Festival Theatre 12 and 13 June
Headlining the 2010 Cabaret Festival, Natalie Cole was every bit what Adelaide audiences were expecting and more. Gliding onto the stage to rapturous applause, Cole had the audience on the edge of their seats as she stood tall in front of the Adelaide Art Orchestra. On stage she was accompanied by a selection of her own musicians, each exceptionally talented in their own right, yet Cole exuded a presence that had the audience enthralled, with all eyes on her.
Instruments included keyboards, piano, guitar, drums, bass and trumpet, and two backing singers, conducted by her musical director. Cole warmed up the audience with old favourites such as Come Rain or Come Shine and Nice and Easy, as made famous by ‘Uncle’ Frank Sinatra (as she playfully calls him). Swing and Blues featured heavily amongst the earlier numbers, with more Jazzy Jive numbers to follow such as Route 66 and The Man That Got Away.
The audience was clearly moved by two numbers including voice and projected footage of her father the King, when Cole performed Walking my Baby Back Home and Unforgettable.
But Natalie was still saving her most energetic numbers for last.
After an extended performance, running almost 40 minutes over time - Cole still had the energy for some Rock ‘n’ Roll and finished with two encore numbers, showcasing her rock voice and scat skills.
A diva of the stage, and an absolute pleasure to behold, Cole delivered on her reputation as a consummate performer. The quality and clarity of Cole’s voice after over 50 years of performing is still amazing, and her energy and stamina outstanding!
Cole delivered what audiences expected and more.
Paul Rodda
