Nigel Kennedy is the rock star of classical music. What is incredible is that when rock bands like Metallica try classical they have to recruit an army of musicians. Kennedy is the opposite. His magic happens with just four other musicians on stage.
The band is Rolf Bussalb and Howard Alden on guitars, Piotr Kulakowski on bass along with master cellist Peter Adams. Every member of this band supplies a unique sound that collectively feels at times like a full orchestra is the room. At other times you could hear a pin-drop.
Visually Kennedy looks more like a member of the Sex Pistols than a classic maestro but his talent challenges every classical musician on the planet.
His playing defies style, which explains why over the years he has often recruited to the rock world by Paul McCartney, Kate Bush, Robert Plant, The Who, Donovan and The Stranglers.
Nigel has returned to Australia with a two-part performance with the main act, the second half, centred around his recent ‘Kennedy Meets Gershwin’. This, in itself, created a different dynamic for a live Nigel Kennedy show with the classical violinist tackling the pop-jazz of Gershwin.
Kennedy has had this show on the road for most of 2018 so Australia is getting the well-rehearsed version.
I can’t remember how long it’s been since I have seen a show so relaxed, where the artist can easily communicate with the audience and the audience has a unified smile. Nigel Kennedy live is a feel-good show. Yes it’s classical, yes it’s jazz but it is pure entertainment from 100% real musicians. Nigel Kennedy didn’t need to borrow Shawn Mendes’ autocue to please this crowd. This is a totally organic show, there was no technology, no team of producers and music that needed need an army of writers.
This is a show full of predominantly fans over 40. It really suits music fans of all ages.
The George and Ira Gershwin half featured:
A selection from-
Rhapsody In Blue
Porgy & Bess
The Man I Love
Summertime
How Long Has This Been Going On
Lady Be Good
Nigel Kennedy Australian tour remaining dates
23 January, Brisbane, QPAC Concert Hall
25 January, Canberra, Llewellyn Hall ANU
27 January, Sydney, Opera House Concert Hall
29 January, Adelaide, Festival Theatre
1 February, Perth, Concert Hall
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