Emma Pask AC-CENT-TCHU-ATES The Positive – Adelaide Cabaret Festival 2024 Review

Cabaret Music Banquet Room AFC - Thu 20 Jun ‘A better songwriter than most of us’ is how Irving Berlin described Harold Arlen. Writing what is judged as the best song of the 20th century is quite a legacy to leave, and many of his songs are now timeless classics. These well-known tunes were given more than a fitting tribute, and a fabulous new life in the superbly capable hands of Emma Pask. Her respect for the writer shone through her exquisite, sparkling interpretations. Her voice reminds us how powerful songs are, especially when delivered live with immaculate, soulful, precision. Adding some ‘skat’ into the mix gave them each a delightful, fun freshness. Arlen’s story also came vividly to life with personal anecdotes in-between each piece setting the scene for the next one, as the stepping-stones of his career revealed the development process of his music. The torch song ‘Stormy Weather’ still made as much impact now as when it was first heard. Harold Arlen certainly influenced many singers and songwriters in his time and since, for example the song ‘One for My Baby (and One More for the Road)’ perhaps inspired Dylan’s ‘One More Cup of Coffee' ( for the Road) with Arlen bringing new innovations to music not heard before. He collaborated with several lyricists, notably Ted Koehler, with whom he wrote many of tonight’s playlist including ‘Let’s Fall in Love,’ and Yip Harburg, with whom he wrote the music for ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow.’ This was the last for the movie they wrote, apparently the hardest to find, and rather than belting it out, Emma presented a subtle, pared back version,. The exemplary backing trio of drums, double bass and piano kept us all on the edge of our seats with their fantastic jazz fused improvisations. Their long-standing association ensured a spontaneous, joyful performance. Emma Pask has ‘That Old Black Magic’ in spades. She opened the evening with Arlen’s first ‘hit,’ ‘Get Happy’ and finished the evening with the title tune, ‘Accentuate the Positive,’ and there could be no better note to end on. 5 Stars David Cronin #TheClothesline