www.theatreguide.com.au Supporting live theatre in Adelaide
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PRESSURE DOWN McCluskey Pitman Pty Ltd & Rumoured Productions Dunstan Playhouse
Review by Stephanie Johnson
“Pressure Down” is a magical musical tribute to a man listed as one of Australia's Living National Treasures – John Farnham.
Lead vocalist Michael Williams does not set out to mimic Whispering Jack but the resemblances are sometimes uncanny. He is adamant that this is a tribute not an imitation. However, the concert stage is strikingly similar to a Farnham concert and comparisons are inevitable.
Williams shines, more than equipped to fulfill this tribute’s tall order. Williams’ vocal range is as wide and striking as Farnham’s and he masters many much-loved hits. “Age of Reason”, “Burn For You”, “Comic Conversation” and “Show Me The Magic” are just a few of the songs that launch this evening for Farnham fans.
Williams and the backing band took a little while to warm up on opening night. First night nerves or pesky problems with ear microphones may have been distracting. As a result the first half of the show is slower paced, enjoyable and a suitable warm-up for the second half which really rocks!
As the lead vocalist Williams is sensational, showing passion and professionalism in ballads and rock songs, but every singer and musician has their moment in the sun.
Singers Charissa McCluskey-Pitman, Nick Brinkworth and Alison Craig, are in excellent vocal form in their backing singing, duets with Williams and their choreography. They provide one of the many highlights of the evening singing “Everytime You Cry” with Williams, which was originally sung by Farnham and Human Nature.
Liz Charlton on Saxophone, Justin Kennedy on Trumpet and Flugel Horn, and Jim Staridis on Trombone provide a sensational brass section standing out in numbers such as “Touch of Paradise” and “Playing To Win”. Mike Pitman and John Owens on Guitar, Mark Caminiti on Drums, Sally Davis on Piano and Keyboards and David Telfer on Keyboards also put their own professional music stamp on this concert.
Williams and the professionals behind this tribute obviously have a reverence for the musicality of a man who has lasted decades in the Australian music industry.
“Pressure Down” is a surprising, entertaining and fitting tribute to a much-loved Australian musician. Let’s hope this is not the last time it is performed in Adelaide, or anywhere else for that matter!