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Adam Hall is a stalwart of the Perth music scene. Together with his band, The Velvet Playboys, they are the go tos if you want to enjoy a night of jazz, swing, rhythm and blues.
So what happens when you combine them with The Cuban Young Guns, a talented collective of musicians direct from Cuba? You get a symphonic celebration of the legend that is the Buena Vista Social Club.
If you’ve never experienced the music of Buena Vista Social Club, don’t despair. Adam is an affable host who takes the time to give context to each song in the set. Even though I was smack in the middle of a large theatre, I felt so drawn in that I almost didn’t notice the crowd around me. It felt like we were invited in his world. I feel that given the time, he would gladly educate us on the origins of the Buena Vista Social Club and regale us in tales of his adventures in Cuba.
The nine piece ensemble, complete with traditional Latin percussion and jazz horns, delivered a set that appealed to the masses. It was a curated mix of upbeat tunes and more leisurely songs.
We were surprised with a guest performance by renowned flamenco guitarist Manual Valencia. I’m not going to lie – guitars don’t usually excite me. When I saw Manuel enter the stage by himself, I was not optimistic. But he was phenomenal.
It’s easy to dismiss a solo guitarist but there’s no hiding in simplicity. Every flaw is magnified… but so is every perfect note. I had primed myself for a night of upbeat Afro-Cuban jazz, but I found myself luxuriating in the melody of his guitar. I wanted more.
Which leads me to the other surprising hit of the night for me – the romantic duet, Murmullo. Adam and Mark Turner’s vocals in this song reminded me of the wistful sighs of lovers, caught in the bliss of a perfect evening out. If I could, I would add their rendition to my date night playlist.
And then I was transported back to Havana’s nightclubs thanks to the mad skills of Pablo Calzado on timbales and Stevie Richter on the congas. My inner salsera was awakened from her deep slumber. I couldn’t help shimmying in my seat. I’m just glad my plus one is an even bigger salsa addict, so she didn’t judge… but joined in!
That was only downside of this gig. The Heath Ledger Theatre is beautiful, the sound was flawless and it was gloriously air-conditioned. But I was begging for a dancefloor. As rusty as I am, I would have loved the opportunity to get out and get my salsa on!
Perhaps, that could be easily solved if Adam *HINT HINT* recorded this whole concert so that it’s available for us to enjoy while reliving salsa nights of yore in the comfort of our living room?
In the meantime, you’ll just have to catch the Cuban Young Guns while you can – they’re only playing until 1st February!