Australian Review: Burt on a High

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Martyn
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Joined: Mon Feb 23, 2004 6:24 am
Location: Brunei

Australian Review: Burt on a High

Post by Martyn »

The following review of Burt's recent concerts in Melbourne is taken from the city's 'Herald Sun' newspaper, dated 9 February 2008:

"Burt Bacharach, one of the great songwriters of the 20th century has been in Melbourne performing his hit songs with a trio of his own first-rate singers, his talented personal band and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.

They performed songs from his great catalogue of hits and then a lot more in orchestral and vocal arrangements by the composer and Rob Shrock.

Bacharach conducted the concert, played piano and finally sang too - saying he waited until the audience was on side towards the end of the concert before doing so.

There is not much left of the voice, but he need not have been so self-deprecating. What a great musician he is.

A medley of numbers Bacharach wrote with Hal David including 'Walk on By', 'Say a Little Prayer', 'Wishin' and Hopin'' and 'Always Something There to Remind Me', got the concert off to a lively start. The audience was won over by the tenderness and warmth of Josie James, John Pagano and Donna Taylor. Smooth delivery and close harmony brought the songs vividly to life.

Bacharach took us on a journey revisiting many great songs. He paid tribute to lyricists such as David, Carole Bayer Sager, Peter Allen and Tim Rice, and included his Oscar-winning songs from 'Alfie', 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid' and 'What's New Pussycat?'

The four sell-out Melbourne concerts were a testament to Bacharach's legacy."

The review was by John Hay-Mackenzie.

Martyn.
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