Kate Ceberano: Our Singing, Living, Laughing National Treasure, at The Garden Of Unearthly Delights – Adelaide Fringe Review

The Garden Of Unearthly Delights – The Spiegeltent, Sat 5 Mar From the moment Kate takes the stage, she is the master of the room, wrapping us in her warm fabulousness and seducing us with her superb singing and friendly humour. She chats a lot, telling us that her band is touring with Belinda Carlisle, so she has put together a ‘laid back’ set with some surprise guests for us. Kate opens the show on electric piano, with the marvellous James Ryan on dobro and other guitars. Kate’s voice soars and thrills, no matter what she sings and it is the silky and pure lead instrument on the stage, even when she is backing another singer. Also playing some very natty drum equipment, Kate and James are joined by young and talented musicians, Alison Ainsworth on vocals, guitar and bass and Jess Fairlie on vocals and percussion. Their lovely voices add breadth and gorgeous harmony to True Romantic, a fun reggae-ish version of Bedroom Eyes, and You And I from the album Kensal Road. As a surprise guest, Kate welcomes 2014’s X Factor runner-up Dean Ray to the stage. Their duets and saucy interplay were delicious and Ray showed why he is a talent to be watched on the Australian music scene, with his lovely vocals, beautiful guitar playing and charismatic personality. After three decades of multi-award winning composition, performance and extraordinary singing, Kate Ceberano is a doyenne of Australian music and the first Australian woman to be inducted into the Australian Songwriters Association (ASA) Hall Of Fame in 2014. Her generosity and willingness to showcase young talent shows her to be a rare professional and huge heart. Through her, everyone shines. With Barbados, Pash and Dolly Parton’s I Will Never Marry and many more terrific songs, this musical magician spread so much joy with her infectious energy and uplifting music that the whole audience rose to its feet in thunderous ovation. Kate Ceberano is a living, laughing national treasure. 5 gold stars Nikki Fort