If you’re a fan of any or all of Janis Joplin, Amy Winehouse, Kurt Cobain, Jim Morrison or Jimmy Hendrix, then this is a show you should not miss.
But if it’s the opportunity to experience the talents of Sarah McLeod, Carla Lippis, Dusty Lee Stephensen or Justin Burford that has piqued your curiosity, then hesitate no longer, because each is a skilled rock musician, singer and entertainer, well known in Adelaide, but together with this show, making their first foray into Sydney as part of the 2024 Sydney Fringe Festival.
As the title hints, 27 CLUB, is a stylish rock cabaret, directed by Zac Tyler, which revolves around the songs and careers of five rock legends, none of whom survived beyond the age of 27.
Their stories are told during the show, not in great depth nor in sequence, but with enough information to make you want to track down their biographies. There’s also idealised video images of the five rotating on giant LED screens either side of the stage, to remind you what they look like.
None of the performers attempt to imitate the looks or mannerisms of the artists they are celebrating, concentrating instead on paying homage with brilliant individual interpretations of the songs for which each legend is most associated, while at the same time retaining their own distinctive personas.
When Sarah McLeod, the creative force behind the ARIA Award-winning, platinum-selling rock group, Superjesus, launches into her stunning renditions of Cry Baby and Mercedes Benz you could be forgiven for thinking Janis Joplin was in the room.
Never having seen Joplin perform live it’s hard to believe her performance could have been be anymore electric or heartfelt than McLeod’s, who certainly doesn’t hold back, and despite the intensity of her performance you can understand every lyric she sings.
Similarly Carla Lippis, dubbed by some as the Satanic Liza Minelli, a nick-name that will become obvious when you see her perform, is the real deal. Her duet with Justin Burford of Kris Kristofferson’s Me and Bobby McGee, another song associated with Joplin, is one of many highlights that light up the performance.
Justin Burford has already won two ARIA Awards and a Helpmann Award nomination for his role in the Australian production of Rock of Ages. He also wrote and starred in KURT, a celebration of Kurt Cobain’s life and music, so his stunning renditions of Cobain’s music have the stamp of authenticity.
Frontman for Wanderers, which won the accolade of South Australia’s Best Blues/Roots band in 2017, Dusty Lee Stephensen is a staple of Adelaide’s live music scene who certainly knows his way around the stage and around a song, especially those of James Morrison and Jimmy Hendrix.
But these performers don’t confine themselves to a particular legend. All four remain on stage for the duration of the show, supporting each other’s solos with flashy guitar riffs, clever harmonies, wild rock moves or just joining in the superb arrangements emanating from the quartet of outstanding musicians, Danny Leo (drums), Lachy Doley (Keys), Tim Curnick (Bass), Cam Blockland (Guitar), who provide the sometimes wild, sometimes gentle and sensitive accompaniments that capture the mood and style of each of the legends being celebrated.
As you would expect the volume is as loud as it should be for a rock show which could be the forerunner of a new musical genre – ‘The Rock Cabaret’.
If Rock ‘n Roll is your thing, this is your opportunity to discover, before the rest of Sydney, four outstanding exponents possibly destined to become legends in their own right, as well as learn more about five extraordinary performers who died too early.
27 Club
Sydney Spiegeltent, Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park (Sydney)
Performance: Friday 30 August 2024
Season continues to 29 September 2024
Bookings: www.sydneyfringe.com
For more information, visit: www.27clubshow.com for details.
Image: Dusty Lee Stephensen, Sarah McLeod, Carla Lippis and Justin Burford in 27 Club – photo by Tim Levy
Review: Bill Stephens OAM