(Melvin
Peters, Helene Joseph, Logan Byrne & Devon Hore. Pic by Bev Millar)
Even
if you perhaps don’t particularly rave about ‘jazz music’, see this show! It is
an experience not to be missed! (Review by Adrienne Lansdell)
After an eight year absence, Durban
audiences are very privileged to welcome back to our stage the highly
experienced and talented jazz singer, Helene Joseph. Her first performance since returning exceeded all the expectations of the small but vocal jazz-loving
audience last evening. Her own love of the genre was tangible, refreshing and
mesmerising.
Melvin Peters, renowned and highly
accomplished South African jazz pianist, together with Logan Byrne on double
bass and Devon Hore on drums, first performed You’d be so nice to come home to and What is this Thing called Love, both items composed by Cole Porter.
These numbers set toes tapping, and introduced the audience to the rapport and
synergy of these fine musicians. They are clearly totally at ease with each
other on stage. Professionals to their very cores!
Joseph also chose a Cole Porter number Night and Day, composed in 1932, and
recorded by dozens of musicians thereafter, to introduce her impressive level
of energy which did not wane as the show progressed. She treated the audience to an exuberant
rendition of one of her favourite songs A
Nightingale sang in Berkeley Square.
This song also allowed Peters’ much acclaimed skills as a jazz pianist
to be enjoyed, as was the case when he segued Rhapsody in Blue into Our Love
is here to Stay.
(Melvin
Peters & Helene Joseph. Pic by Michelle Petersen)
Every theatregoer enjoys the old favourites
peppered among the lesser-known songs. I
love Paris was no exception. Joseph very successfully brought a totally new
feel to the song with her own interpretation. She moved the tempo from soulful
to dramatic, to slow and back to dramatic. The mix of her beautiful deep
throaty voice with the smoky atmosphere was entertainment of the highest
kind. The soft lighting added to the
mood, as did the weighty earthy sounds of the double bass as Logan played the
intro using his bow.
After interval, one could hear a pin drop
as Peters absolutely stunned the audience with a clever mix of an excerpt from
Beethoven and moving into a quasi-classical interpretation of Jerome Kerne’s All The Things You Are. Joseph’s Love for Sale slowed the pace. My
favourite, My Funny Valentine, again
showcased her powerful voice and skilful use of the microphone.
Summertime brought an end to a polished performance by four exceptional
performers.
Even if you perhaps don’t particularly rave
about ‘jazz music’, see this show! It is an experience not to be missed!
D’Loverley
has one more performance – tonight (March 14) at
20h00. The theatre venue opens 90
minutes before show for drinks)
Tickets R160 (R140 pensioners and students
with a valid student card) and tables seat 8. (No alcohol or food may be
brought on to the premises). Tickets are cash or EFT only. Secure parking is
available. Booking is through Computicket or contact Roland (also for large
group booking discounts of 8 or more) on 082 499 8636 or email:
roland@stansell.za.net or visit http://events.durbantheatre.com/
Tina’s Hotel is situated at 14 Beryldene
Road in Kloof. - Adrienne Lansdell
(Patrons
are welcome to book for dinner or lunch at Tina's Restaurant before the show:
Call 031 764 7843 to book)