Review by Markus Hamence – Performance Sunday 30 June 2024, Adelaide Town Hall, South Australia
Celebrating her 35th anniversary in the music industry, Lisa Ono brought her 2024 Australian tour to the historic Adelaide Town Hall, delivering a performance that was nothing short of spectacular. The night was a heartfelt tribute to her illustrious career, filled with the soulful rhythms and enchanting melodies that have endeared her to fans worldwide.
An Iconic Venue for an Iconic Artist
Adelaide Town Hall, with its grand architecture and rich history, was the perfect setting for this milestone event. The hall’s renowned acoustics and intimate atmosphere provided an ideal backdrop for Lisa Ono’s music, creating an environment where every note resonated deeply with the audience.
A Musical Journey Through Time
From the moment Lisa Ono stepped on stage (In a stunning red dress and gold heels), the audience was transported on a journey through her remarkable career. She opened the concert with a series of two classics including ‘Moon River’. The warmth and sincerity in her voice immediately captivated everyone, setting a fabulous tone for the evening.
Her setlist was a well-curated mix of beloved Bossa Nova standards and original compositions, each chosen to highlight different phases of her career. Standout performances included ‘Danke Schoen’ and ‘Desafinado’, both of which showcased her mastery of the genre and her ability to infuse each song with emotion and nuance. ‘Fly Me To The Moon’, ‘Que Sera Sera’ and ‘Fever’ followed, of course impeccably. And ‘The Girl From Ipanema’ and ‘Take Me Home, Country Road’ engaging standouts.
And that was just Set One.
Set Two gave us standouts with ‘Perhaps, Parhaps, Parhaps’, ‘Sway’ and ‘Jambalaya’. Impressive.
Starting Set Two off with two beautiful Japanese songs, Lisa, had us all in the palm of her hand (Aside from that silly person who DID NOT turn off their phone and then could not find it in her purse and was distracted clamouring about and it rang for tooooooo long. Urgh! TURN OFF YOUR PHONES IN A SHOW PEOPLE).
Personal Reflections and Heartfelt Moments
Throughout the concert, Lisa Ono shared personal stories and reflections on her 35-year journey in music. These moments of candidness provided a deeper connection between her and the audience, making the event feel like an intimate gathering among friends. She spoke fondly of her experiences growing up in Brazil, her influences, and the profound impact of her Japanese heritage on her music.
Exceptional Musicianship
Lisa Ono was accompanied by a group of exceptionally talented musicians, each a master of their craft. The interplay between the guitar, piano, and percussion was flawless, creating a rich tapestry of sound that perfectly complemented her voice. The musicians’ solos were met with enthusiastic applause, adding to the overall magic of the evening. Hiroshi Suzuki took Saxophone. Masaki Hayashi, Piano. Harmony Chen on Cello and Fabian Hevia, Percussion. Outstanding.
A Celebratory Finale
The concert concluded with a rousing rendition of ‘Waltzing Matilda’, a song that perfectly encapsulated the joyous spirit of the night, but, it was Thea Beatles cover ‘Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da’ that sent us on our way with a spring in our step. As Lisa and her band took their final bow, the audience erupted in applause.The sense of celebration and gratitude in the room was remarkable, marking the end of a really unforgettable night.
A Night of Musical Brilliance
Lisa Ono’s 35th anniversary concert at Adelaide Town Hall was actually stunning in delivery, it was a celebration of a remarkable career and a testament to her enduring talent and charisma. For those in attendance, it was a night filled with beautiful music, heartfelt simple stories, and a deep appreciation for an artist who has touched so many lives with her art.
Lisa Ono live is an experience, especially in a setting as magnificent as Adelaide Town Hall, seize it. Her 2024 tour was a shining example of why she remains a beloved figure in the world of music. Bravo, Lisa! Here’s to many more years of enchanting performances.
