Agatha and I took up Becky Blake‘s very kind invitation to see her perform at a well-known restaurant in Adelaide, Luigi Delicatessen.
Let it be said—before we get into Becky’s show—that the staff at Luigi are wonderful, the food amazing, the wine gorgeous and the general ambience top-notch. For one dish, Agatha and I shared some gnocci and I can assure you that never in forty+ years of eating out have I ever tasted gnocci this good. Agatha, herself a bloody great cook, said the same. Stunning gnocci. But the price? We felt a little overcharged. Still, we had a great time on the night; the next morning’s sobriety and check of the bank account dented the joy a little.
#Justsayin’
Now, to Ms Blake’s performance. We had never heard her play live before, but of course she is exceedingly well-known in Adelaide’s public performance and music scenes. Becky mentors, she performs at a pro level, she offers support with a number of life’s challenges (‘organisation’ is mine), and Becky is part of my private Facebook tribe, with a fabulous sense of humour and a ready wit. But can she play and sing at the same time? I can’t even walk and chew gum at the same time…
Luckily for we the audience, Ms Blake can not only sing AND play the piano at the same time, but she does so with style and panache. Her repertoire was well-chosen, she repeatedly pulled off that trick that only competent+ pianists can do—turning her head to smile genuinely at people she knew, all while still tinkling away on the ol’ 88s.
I had my night made twice. Once when she played a Tom Waits song from his middle period (my favourite), and played it sympathetically, with nuance and just the right amount of Tom’s famous other-worldliness.
The other was when Becky dedicated a song to Agatha and I. We were both delighted and flattered to be recognised by a star of the Adelaide entertainment scene.
Would we go and see Becky again? In a heartbeat. I’ve managed the lighting for many a band in London, and been witness to many a pro-grade musician banging out their toons. Becky stands firmly within their midst.
Oh yes, Agatha and I would go willingly and happily to see Becky Blake again. And again.
Find out more about Becky Blake