Bonnie Lee Galea began her singing career at 33 with no formal singing training, following her heart and music inspired by fellow musicians nurturing her talent and guiding her to singing professionally, since 1999.
Her styles and influences range from Billie Holiday, Melody Gardot, Tori Amos, Kate Bush, Edie Brickell, Dinah Washington, Peggy Lee, Sheryl Crow, Aretha, Nina Simone, and of course Sade.
Sade seemed to be a natural fit with the effortless, warm tones to master and favourite songs to revive and remind audiences. Bonnie, being one of the millions of Sade fans from her earlier albums of the ‘80s and ‘90s, created her ‘Simply Sade’ show in the midst of COVID-19. The first show was in October 2020 in Adelaide.
The fourth performance of ‘Simply Sade’ will be taking place as part of Adelaide’s Umbrella Festival. Before she hits the stage, we asked Bonnie to list her favourite Sade songs.
One
Why Can’t We Live TogetherWe open the show with a Timmy Thomas song which Sade covered and released on her first album. This song inspired us during the time of seeing how the world was almost all coming together due to this health crisis. Unfortunately in certain political arenas and countries, state, counties, it was and still is a real issue on how we live together.
Two
When Am I Going To Make A LivingWe close the show with this early number three single release of Sade’s, which again has such a great parallel to the arts and music industry even more now than ever. We have been hit quite hard amid this epidemic but we are still singing, playing, creating in all forms even though it seems to be an ever stagnant or decreasing income in this industry, overlooked but really enjoyed by all people of all races. Music is a universal language. Music can heal.
Three
By Your SideThis beautiful song is one of the latest releases we have put into the show. I never realised until this year how moving it was when I was on stage immersed in singing the song when I broke down in tears. I had recently lost my very close cousin only four weeks before who was only my age. A little time for those we love whenever we can is so important. Songs are interpreted in different ways for everyone. This one has now made a new meaning for me.
Four
Mr WrongThis interesting song I just loved the a cappella at the start with harmonies. Thought a real point of difference plus the story that lies within. Simple but stylish. One that I missed in my teens and discovered when forming this show. Wonderful.
Five
Is It A CrimeSexy saxophone, smokey, silky vibe. All Sade’s songs a girl can really relate to some time in her own life. The feelings, the moods.
‘Simply Sade’ plays The Gov (Adelaide) as part of Umbrella Festival 22 August.
