Judith Owen and her Gentleman Callers are raucous, raunchy, and absolutely remarkable musicians
Presented by: Adelaide Cabaret Festival
Reviewed: 13 June 2025
From the moment she swaggers onto the stage, Judith Owen is unapologetic. The mood is immediately set with Nellie Lutcher’s He’s a Real Gone Guy, with Judith and her band ‘The Gentleman Callers’ encouraging clapping along and call and response. The room soon feels like a raucous jazz hall, with Judith and her fabulous wide-brimmed hat leading the celebration.
The setlist was comprised of songs by female composers and pianists, specifically the ones who were wholly unapologetically themselves, who weren’t afraid to express their sexuality and desire, and who didn’t allow themselves to be condensed into the box of modest clothing and songs about virginal romantic love. Between songs Judith talks about these influential women and their contribution, not only to the progression of jazz and blues, but also their impact on Judith’s own musical journey.
In her own words, Judith speaks ‘with the mouth of a pirate whore’, but considering the song lyrics included such gems as ‘what makes your big head so hard’, ‘someday the sun’s gonna shine in my back door’, and ‘I need my daddy with that big long slidin’ thing’, this form of expression seems eminently appropriate. Songs include: Dianne Reeves’ Fine Brown Frame, Julia Lee’s I Didn’t Like It The First Time (The Spinach Song) — heads up, it’s about a different leafy green — Aretha Franklin’s Trouble In Mind, Dinah Washington’s Big Long Slidin’ Thing, and Peggy Lee’s Fever, to name a few.
Judith Owen is an entertainer as well as a fantastic musician. She grooves and works the crowd, and clearly revels in every note and every lyrical innuendo (and out the other end). She is mesmerising to watch from start to finish. Just as mesmerising are the Gentleman Callers, including Ricardo Pascal on saxophone, Kevin Louis on flugelhorn and cornet, Jamison Ross on drums, David Torkanowsky on piano, Lex Warshawsky on upright bass and David Blenkhorn on electric guitar. They are such a tight unit, communicating their changes with merely a glance, and working in perfect sync, as well as celebrating each other’s solos. Seeing a group of musicians working together in such harmony is truly a joy.
Tonight’s closing performance is sold out, but if you ever have the opportunity again to see this incredible lineup perform, seize it — you will not be disappointed.
Reviewed by Kristin Stefanoff
Photo credit: Claudio Raschella
Venue: The Banquet Room, Adelaide Festival Centre
Season: 13 – 14 June
Duration: 60min
Tickets: SOLD OUT
Bookings: https://cabaret.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/whats-on/unapologetically-judith-owen
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