I can’t believe I have never come across Adam Hall and the Velvet Playboys before on the jazz circuit but so glad I found them last night. On a steamy evening, in the courtyard of the State Theatre, a full crowd was entertained with the music of Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra.
Adam Hall is an exceptional trumpet player and talented singer. His accompanying band, the Velvet Playboys, are top notch musicians with Anthony Dodos (Trombone), Bronton Ainsworth (Drums), Kane Shaw (Double Bass), Tim Voutas (Keys) and Lachie Glover (Saxophone).
The band along with Adam’s trumpet and vocals created a fabulously entertaining ‘Rat Pack’ atmosphere. Adam seamlessly moved from trumpet to vocals and back again successfully blending song and stories of Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra.
Adam also has a keen sense of humour. Nat King Cole’s LOVE has “featured in many karaoke bars around Perth, butchered in karaoke bars around Perth”. Adam certainly didn’t butcher it.
My personal favourites were Nat King Cole’s Unforgettable, probably because it was one of our wedding songs and Sinatra’s My Way.
This was Adam and the Velvet Playboys last night of the Sinatra/Cole sets but in early February, they are doing Hot Jazz from New Orleans. We got a small taste of that with the brass section walking around the audience giving out New Orleans beads.
If you are looking for Perth jazz talent, Adam Hall and the Velvet Playboys are one to watch out for.
4.5 STARS
The Music of Frank Sinatra & Nat King Cole feat Adam Hall and the Velvet Playboys
Who: All ages
Where: The Courtyard at State Theatre Centre of WA
When: Season complete for 2023
