Lisa Simone’s Adelaide concert is not only a moving tribute to her mother’s legacy, but also shows Lisa’s own skill as a world class vocalist and performer
Presented by: Adelaide Cabaret Festival
Reviewed: 22 June 2024
Dame Lisa Simone carries a hefty legacy, that of being the daughter of Jazz, Blues and Soul legend Nina Simone. Lisa’s Adelaide concert is not only a moving tribute to her mother’s legacy, but also shows Lisa’s own skill as a world class vocalist and performer.
Lisa’s entrance, which came after a rousing instrumental number performed by the talented 16-piece big band, was subtle and hushed with Keeper of the Flame, showcasing husky alto tones. Lisa’s speaking voice was likewise quiet and her conversation casual, giving the impression that she was speaking to a small group in an intimate jazz club instead of the three-tiered Festival Theatre. However, it wasn’t long before Lisa showed the full range of her vocal dynamics as she moved from seductive breathy tones to a powerful belt and incredible displays of breath control.
The set list was packed with Nina Simone classics and crowd favourites, including Go To Hell, Black Is The Color, I Put A Spell On You, My Baby Just Cares For Me, and plenty more. In addition to the treat of Lisa’s incredible vocal talents, each number featured solos from various members of the band, demonstrating the remarkable skill of each member. It was great to see Lisa respectfully moving aside into the shadows during instrumental solos, allowing the attention to be on the soloist. In fact, Lisa’s obvious respect and rapport for her band is clear, from her regular check-ins with the members and her obvious joy at celebrating the top notch musicianship of the band.
The show was advertised at running at 1 hour and 45 minutes, but that clearly didn’t take into account the multiple encores that weren’t listed in the program. The party continued with Feelin’ Good, Wild Is The Wind, Hold On, and one of Lisa’s own songs, Finally Free. The audience ate up every extra moment given, providing several standing ovations before the concert finally concluded at 2 hours and 15 minutes. I for one had no complaints at being able to hear an extra half hour of Lisa and her band!
Keeper of The Flame was an incredible closing show for this year’s epic lineup at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival. Sadly Lisa was in Adelaide for one night only, but next time she is here you’ll have to jump on a ticket before it sells out.
Reviewed by Kristin Stefanoff
Photo credit: Claudio Raschella
Venue: Festival Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre
Season: ended
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