Review by Patrick Brown – Performance date: Thursday 6 March 2025, The Garden of Unearthly Delights, Adelaide, South Australia
This is a must-see 2025 Adelaide Fringe show – an electrifying fusion of masterful musicianship, raw emotion, and undeniable charisma. Stewart D’Arrietta curates a mesmerizing selection of songs from legendary songwriters Randy Newman, Tom Waits, and Leonard Cohen, seamlessly weaving in tracks from his own album, My Magnificent Narcotic.
With his signature gravelly vocals and magnetic stage presence, D’Arrietta commands the stage, playing the piano with expertise and an instinctive feel for every note. Backed by an exceptional drummer and bass player, he proves that you don’t need a big band – just raw, natural talent.
He navigates the depths of lyrical tragedy and dark humor with passion and grit, bringing each song to life in a performance that is both a celebration and a revelation. And just when you think he’s taken you to the deepest corners of his musical world, he throws in a joke or two, reminding us that even in the shadows, there’s room for laughter.
An unmissable chance to witness the remarkable Stewart D’Arrietta in his element – live and in full force. Bravo! Sadly, it was only one night, but, hopefully he’ll be back in town soon, get along!
