Midlandia, Rectangle Room, Perth Fringe Festival 2016
Saturday, February 13th
by Nicola Heyes
SHE’S got style, she’s got flair, she’s definitely got talent – and an amazing magical stage presence, so much so, that on Saturday afternoon I was transported into some deep, dark roaring ‘20s club. This was no speakeasy or a grand Great Gatsby type mansion, this was Midlandia’s Rectangle Room with Cathrine Summers and her talented four-piece band – part of Perth Fringe Festival 2016.
The European Cotton Club experience is something to be seen – it’s uptempo with a brilliant mix of traditional jazz from France, Spain and Italy to modern electro jazz, taking songs like Beyonce’s Crazy in Love to ‘Charleston’ level.
Summer’s shows – Summer Groove Sundowner at Lamont’s Bishop House and A Summers Night in Paris, at the Parrott House in Maylands (also part of Perth Fringe Festival 2016) have been incredibly popular – in fact A Summers Night in Paris was a sell-out – and has been nominated for an award. There’s no denying that this British-born Australian is a roaring success.
The two-hour set – along with her band: pianist, double bassist, drummer and saxophonist – took the audience through a journey of jazz and storytelling – particularly about Cole Porter’s influence on jazz – and how he inspired Summers. Her exquisite and perfect French accent shone as she belted out Edith Piaf’s ‘Non, Je Ne Regret Rein’ – her performance of such an iconic song was incredibly moving. From Parisian jazz to modern swing uptempo – with a great twist on Adele’s Rolling in Deep – Summer’s charismatic engagement with the audience is exhilarating.
With regular shows at Tart’s café in Northbridge – and other venues, Cathrine Summers will be wowing fans across Perth for many years, not just Perth Fringe Festival.
European Cotton Club’s final performance is Saturday, February 20th at Midlandia – be sure to see it.
