Review performance date: 30 May 2025, Norwood Town Hall, SA
An Unforgettable Night with the Music of Burt Bacharach
Some nights at the theatre feel like time travel, and The Burt Bacharach Songbook is exactly that – a lovingly curated journey through the golden age of pop, jazz, and sophisticated soul, with a distinctly modern twist. Starring powerhouse vocalist Vivian Ross and smooth, soulful crooner EC Adams, this show proves that Burt Bacharach’s music remains as relevant and resonant today as it ever was.
It was a visual and audible pleasure catching this stellar performance, and, let me tell you – this is no museum piece. It’s vibrant, alive, and delightfully contemporary, thanks to the charisma of the leads and the thoughtful musical direction behind them.
A Contemporary Spin on Timeless Tunes
The moment the band struck up the first familiar chords of ‘What The World Needs Now Is Love‘, the audience was hooked. But, what set this performance apart from other tribute shows was the modern polish and personality that Ross and Adams brought to each number. Their chemistry was real.
Rather than simply recreating the exact arrangements from the ‘60s and ‘70s, the show presents fresh takes that blend classic orchestration with modern groove. You’ll hear a touch of smooth R&B, hints of jazz fusion, and a crisp, contemporary soundscape that breathes new life into old favourites.
Songs like ‘Walk On By‘ and ‘Anyone Who Had a Heart‘ sound richer and more textured, appealing to both die-hard Bacharach aficionados and younger audience members discovering this incredible songbook for the first time.
Vivian Ross: A Vocal Dynamo with Emotional Depth
Vivian Ross is simply magnetic on stage. Known for her work with the Billboard-charting group Lace and her tours with legends like Kool & the Gang, Ross commands attention with both her powerful voice and her effortless charm.
What impressed me most was her ability to convey the emotional undercurrents of each song. In ‘I Say a Little Prayer‘, she delivered a performance that was at once playful and poignant – a balancing act that few singers can manage.
She also showcased her incredible vocal range and dynamic control on ‘Alfie‘, bringing genuine pathos to the lyrics and leaving the audience in a hush by the final note.
EC Adams: The Cool Crooner with Soul to Spare
EC Adams is the perfect counterbalance to Ross’s dynamism. With a background steeped in jazz, R&B, and soul, Adams brings warmth and an easy confidence to the stage.
His rendition of ‘What’s New Pussycat‘ was a standout – smooth, sultry, and modern, delivered with effortless phrasing that made the classic feel freshly minted. And when Adams and Ross teamed up for duets like ‘That’s What Friends Are For‘, their onstage chemistry was magic.
Adams isn’t just a singer; he’s a storyteller, and his connection with the audience was evident in every smile and knowing glance.
A Band That Brings the Magic
Of course, none of this would land without an exceptional band – and this show delivers. Backed by a full live ensemble, in entirety they were lush in sound, the band elevated every moment.
Credit must go to the musical direction, which manages to honour the essence of Bacharach’s intricate melodies while giving them a subtle contemporary sheen. It’s a masterclass in respecting the past while embracing the present.
A Cross-Generational Celebration
What struck me most about The Burt Bacharach Songbook was how effortlessly it bridged generations. Seated in the audience, I saw grey-haired fans mouthing every word alongside younger couples and 30-something friends discovering this music anew.
That’s the power of a show like this – it reminds us that great songwriting is timeless. And when paired with fresh, inventive performances like these, it continues to speak to audiences of all ages.
Final Thoughts!
In a sea of tribute shows and nostalgia acts, The Burt Bacharach Songbook stands out. It’s contemporary, classy, and completely captivating. Vivian Ross and EC Adams are the real deal – artists with the talent, passion, and reverence to do this material justice, while making it feel brand new.
Next time it hits town, make sure you grab a ticket! You’ll thank me 🙂
