Conceived by Australian television star Hugh Sheridan, the 'California Crooners Club' is Dean Martin meets Diplo, or Sinatra singing Taylor Swift – utterly different to anything you have ever seen.
Born backstage in the jazz clubs of Hollywood, Emile Welman and Johnny Manuel joined Hugh Sheridan as the 'California Crooners Club' at this year’s Brisbane Festival. After a sell-out series of shows at Brisbane Festival 2016, the trio are back by popular demand for Brisbane Festival 2018, with a few changes in cast (including the addition of the amazing diva, Maiya Sykes!) and setlist, and even better show featuring some of our favourite pop, jazz, and old time classics.
The group was born in an effort to merge their love of jazz with their varied styles of singing, across crooning, RnB and rap, as well as their passion for some of the top pop songs in the world. The result is phenomenal harmonies, backed by a stunning brass jazz band, and topped with toe-tapping, foot-stomping beats that will have everyone on their feet!
With a good dose of banter sprinkled throughout, the Crooners worked the audience like no other, spending just as much time sitting next to unsuspecting audience members, joining groups in the stands as if they were long-lost friends, and stealing a good amount of drinks from generous show-goers, as they did on the stage and in the spotlight. They added a whole new level of audience participation to the Courier Mail Spiegeltent.
Of course, it was the vocals that drove the sold-out show. The harmonies and range between the four vocalists were nothing short of perfect, releasing goosebumps up the arms of the audience at several points throughout the show. Displaying their individual talents throughout the night, they executed classic pop and jazz numbers in an extraordinary manner, with song cross-overs, improvisations and adaptations that would rival the originals. Featuring the likes of Cardi-B, Bruno Mars, James Arthur, and Aretha Franklin, as well as some stunning originals that were highly requested from the crowd, there was something for everyone in the set list.
The energy that the Crooners exuded was contagious beyond belief, as no one could wipe the smile off their faces for the duration of the show which included wardrobe changes, sensational solos and a dance party that saw everyone on their feet.
Truly one of the highlights of Brisbane Festival so far, the 'California Crooners Club' was nothing short of spectacular and we highly anticipate their return.
