Let’s be honest: everything's better with jazz.

And that was certainly exemplified by “Great Gatsby Soirée” last night. Singer Claire Fahie performed an array of memorable musical arrangements made famous by the likes of Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox, who take today’s pop hits and give them a swinging yesteryear twist - or as Fahie put it, take songs that are sometimes really bad and make them really great.

Along with vocals from WAAPA graduate Fahie, the show featured a five-piece band consisting of double bass, drums, trumpet, tenor sax and piano.

After opening with a laid-back version of Meghan Trainor’s “All About That Bass”, the show’s set list meandered through music for all tastes. There was a lively, toe-tapping version of ABBA’s “Dancing Queen”, a slow swing version of “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes (complete with trumpet wah-wahs), and songs from Jessie J, the Backstreet Boys and more.

A highlight was when the band was pared back to a trio of vocals, piano and smoothly bowed double bass for a cover of Elvis’ “Can’t Help Falling In Love” as arranged by Haley Reinhart. Mellow and soulful, the song allowed Fahie’s smooth voice to fill the room.

Having debuted as a singer at the Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong’s jazz bar, Fahie is now a regular on the Perth music scene performing a diverse range of shows at the Ellington both during FRINGE WORLD and throughout the year - from Aretha Franklin and Beyoncé tributes to disco and 90s nights. She’s one to watch.

With the 2020s not shaping up to be as great as we all hoped, any occasion to be transported back in time with 1920s-inspired sounds is a real treat.

This short and sweet show of sultry jazz was a perfect fit for the dimly-lit venue of The Ellington Jazz Club, and an ideal gig for anyone who prefers pop music when it’s given the old-timey treatment.