On Friday night we were treated to a lively performance of the stage show, "Rockabilly Kings". In the 50’s Sam Phillips, owner of Sun Records, was instrumental in launching the careers of Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, B.B. King and Howlin' Wolf to name just a few and this show features many songs made famous by those artists and others such as Roy Orbison and Wanda Jackson and Carl Perkins.
Paul Dawber as Sam Phillips presented the show, introducing the songs and artists as well providing an insight into the history of Sun Records and Sam’s relationship with the original artists. He was so convincing in the role that at least one person in the audience, a VicRock member (easily conned?), believed he really was Sam Phillips and later talked to him as if he was talking to the great man himself.
Clinton Barker played Elvis Presley. His performance of songs made famous by Elvis was both lively and entertaining, showing his versatility from the loud and fast such as “Red Hot” to the slow gospel “Lucky Old Sun”. Later as Roy Orbison he again show his capabilities with songs such as “Pretty Women” and “Crying”.
Later Andrew King on keyboard treated us to fiery performances of songs by Jerry Lee Lewis amongst which were “Whole Lotta Shakin” and “Great Balls of Fire”. Joel Sherwell was just as impressive as Johnny Cash singing, “Walk the Line” and “Folsom Prison Blues”. Dave Cantrell’s performance of songs by Carl Perkins was no less entertaining.
The best part of the show for me was the performance of Lisa Candy whose rendition of songs by Wanda Jackson was outstanding. Songs such as “Lets have a Party”, Fugiamama” and “Stupid Cupid” showed she is obviously an accomplished singer and with her powerful voice, easily and convincingly reproduced those and many other songs made famous by that great lady.
One of the highlights of the show was towards the end when drummer Tom McKewan, who had been begging for a chance to sing all night, got up and sang a duet with Lisa candy (Wanda). I managed to get it on video – see it beneath the pics below; I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.
Friday night at the St Kilda Bowls Club turned out to be a very entertaining evening for us all. Don’t miss the chance to see Rockabilly Kings if you can, you won’t be disappointed.
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