MOVIN’ MELVIN BROWN PRESENTS ‘ME AND OTIS’ (SOUL OF OTIS REDDING)
Words by Kathryn Robertson
I love Fringe time in Adelaide. Our city literally comes alive and it is a great time to check out new shows, artists and venues that I wouldn’t usually go to. I had the opportunity to attend and review the highly acclaimed Movin Melvin Brown presents Me & Otis at the wonderful German Club.
Coming off a hugely successful guest appearance at Club Swizzle at the Sydney Opera house. Movin’ Melvin was being described as an all singing, all tapping, tail-feather-shaking entertainment machine. So I knew I was in for a treat.
Previously he has also been a featured artist at Oprah Winfrey’s birthday party for the iconic poet and writer Maya Angelou; and also opened for Harry Connick Junior on his Australian tour, as well as various other accolades.
Before I go further; I have to say this is the perfect night out; I was pleasantly surprised as I had never been to the German club before. The place was abuzz with Fringe goers and music loving patrons, it’s the perfect stop for a pre-show beer or something to eat.
From the get go, Melvin had me at hello, as he burst onto the stage in his silver metallic play suit and with his groovy tap moves and infectious laugh, I knew this was going to be fun.
Accompanied by his band, and the delightful Francesca on vocals, we were taken on a nostalgic musical journey of song, tap, soul and funk, as Melvin presented the story of Otis Redding from Temptations fame with renditions of 18 of his songs.
Melvin captivated the crowd with his vivacious and theatrical storytelling, relaying Otis’s humbling rag to riches story, his poor start in life, a family with no money but a family with plenty of ‘heart and soul’.
You could really feel his passion for music as he delivered each story and song. Favourites included “These Arms of Mine”, “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction”, and the huge, sing a long crowd favourite “Fa-Fa- Fa Fa Fa (Sad Song)”, which proceeded to get everyone in the room up to dance!
This is a truly magical show, by a true showman of the art, and a mutli-award winning entertainer. I can guarantee Melvin will have you groovin and shakin in your seats, this is a must see this weekend.
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