Emma Gordon-Smith is electric as Stevie Nicks, accompanied by her slick band
Presented by: Guilty Pleasures Shows, Court & Spark Productions, and Inner Rhythm Productions
Reviewed: 2 September, 2023
Taking place on the balmy first weekend of spring, Musefest offers three different shows. Featuring talented local artists paying tribute to three iconic female performers: Joni Mitchell, Kate Bush, and Stevie Nicks. Nexus Arts proves the perfect venue, too, creating an intimate cabaret setting that welcomes all ages. Powerhouse singer Emma Gordon-Smith is joined on stage by her band, including acoustic guitar, electric and bass guitars, keyboard, and drums. Together they take the audience on a journey of Stevie Nicks’ career from the early days through to her recovery, narrating as they play.
The band explains that when Nicks released her first album with Fleetwood Mac, she was “27 years old and suddenly transformed into a full blown rock star.” They play Gold Dust Woman, Tusk, In the Back of My Mind, and Rooms on Fire. But it was during Edge of Seventeen when Gordon-Smith became absolutely electric on stage, entrancing the crowd.
Gordon-Smith does not exactly assume the role of Nicks, but she switches costumes and persona as she sings, capturing the artist’s changing mood and self expression. She pays homage to the authentic way Nicks drew from her life experiences for her songs. This is done without making judgements or attempting to hide the less palatable aspects of her personal life.
The band have excellent on stage chemistry together. Although, it is a shame the sound mixing was a little off for the Saturday performance. At times it was hard to hear Gordon-Smith’s lyrics over the music, despite her enunciation.
Musefest is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy and support local Adelaide artists as they celebrate some of the matriarchs of modern music (whether folk, rock, or pop,) whose songs allow their own talents to shine.
Reviewed by Nicola Woolford
Photo image: supplied
Venue: Nexus Arts
Season: ended
Duration: 60 minutes
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