Adelaide Fringe. Ensalada The Union. 3 Mar 2013.
Gracing the pop-up venue Ensalada The Union, Miss Renee Simone serenaded us with a gorgeous set of soul and jazz tunes. She was joined onstage by Sheila Finke (percussion), Chang Po Ching (guitar) and the masterful Kim Moxham (flute, sax and harmonica).
Humble and relaxed, she sat amongst hay bales and organza drapes with such poise, as though she were nested amid silk and velvet surrounds. And just when you thought this stunning Caribbean goddess couldn't get any cooler, she pulled out a ukulele. Hook. Line. Sinker.
This show seamlessly mixes original numbers with covers, leaving one with an appreciation for her song-smithery as well as her honeyed vocals. The incredibly diverse set list included a Kenyan love song sung in Swahili, a stunning version of Portishead's 'Woman' and an encore of Etta James’ ‘At Last’.
Her slow, sultry version of 'Just Be Good To Me' (performed by her band The Blackbirds at the semi finals of 2010's ‘Australia's Got Talent’), is a beautiful reinterpretation that rivals the original. Her cover of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers 'Under the Bridge' was more divisive. Keying it up with a Caribbean jazz vibe, it strayed a bit too far from the original for me, but kudos for a brave and insightful choice.
Her style is distinct and somewhat unwavering. Simone’s music soothingly echoed through me, however if it wasn't making such sweet love to your ears there were too few
breaks in the chilled repertoire to keep you hooked. The final number of the main show was much bouncer and a bit more of this mixed throughout would have given the show some levels.
Other than the set structure, the only improvement would be a venue such as Saldechin, where cabaret seating would have give the audience better lines of sight. Simone is an intoxicating performer who shines on stage, and she deserves to be seen clearly by all.
A wonderful night of Caribbean-style soul and jazz – take my advice and allow yourself to be captivated by Miss Renee Simone.
Nicole Russo
When: Closed.
Where: Ensalada The Union
Bookings: Closed.
