Fans of Barry Thomson should not miss his unplugged solo
show at Heritage Theatre. (Review by Keith Millar)
If you are a fan of celebrated guitarist Barry Thomson - and
judging from the audience at the Heritage Theatre on Thursday night, there are
many of those – you will not want to miss his unplugged, solo show, Acoustically Speaking.
Perhaps better known as one of South Africa’s top rock
guitarists, Thompson reveals with this show another side of his personality and
musical gift, with a very accomplished acoustic guitar performance.
Alone on the stage with an array of guitars he performs some
well-known, and some lesser known, music from artists such as Mark Knopfler,
The Eagles, Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan,
Credence Clearwater Revival, Rod Stewart, The Rolling Stones, Tom Petty and
others. He also delighted the audience with a tribute to the Sugar Man –
Rodriguez.
To round it off, Thomson played two of his own compositions Take It In My Stride and Walk A Mile which were good and makes
one wish that he was a more prolific songwriter.
It is difficult to choose favourites from such a wonderful
playlist but for me it was blues guitarist Rory Gallagher’s As The Crow Flies and a memorable
version of Jethro Tull’s Locomotive
Breath.
Thomson starts his show by welcoming his audience to his lounge,
and that is exactly the ambiance he creates. In his usual personable and
laidback style, he chats about his music and the influence it has had on his
life. In no time at all it feels like you are part of a gathering of old friends
getting together to socialise and enjoy some great music.
As usual, an evening out at The Heritage Theatre offers a
very elegant dinner /theatre experience, and there is a new menu for the New
Year. For starters my wife enjoyed her Brochette while I found the Peri Peri
Chicken Livers very palatable. For main course, I had a very subtlety flavoured
Chicken Breyani. It was very good, but beware of the chilies loitering in the sambals.
My wife’s Braised Beef Hot Pot was also very much enjoyed. Other items on the
menu were Trout dish and a Vegetarian Lasagne.
Acoustically Speaking
is a show for those who love guitar music performed with skill and flair. It
only has two more performances – tomorrow and Sunday - at the Heritage Theatre.
Tickets R195 include a two course meal. Bookings or more information on 031 765
4197 or go to www.heritagetheatre.co.za
– Keith Millar
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