(Andrew
Young)
Andrew Young is without doubt a very
accomplished and expert saxophonist. (Review by Keith Millar)
One thing is certain – and that is that the
Rhumbelow Theatres offer a wide variety of music reviews and tribute shows.
Something to satisfy all tastes.
A case in point is international recording
artist and performer, saxophonist Andrew Young’s Get Back, which was seen at the Rhumbelow venue at Tina’s Hotel in
Kloof, last night.
In a highly personalised journey through
his early life in his hometown of Liverpool, Young uses the music of the city’s
most famous musical exports, The Beatles, to illustrate his story.
Unlike with other artists, there are no
B-sides with Beatles music. Every song is a well-loved hit. Andrew Young’s
performance of his selection in his show most definitely pleased most of his
full house audience last night and in fact moved a few to a state of ecstasy.
Included were memorable hits such as, the
title number, Get Back, Strawberry
Fields, Eleanor Rigby, Norwegian Wood, Let It Be, A Long and Winding Road,
Yesterday, Penny Lane, Yesterday, A Hard Day’s Night and Hey Jude.
Every song came along with an anecdote or
story, told by Young in his self-effacing, amiable style. For example, did you
know that Strawberry Fields is the name of an orphanage in Liverpool, or that
the name Eleanor Rigby comes from a gravestone?
The entire show was well illustrated with
projected film clips and photos.
The problem with the size and shape of the
Rhumbelow at Tina’s is that the big screen is situated off to one side of the
room – making it impossible to see it without twisting your head right away from
the stage.
Also included in the show were a few
non-Beatle numbers. We heard Jerry and the Pacemakers’, Ferry Across the Mersey, the Liverpool Football Club’s anthem You’ll Never Walk Alone and Imagine, beautifully sung by Young’s
accompanist, Paul Williams, and for me the highlight of the show.
That one vocal aside, all the rest of the
music was delivered by Young on his variety of saxophones to the backing of
lush backtracks and Williams on the keyboard. The show certainly would have
benefited from the addition of a few more live musicians.
Andrew Young is without doubt a very
accomplished and expert saxophonist. He has developed his own accessible style
which includes all the bells and whistles such shrieking high notes and
impressive circular breathing. His audiences love it.
Young’s relationship with Durban started
many years ago when he was a member of the KZNPO. Since then he has travelled
extensively around the world with his sax and has developed a considerable
following as a performing artist and recording artist.
Although he is now based in Austria he
still visits Durban and tours South Africa regularly. If you would like to hear
him play keep your eyes on the press for details of his current South African
Tour. – Keith Millar
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