[CABARET/MUSIC ~ SA]

Nexus Arts, Wed 20 Feb.

Paying homage to showbiz legend Louis Prima, Zooma Zooma successfully presents an authentic big band era sound despite only being a four piece. As with Prima, Zooma Zooma permeate an exuberant playfulness, and it’s infectious. This was a key factor to Prima’s immense popularity, and any performance honouring Prima must demonstrate the epitome of showman-ship. Vocalist Anthony Leppa and string maestro Julian Ferraretto are acutely aware of this and serve up the fun in spades, their interactions are joyous and their rapport genuine. Mario Marino (drums) and Richard Coates (piano/flugelhorn) are no slouches either.

Following the acknowledgement and traditional welcome to country, their set started with an instant happy feeling; Felicia no Capicia immediately set the tone, with smiles beaming across the stage as Ferraretto and Marino echo shout calls. Reminiscent of the 1940’s bandstand, large purple Zooma Zooma satin banners are splashed across each music stand, tipping a hat to the classy presentation that epitomised the era.

Irreverence and innocence permeate from the music, embraced by driving rhythms, effortless stylistic transitions and deceptively lazy phrasing. Egged on by Ferraretto, Leppa intersperses humorous banter with sight gags and random, audience-selected page readings from ‘the book of Louis Prima’, plus a plethora of interplay within fast double jigs to swing classics, through to Prima’s Vegas show favourites.

Zooma Zooma’s music and content are family friendly with an interjection of cheeky Italian bravado. It’s designed for joy, it will insist and tease a smile – there is no way you can avoid it…and why would you? Still haven’t got a sense of the energy and delights of Zooma Zooma? Check out one of their many internet videos, then get yourself to the gig and feel your heart swell as tangos and jazz meshed with Tarantellas transport you to the shores of Sicily and onto the Vegas stage.

4.5 stars

Jenna Bonavita

Zooma Zooma continues at Nexus Arts from 6pm until Wed 27 Feb.

Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets.

#ADLfringe

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[CABARET/MUSIC ~ SA] Nexus Arts, Wed 20 Feb. Paying homage to showbiz legend Louis Prima, Zooma Zooma successfully presents an authentic big band era sound despite only being a four piece. As with Prima, Zooma Zooma permeate an exuberant playfulness, and it’s infectious. This was a key factor to Prima’s immense popularity, and any performance honouring Prima must demonstrate the epitome of showman-ship. Vocalist Anthony Leppa and string maestro Julian Ferraretto are acutely aware of this and serve up the fun in spades, their interactions are joyous and their rapport genuine. Mario Marino (drums) and Richard Coates (piano/flugelhorn) are no slouches either. Following the acknowledgement and traditional welcome to country, their set started with an instant happy feeling; Felicia no Capicia immediately set the tone, with smiles beaming across the stage as Ferraretto and Marino echo shout calls. Reminiscent of the 1940’s bandstand, large purple Zooma Zooma satin banners are splashed across each music stand, tipping a hat to the classy presentation that epitomised the era. Irreverence and innocence permeate from the music, embraced by driving rhythms, effortless stylistic transitions and deceptively lazy phrasing. Egged on by Ferraretto, Leppa intersperses humorous banter with sight gags and random, audience-selected page readings from ‘the book of Louis Prima’, plus a plethora of interplay within fast double jigs to swing classics, through to Prima’s Vegas show favourites. Zooma Zooma’s music and content are family friendly with an interjection of cheeky Italian bravado. It’s designed for joy, it will insist and tease a smile - there is no way you can avoid it…and why would you? Still haven’t got a sense of the energy and delights of Zooma Zooma? Check out one of their many internet videos, then get yourself to the gig and feel your heart swell as tangos and jazz meshed with Tarantellas transport you to the shores of Sicily and onto the Vegas stage. 4.5 stars Jenna Bonavita Zooma Zooma continues at Nexus Arts from 6pm until Wed 27 Feb. Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets. #ADLfringe

The Clothesline Rating...

Jenna Bonavita

Joyful and classy.

User Rating: 4.9 ( 1 votes)
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