The Famous Spiegeltent – 11 March 2016
Reviewed by
Bill Stephens
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| Stewart D'Arrietta |
Having been
intrigued and entranced by a previous Stewart D’Arrietta show, “Tom Waits For
No Man”, experienced late one night at an Adelaide Cabaret Festival, the
possibility a second helping of D’Arrietta, this time exploring the songbook of
Leonard Cohen, was an irresistible temptation.
It was hard
to avoid the impression that The Famous Spiegeltent at 6.30 on a hot Canberra
autumn day was not the natural habitat of this extraordinary singer/songwriter,
or of his excellent band. They all looked as if they would be much more at home
in some smoky environment in the wee small hours of the morning. But once the
music started, it was obvious that this show was all about the songs, and
therefore would have been just as arresting had it been performed in the middle
of Hyde Park, or the local church hall.
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| Stewart D'Arrietta and band performing in The Famous Spiegeltent |
Hunched over
a keyboard, centre stage, facing his audience, D’Arrietta presents a compelling
persona. His voice is frayed and shredded, and he sings as if every note will be
his last. But he hits all the right notes, with often idiosyncratic phrasing of
Cohen’s lyrics to expose exactly the
nuance D’Arrietta wants you to relish and consider.
Between
songs he provides a good-natured context. Sometimes with some facts about
Cohen, or the story behind the writing of the song, or even just some
apparently random thought which sets the mood. Never too much information, just
the right amount. D’Arrietta knows how to connect with his audience, everyone is
his friend.
The
intensity of his delivery is fascinating, with his excellent band completely in
tune with his interpretation, especially Michael Klooger with his sensitive
accordion interpolations, and Sonny Amoreena with her unobtrusive backing
vocals.
All of
Leonard Cohen’s best known songs are included in the generous selection,
including “Suzanne”, “Everybody Knows”, So Long Marianne”, “I’m your Man” and
of course, “Chelsea Hotel”. There’s the rabble-rousing “First We Take
Manhattan” and an intense version of “Hallelujah”. The introduction of an
unusual instrument called a Keytar, a birthday gift from John Waters, and
played by D’Arrietta, added additional texture to the performance.
“My Leonard
Cohen” is touring widely and certainly worth your time especially if you enjoy
the music of Leonard Cohen, but particularly for the opportunity to experience
the remarkable Stewart D’Arrietta in live performance.
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| Stewart D'Arrietta and band performing "My Leonard Cohen" in the Famous Spiegeltent |
This review also appears in "Australian Arts Review" www.artsreview.com.au
