Following the success of Que Reste T’il and Dancing on the Volcano, Robyn Archer AO completes her trilogy of performances with The (Other) Great American Songbook at Sydney’s City Recital Hall on Thursday 21 November 2019.
Offering a different portrait of America over time through song covering everything from the Civil War and The Great Depression to many of its citizens’ favourite vices. There are songs about poverty, politics, drunkenness and desire.
Accompanied by longtime colleagues Michael Morley (piano) and George Butrumlis (accordion), Robyn (vocals and guitar) delights with an epic range of music by Stephen Foster, Rodgers and Hart, Bob Dylan, Pink and the odd Broadway hit.
“I’ve been aware for so many years of so many different versions of The Great American Songbook: wonderful songs, but they all come from the world of entertainment and rarely reflect the complexity of American life,” says Archer.
“I decided to create a program of songs from the other side – songs that reflected decades of strong dissident voices, and on the lighter side the songs about human vices, reflecting a more authentic span of the American character.”
“Michael, George and I have so much fun performing this program and it shows you can tackle some of the darker sides of life with just as much verve and fun and laughter as those that try to pretend that life is always a bed of roses and romance,” added Archer.
Robyn shows no sign of slowing down, and continues to deliver her punchy, thoughtful and most of all, her musically outstanding vocal range to audiences all over the country.
“Robyn Archer is a colossus on the Australian stage…Her choice of songs reflects not only a deep knowledge and understanding of her subject matter but also a desire to impose, subtly, some of her political views about the world.” – RAW on Adelaide Cabaret Festival
Robyn Archer: The (Other) Great American Songbook
City Recital Hall, 2 Angel Place, Sydney
Performance: Thursday 21 November 2019 – 7.30pm
Information and Bookings: www.cityrecitalhall.com
Image: Robyn Archer AO – photo by Heidi Smith