Each Fringe season there are a few standouts that are a very obvious 5-star review. Last year there was only three, but I am very excited that within the first three days I have found my first ‘touchdown’ (for those old enough to remember Australian Idol!).
“Come and celebrate the foremothers of jazz in a show starring three of Perth’s most beloved leading ladies: Jessie Gordon, Leah Guelfi and Cougar Morrison.
Backed by the nine-piece Perth Cabaret Collective jazz band, this show features the music of Nina Simone, Bessie Smith, Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland, Liza Minnelli and many more in a dedication to women in music who have inspired generations to follow in their footsteps.”
The Ellington Jazz Club is a place where the magic happens. For those in the know, you hear that Perth Cabaret Collective is running a show, you book those tickets as soon as you can. If you are new to Perth Cabaret Collective’s vibe then you are in for a treat!
With nine amazing Perth musicians, this band has it all. Saxophone skills, clarinet, trumpet, piano and more. Led by the uber charismatic Jess Herbert, you will not leave any of their performances without having tapped your foot, let out a ‘Wooo!” at the the end of a number, or smiled along with the performers.
Brassy Broads had the vocal talents of Cougar Morrision, Leah Guelfi and Jessie Gordon and oh my, were they a pleasure to watch. The vocal talent, the delivery, the comedy relief and all of those sexy sequins… I could not get enough!
All three ladies were strong and talented in their own right, but the stand out performer for me was Cougar Morrison. The timing, audience connection, honesty and life brought to the songs was incredible- I will be searching for more opportunities to see her perform in the future.
I am a punk rock fan to my core, but this ensemble, these front ladies and the pure strength of their voices was like magic, lighting up the Ellington for an electric Sunday night. The entire audience was captive. The season for this show has finished sadly, but you can still catch the Perth Cabaret Collective for their second offering, ‘A very very good variety show’ from the 11th to 16th Feb 2020.
Side note to the overarching review- This rockstar pictured above – Matt Smith – performed a sensational trumpet solo, then he had a sudden nose bleed! The whole of the ensemble handled it very well, Matt was given a tissue and appropriate checks were made and the show went on. Much to the audience’s surprise (and I guarantee EVERYONE in the audience was looking at Matt at this time), Matt took one hand on his nose with a tissue and then with the other continued to create beautiful music and truly did not miss a beat. HUGE props to Matt for being such a true professional and emulating the saying – “The show must go on!”
The Perth Cabaret Collective is a must-see. No matter your mood, they will transport you to a world where nothing matters but the joy, and elated connection, of music.
5 STARS
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