[CONTEMPORARY MUSIC ~ AUS]

The Summerhouse, Mon 7 Mar.

Jazz piano maestro Paul Grabowski and acclaimed singer songwriter Lior again join forces to show us the magic that can unfurl when their very different talents unite on a project. Last seen together in Adelaide as part of the Cabaret Festival in 2019, tonight they perform outdoors as part of The Summerhouse program for Adelaide Festival 2022.

Starting at dusk the slowly emerging night sky adds to the atmosphere. Their stage presentation is relaxed and generous as they engage in some gentle banter between songs. With just piano and voice these two set out to re-imagine new versions of Lior’s repertoire. The aim is clearly not to create easy-listening renditions but to enhance and push new layers and depths into Lior’s gorgeous melodies and poignant lyrics. They have performed this concert a number of times over the last couple of years, but there is no sense of going through the motions. Instead it appears as if they are relishing the chance to finally play to a live audience again and they are ready to enjoy the night.

Lior’s seemingly effortless voice both soars and soothes. There is an emotional resonance in many of the early songs from his first two albums, such as Daniel, Heal Me, and of course Autumn Flow, but the encore Safety In Distance with Grabowski’s encouragement takes on a Gospel flavour. Grey Ocean with the piano underpinning the notion of wave moment demonstrates how much new depth can be found in a much loved song.

Mid performance Grabowski leaves the stage so that Lior can accompany himself on guitar for a few songs, including a fine brand new song If The Wind Will Catch My Name. This deserves repeated listening.

Grabowski also takes a solo spot to showcase a gloriously melodic improvisation which morphs into one of his very early pieces Angel. By way of introduction he tells us that he didn’t really know what he will be playing until he sits down to play. Audience members are told that if they don’t like this approach they are free to leave but, of course, no one does. Just as well, as this turns into one of the evening’s highlights.

Tonight’s audience consists not only of fans, but as is fitting at Festival time, there are also a number of people taking a punt on something new. As I leave I hear the comment ‘I have never heard of either of them – but I enjoyed that’. Says a lot.

If another opportunity presents itself to see these two perform – together, individually or in collaboration with others – make sure you go along. They are top notch!

5 stars

Cathy Tune

The Summerhouse Festival Home and Hub Performance Program continues at The Summerhouse, located on the fall of land between the Festival Theatre and Dunstan Playhouse, at various times and with various artists, until Sun 20 Mar.

Book at adelaidefestival.com.au and Ticketek. Click HERE to purchase your tickets.

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[CONTEMPORARY MUSIC ~ AUS] The Summerhouse, Mon 7 Mar. Jazz piano maestro Paul Grabowski and acclaimed singer songwriter Lior again join forces to show us the magic that can unfurl when their very different talents unite on a project. Last seen together in Adelaide as part of the Cabaret Festival in 2019, tonight they perform outdoors as part of The Summerhouse program for Adelaide Festival 2022. Starting at dusk the slowly emerging night sky adds to the atmosphere. Their stage presentation is relaxed and generous as they engage in some gentle banter between songs. With just piano and voice these two set out to re-imagine new versions of Lior’s repertoire. The aim is clearly not to create easy-listening renditions but to enhance and push new layers and depths into Lior’s gorgeous melodies and poignant lyrics. They have performed this concert a number of times over the last couple of years, but there is no sense of going through the motions. Instead it appears as if they are relishing the chance to finally play to a live audience again and they are ready to enjoy the night. Lior’s seemingly effortless voice both soars and soothes. There is an emotional resonance in many of the early songs from his first two albums, such as Daniel, Heal Me, and of course Autumn Flow, but the encore Safety In Distance with Grabowski’s encouragement takes on a Gospel flavour. Grey Ocean with the piano underpinning the notion of wave moment demonstrates how much new depth can be found in a much loved song. Mid performance Grabowski leaves the stage so that Lior can accompany himself on guitar for a few songs, including a fine brand new song If The Wind Will Catch My Name. This deserves repeated listening. Grabowski also takes a solo spot to showcase a gloriously melodic improvisation which morphs into one of his very early pieces Angel. By way of introduction he tells us that he didn’t really know what he will be playing until he sits down to play. Audience members are told that if they don’t like this approach they are free to leave but, of course, no one does. Just as well, as this turns into one of the evening’s highlights. Tonight’s audience consists not only of fans, but as is fitting at Festival time, there are also a number of people taking a punt on something new. As I leave I hear the comment ‘I have never heard of either of them – but I enjoyed that’. Says a lot. If another opportunity presents itself to see these two perform – together, individually or in collaboration with others – make sure you go along. They are top notch! 5 stars Cathy Tune The Summerhouse Festival Home and Hub Performance Program continues at The Summerhouse, located on the fall of land between the Festival Theatre and Dunstan Playhouse, at various times and with various artists, until Sun 20 Mar. Book at adelaidefestival.com.au and Ticketek. Click HERE to purchase your…

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