Presented by Adelaide International Cello Festival
Rushad Eggleston leapt on stage and then disappeared for 10 minutes; glimpses of a green ‘tail’ and goblin hat heralding an entertaining and unorthodox evening of eccentricities and musical mayhem. After introducing his cello, El Cello del nor Formuloni, it became quickly obvious this was cello improv, heavy on the improv; Eggleston delving into his encyclopaedic knowledge of all things musical, with surprising and wonderful results.
The detective story Who Put the Niblets on Terrence Bugner was relayed, via song, cello, and a conversation Eggleston had with his shoe, and featured plenty of leg kicks and scat. Flute Freakout saw Eggleston jump from the stage with cello, stand on an audience seat, and blow into the tuning peg, (spittle spray an unfortunate by-product), to produce the sound of a tin whistle.
He performed from the floor, on one leg, ran up walls, sat on the audience and revealed he is slimier than God. Conversed with his cello, he then performed the tale of Magmarthika, about the mountain ruler who wishes to rule the sea, but is stopped by a giant fish.
Interval saw the cello-less Eggleston appear in the café, down two apple juices and, hissing like a trapped animal, scream “thunderous cat” repeatedly before disappearing for a costume change of stripy leggings.
On a more serious note, the marvellous Suite for Solo Cello in five movements (with movement zero for improv) was a highlight. At his request to not clap between movements, the audience made hands-like-cat-paws in appreciation. The fifth movement, a march, ended with him percussively hitting the strings with his shoe.
We were audibly privy to a whole other show taking place off-stage with more pants changing, rosin finding, drink getting, cello tuning and singing whilst looking in the mirror pretending to be a tiger. Then, as promised, things started to get weird. And in a great way.
Five numbers about “Jick” followed, (the word is tattooed on one hand, “Jark” on the other); including song, waltz, a horse, and audience sing-along to his butt-ductor (butt-conductor). This parlayed into a 3-piece band with “Barry” on bass, “Larry” on guitar and “Christina Garribaldi’ on drums; all Eggleston on cello.
After enquiring whether Australia had any problems with France, Eggelston licked the cello to play La Marseillaise, and accepted an audience challenge to play Flight of the Bumblebee with his tongue, and then hat.
A more traditional Wedding Piece followed before the fabulous I’m a Falcon peaked audience interaction, and was contrasted by the scary Evil Mouselord. Eggelston then analysed his show, saying he would later berate himself for letting it run over. No one minded; a song about a three-headed dog concluded to a standing ovation.
Don’t be jicked by his jickfoolery. Eggleston is a Grammy nominee, member of Crooked Still and Fiddlers 4, and international soloist, and like the best performers, made the most technically difficult aspects of his show look easy. He revealed he had come from a “classical cello prison”. Thank you Rushad Eggleston for breaking out and bringing us a unique and funny showcase of your immense talents.
Rushad Eggleston plays two remaining shows in Adelaide at Elder Hall as part of the Adelaide International Cello Festival – Friday 4 April 8pm, and Saturday 5 April 10pm.
Reviewed by Gordon Forester 29 March 2014
Venue: Latvian Hall, 4 Clark Street, Wayville
Season: The Adelaide International Cello Festival runs 25 March to 6 April
Duration: 2 ¼ hours
Tickets: Various ticket and package prices
Bookings: Adelaide International Cello Festival bookings
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