Review: CABARET FRINGE 2017, FEELIN' GROOVY - THE SONGS OF SIMON AND GARFUNKEL at Arkaba Hotel

Reviewed by Fiona Talbot-Leigh, Sunday 25th June 2017

After selling out at this year's Adelaide Fringe, Harry Baulderstone and Marcus Ryan have returned with their show, Feelin' Groovy: The songs of Simon and Garfunkel, for the Adelaide Cabaret Fringe Festival, which played for one show only at the top of the Arkaba Hotel. This time they brought with them a full band consisting of drums Alex Flood, keyboards, David Goodwin, and bass guitar, Dylan Kuerschner, three very talented young men whose backing was impeccable throughout the evening.

It has been over 50 years since Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel rose to fame as one of the greatest folk/rock duos of all time, 30 years before Ryan and Baulderstone were even born and, during the evening, the audience was treated to their interpretations of some of Simon and Garfunkels's greatest hits, which included The Sound of Silence, Mrs Robinson, and Scarborough Fair.

These two talented men are already prominent working musicians. Having first met in 2012 as part of a male vocal ensemble in the Catholic Music Festival, they hit it off straight away, and have played music together ever since. Ryan has recently completed his Bachelor of Music at the Elder Conservatorium, where he majored in Jazz Performance and, currently, Baulderstone manages a busy schedule of full-time live performances. In the past they formed an original band, Throwing Flowers, and they both continually play in working cover bands, The Pin Ups, and Breezin'.

From the very first song, it was clear just how much work these two have put into this show. Both have very strong and, at times, piercing voices, which you need to carry off these songs, and their harmonies were beautiful as they brought each song to life.

They have the fresh-faced boy next door looks and this, along with their easy going personalities, made them quite endearing and, for 90 minutes, they played to a most appreciative audience, who were only too happy to sit and listen to their favourite songs being sung live and by such capable performers. Both Ryan and Baulderstone are incredibly gifted musicians as well as singers, Baulderstone's guitar skills, in particular, stealing the limelight throughout the show.

It was a very well thought out program, with a mixture of ballads and up-tempo songs, but the true test of the evening came when Ryan took the lead in Bridge Over Troubled Waters, and, can I say, he passed with flying colours.

Ryan and Baulderstone's passion shines through, and you can see the love they have for their art. This is just the beginning for these talented young men because, if the audience reactions were anything to go by, I'm sure they will come back to support Ryan and Baulderstone on their next musical venture, whatever that may be.

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