Review: The Music Of An American Legend Comes Alive In AT LAST: THE ETTA JAMES STORY

Tuesday 12th July 2016, 8pm, Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House

Vika Bull and the Essential R&B Band bring Etta James' iconic music to life as the troubled singer's life is laid bare in an honest, heartfelt tribute. AT LAST: THE Etta James STORY, which premiered in 2013, returns to the Sydney Opera House following two previous sell out seasons, Australian tours, and an Auckland engagement and it is clear why the show has been so successful.

Written by John Livings, AT LAST: THE Etta James STORY is a perfect balance of Etta James' broad spectrum of musical styles, and a well-researched and honest account of her life story. Livings has been honest about Etta's drug addiction and stints in jail whilst adding moments of levity in the same way that Etta maintained her sense of humour in spite of the challenges that she faced. Ms Bull and Trumpet player Tibor Gyapjas provide the narration which is woven between the music, all the time ensuring that the their passion and admiration shines through with an honesty and respect.

Ms Bull is outstanding as she recreates Etta's sound which covered rock and roll, blues, jazz, soul, gospel and R&B. Livings has chosen a fabulous selection from Etta's impressive catalogue of songs to showcase Ms Bull's phenomenal vocals and provide the right emotion to fit the story. Big bold songs like W.O.M.A.N are contrasted with the poignant ballads like All I Could Do Was Cry. Some show off Ms Bull ability to recreate Etta's powerful vocal control that lifts the roof like A Sunday Kind Of Love and others like Come to Mama show off a husky, seductive tone whilst Pushover highlights a playful and sassy confidence. Ms Bull's ability to replicate Etta's sound is such that, close your eyes, and you could be listening to Etta, particularly for Etta's signature song At Last.

Ms Bull is supported by an equally energetic and talent band comprising John McAll (Musical Director, Piano & Keyboards), Ben Gillespie (Trombone & Vocals), Chriss Bekker (Bass), John Watson (Drums), Dion Hirini (Guitar), Anton Delecca (Saxaphone) and the previously mentioned Gyapjas. McAll has arranged the music to highlight the band members with amazing solos where focus is ensured by the other musicians around the soloist moving out of the lights when possible. Each band member, who has been with the show since its debut in 2013, expresses an energy and joy at sharing the music and a dedication and interest in the story ensuring that the audience still get the same fresh energetic experience as they would have got if they'd seen the first show.

AT LAST: THE Etta James STORY is an amazing tribute to a musical legend who bridged the gap between the rock and roll of mainstream music and the rhythm and blues of the street. This story and recreations of her music make it clear to see why Etta James influenced so many performers and is credited as inspiring the careers of a new generation of singers that are filling modern music charts.

AT LAST: THE Etta James STORY
Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House