‘Laissez les bons temps rouler’ - let the good times roll! This expression used by Adam Hall sums up his latest metamorphosis, with his hugely talented Velvet Playboys performing the New Orleans French Quarter jazz sounds.
The entire set, more than other recent Hall productions, showcases his impressive voice range; and the joy and fun he can have with it.
Hall is primarily a trumpeter and band leader but in this show he belts out some classic jazz stalwarts such as Closer Walk With Thee, Corina Corina Corina, I’m Just A Gigolo and The Big Chief, to mention a few.
Unfortunately, the State Theatre forecourt was only 75% full, but Hall and his world class troupe of musicians managed to transport us to New Orleans and the French Quarter. If you closed your eyes, you could almost imagine you were there in the jam-packed streets. With international travel in the doldrums this is the only way to be transported overseas.
Once again, Hall had the audience both in laughter and in awe with his boundless energy and seamless talent. He even whistles like a trumpet in one song to the audience’s delight.
The Velvet Playboys are also very much given centre stage. Each song featured one or all of this amazing bands’ talent.
Mark Turner on trumpet, guitar and vocals is Hall’s loyal and over talented right hand man.
He is more than aptly supported in the horn section by probably the greatest trombonist and sousaphonist in Australia, Anthony Dodas.
Kane Shaw on double bass and Bronton Ainsworth on “boom boom” hold the entire beat together- and boy what a toe tapping beat it is.
Port Macquarie lad Tim Voutas is an absolute knock out on keyboard. His fingers move across the keys faster than the speed of light.
If there was a blackout at the Theatre, these over talented musos would have been able to light up the entire venue with their energy and powerful performances. The standing ovation at the end confirmed what this punter thought - how purely entertaining this show was.
Put on your dance shoes and go and see their last show.