret Festival.

Presented by Adelaide Festival Centre
Reviewed 18 June 2016

Music is about passion.  Even the most basic of tunes have to have a hook upon which to hang its melody.  Whether it’s a composition by Mozart of even a pop track from the current teen diva, how a slice of music is presented elevates its impact.  Those who have made a living creating and singing songs have shown their enthusiasm for developing their musical craft.  So much so that some like Tina Turner, The Rolling Stones and Chaka Khan continued singing their songs at an age where many would put their feet up.  The mention of those people brings us to Lisa Fischer.  Formerly a backing singer for all of them, Ms. Fischer has carved out her own solo career to great success.  Powerfully emoting original works and standards, her vocals transcend the words she sings.  Like most in her field her desire to continually push her professional boundaries shines through in an often engaging and emotional show.

Backed by the funky and quirky soul trio Grand Baton, Fischer commanded the stage from the first moment.  Elegant in stature and graceful in voice, her cheerful persona was easy to see.  She seemed determined to have a good time which the audience enthusiastically responded to.  She worked the crowd well, in a subtle way as to always leave the focus on the songs.  Her personality didn’t overwhelm them although her interpretations of popular songs gave them new life.  From Jumping Jack Flash by the Rolling Stones and Addicted to Love by Robert Palmer, her vocal diversity was clearly heard.  At the risk of using cliché, she took her listeners on a journey – without the kitsch connotations such a phrase has.  You were drawn into the spirit and meaning of each song with Fischer’s stylish singing range often startling.  She knew how to set the scene for each track and inhabit the characters within, a gift not many artists really have.

The show’s intimacy allowed each song to be appreciated, especially her famed track How Can I Ease the Pain.  Songs such as those successfully conveyed the pure emotion of the words, giving them a timelessness ensuring they will forever be remembered.  It wasn’t all slow ballads however, with the mix of up-tempo and slower paced songs well realised.  It had the general feel of a sleek, easy-going party at a friend’s place with tunes to move you in any way possible.

Grand Baton proved effective foils for Fischer’s sultry songstress, injecting a sometimes peculiar but always interesting take on classic songs.  It made them stand out from the regular ‘rent-a-band’, showing their gift in providing something unique apart from the standard musical norm.  Drums, guitars cello, keyboards and other instruments received an airing, creating a delectable instrumental palate.  The blend of band and artist generated the perfect atmosphere of laid-back sophistication which everyone embraced.

Not much more can be said about this fine production with Lisa Fischer and Grand Baton stepping into the breach with soulful verve and musical gusto.  The show is to be experienced rather than written about and mirrors the high quality of all acts in this year’s Cabaret season.  Fans of her work will be delighted with this show with ethereal grooves high on the agenda.

Reviewed by: Patrick Moore
Twitter: @PatrickMoore14

Rating out of 5:  5

Venue: Dunstan Playhouse
Season: 18 – 19 June 2016
Duration: 1 hr, 10mins.
Tickets: Premium Adult – $79.90, A Reserve – Adult: $69.90, A Reserve – Conc.: $64.90, B Reserve from: $34.90, Child (12 & under): $20.00, Family (2 + 2) from: $100.00
Bookings: Book online through the Adelaide Cabaret Festival website or phone BASS on 131 246

 

 

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