In a recent ABC radio interview, Movin’ Melvin Brown was asked what drives him to still perform at the ripe young age of 80. His response matches the generosity of spirit he shows on stage. 

“I just want to spread the love - making people happy and seeing joy is what keeps me going until I stop”, followed by his unmistakable bellowing, deep vibrator laugh. It’s infectious just like his smile and energy on stage.

This was a history lesson on all the jazz, blues, gospel, country and soul greats - although he was actually performing a tribute to Ray Charles, arguably one of the greatest in all these genres.

Names such as Smokey Robinson, Otis Redding, Fats Domino, Nat King Cole, Lionel Richie, James Brown and Sam Cooke were mentioned in his history lesson and how these greats had influenced both his and Ray Charles’s music. In fact, Lionel Richie, when first starting, was the opening act for his band back in the day.

Movin’ Melvin started the gig with a tap routine- he’s the last of the song and dance men left on planet earth, of that era, after the death of James Brown.

He finished the tap routine and proceeded to the mic to greet the audience. Such is his fitness that he could have gently blown a candle out. 

The consummate showman, he wore a red jumpsuit, black bow tie and a black cummerbund - he looked a treat.

His three piece Jazz band, all from WA, were amazing. On keys was Thierryno Gangou, bass James Vinciullo and drums, Angus Davidson. 

Two backing vocalists kept those “Raelette” harmonies going throughout the 90-minute set. Randa Khamis, a Perth singer, and Francesca Sansalone — Brown’s partner, manager, and MC for the night, did a fabulous job of taking the audience back to the 50s, 60s, and 70s. 

Ray Charles’s catalogue of hits was belted out with gusto; Georgia On My Mind, Shake A Tail Feather, Hit The Road Jack, I Got A Woman, Unchain My Heart and many, many more. 

Brown has said in the past that he realised he had a similar timbre to his voice and pursued that style of music as a career. If you closed your eyes at times, you felt Ray Charles was in the room.

However, what will stay with you long after you have left is the sheer exuberance and the miracle of an 80-year-old song and dance man doing his thing to absolute perfection. 

In a world where we collectively need all the joy, enthusiasm and verve for life, Movin’ Melvin Brown is the answer.