Live - Courtney Act - Supper Club
Since her explosion into the music industry via Australian Idol back in 2003, Courtney Act has wowed audiences all over the world. Not only is she beautiful and gifted with a stunning female voice, she’s also appeared on many TV shows, is a writer for a bunch of magazines and has even been mentioned as one of the world’s most influential people by New York’s Out Magazine.
When the opportunity arose for me to witness her live over the Mardi Gras Festival, I jumped at the chance. On arriving at The Supper Club I was not expecting her to have a live backing band, assuming much of her material would be to a backing track. First lesson learned, never assume anything about this stunning diva.
Courtney arrived on stage looking sensational, really getting the crowd moving with her opening song Xanadu. The impact was awesome. Backed by Sydney band King Casual, whose sound is solid and groovy, my goose bumps were in for a great night of activity. Next song was a collage of Michael Jackson tunes. Rhythm section Ivan (bass) and Deva (drums) powered along as Courtney’s voice soared. Her vocal range is incredible. I was totally blown away by how female she sounded. To write Courtney off as just a drag queen is a sheer injustice.
Her next tune was a reworked cover of Britney Spears tune Piece Of Me. The words were tweaked around Courtney’s latest promotion on her website where you can buy a piece of Courtney for a small fee. In between songs Courtney was witty and humorous and her interaction with pianist Jeremy was almost as brilliant as his piano playing.
Not only did Courtney treat the crowd to some fab covers, she also treated us to a few original songs. The next two songs proved she is also a great songwriter. Pumps, is a funky little number “inspired by Madonna’s Papa Don’t Preach ” claimed Courtney. Followed by Everybody’s Beautiful, both of her original tunes were great. Hopefully they will make her EP due out this year. Her version of Mika’s Grace Kelly closed the first half of the set. Wow, her vocals really shone in this song, as most would know hitting such high notes is no easy feat but she made it look effortless.
The second half began after a costume change with a saucy rendition of the Cold Chisel classic – Cheap Wine. I’d never heard a Barnesy song sound so sophisticated and seductive. Mark on guitar added some beautiful licks through the entire night and the entire band really gave the songs a crisp new feel.
Courtney ripped out another original song next up called What About This? Oh my god, the tears began to flow personally for me as the song tackled violence toward GLBT people. Her words were powerful and the delivery of the song could leave ever the most emotionally hard person a drooling mess. This song is going to be huge!
Other covers Courtney performed were I Am Not My Hair (India Arie) and Uncanny Alliance’s I Got My Education which both pumped. Her sexy version of classic Tina Turner song Private Dancer was incredible. She slinked through the audience shaking her beautiful body, interacting with everybody like a seasoned professional. Even when her wireless mic decided to cark it her ability to make it look as if it were a part of the show was flawless. She closed the show with a rendition of The Doors classic Light My Fire and finished with AC/DC’s – Shook Me All Night Long.
If you have not seen Courtney before, do so! You will be blown away. Her charm, wit, sheer beauty and amazing voice will leave you gobsmacked. Backed by the awesome King Casual this is a show not to be missed. Don’t forget to head over to her website www.courtneyact.com and buy a little piece of her as all of the money goes toward producing her up and coming EP. On the strength of her original songs alone, the future continues to be paved in all that glitters for Courtney Act.
Buy a piece of Courtney Act by clicking here.
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