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First Review: John Foreman presents: Burt Bacharach

It’s nice to see commercial television remember there is more to the world of music than weekend video clips, a few youthful karaoke singers or backing music to a bit of ballroom dancing. Oh for the days of Countdown or Rock Arena.

Not that Mr. Burt Bacharach is exactly what we’d cop on a contemporary equivalent. He’s an elder statesman of cool with a swathe of chic hits including “Anyone Who Had a Heart”, “Walk on By”, “I Just Don’t Know What To Do With Myself”, “I Say A Little Prayer” and “Alfie.” Yes that’s right, practically the entire scores of films like My Best Friend’s Wedding or Austen Powers.

Australian music’s Mr Nice Guy, John Foreman, has assembled a terrific line-up of singers to perform for his other Burt.

In the ornate setting of Sydney’s State Theatre they perform some of his finest songs to the accompaniment of the Sydney Sonfinia. And the man himself is on hand to help the mutual admiration society along a little. This is one swingin’, smooth suite.

Katie Noonan of George is sublime singing “The Look of Love.” It’s worth tuning in for her alone.

Kate Ceberano, as always, is assured with her own version of “I Just Don’t Know What To Do With Myself.” It doesn’t get much better than our Kate singing Mr B.

Diesel gives a most individual accoustic performance of “Walk On By” that is acknowledged by Bacharach himself.

Ricki Lee’s “What The World Needs Now”, accompanied by a children’s choir, shows she has her head wrapped around the feel of this 60s LA sound. She is the more successful of some of the younger singers. Paulini’s opening is good fun, but shows the deceptive timing of Bacharach’s lyrics are never as easy as they appear.

The real let-down is probably the most senior performer of all, Leo Sayer, who chooses to have a lyric cheat-sheet at his feet which he so obviously refers to. The song? The aptly titled, “Always Something There to Remind Me.”

But no matter, he can’t stop this groove train.

John Foreman hosts a night rich in melodies and star quality, once again, juggling the ambitious role of musical director and affable host.

Encore.

John Foreman presents: Burt Bacharach airs 9:30pm Friday on TEN.

4 Responses

  1. I just LOVED Diesels arrangement & performance of “Walk on by” the Bass was fantastic, Marks voice as always fabulous!! I just want to hear the version again (& again ) does anyone know if it was recorded for resale? available for download etc?…We REALLY NEED a copy.. it’s stuck in my husbands head & just doesn’t sound the same when he jives around the kitchen singing it (trying to!)at the top of his voice..worse still when I join him!!

  2. Forget thais … I’m not very impressed with some of the musical arrangements that he is responsible for on Idol this year … he is getting sloppy! Take a break and give someone else a go.
    Jack!

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