Cabaret superstar Catherine Summers returns to Perth's Fringe World with a show that pays homage to the unexpected pairing of Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett.
“I’m hoping people will enjoy the revival of these songs and the presentation in a different way to the ‘classic jazz band’,” Catherine says, “and what’s not to love about Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett?”
“All of these toe-tapping songs are performed in a way that I reckon appeals to a really wide-ranging audience – it doesn’t matter if you don’t even know jazz.”
Catherine will be joined by Matt Milford and a full seven-piece swinging jazz band, performing jazz greats with the swagger and style that only these two luminaries can muster.
“Matt Milford is an incredible singer and musician and an absolute legend on the local jazz scene,” Catherine says of her chosen Tony to her Gaga. “His voice is so versatile and ranges from rock ballads to the incredible husky Tony Bennett tone, which is the perfect pairing to my Lady Gaga belting vocals.”
The two-part concert taking place in a speakeasy venue looks to showcase some of the many songs that Lady Gaga and legendary singer Tony Bennett brought to life recently in their 'One Last Time: An Evening With Tony Bennett And Lady Gaga' show in 2021.
Full of iconic duets given life by renowned songwriters, Catherine boasts numbers by Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Gershwin and Duke Ellington in the evening’s programme, to name but a few. Catherine says, “Aside from the incredible arrangements of these classic jazz songs, this show came about from a love of myself and Matt working together.
“Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett's chemistry and energy on stage seemed to speak to both Matt and I as we’re both full of banter and laughs together in addition to the performance of great songs.”
On the show’s insertion into the eclectic Fringe programme, Catherine says the show suits it nicely owing to the great music, laughter, banter, and live audience interaction that personifies the Fringe.
“Plus, this is a show in a venue on the margins of the official festival which is the origin of how Edinburgh Fringe came about,” Catherine explains. “This is Fringe on the Fringe of Fringe in a secret hidden speakeasy gem concert space.”
“We’re a full live band giving Fringe-goers a completely different experience to shows in the heart of the Fringe Festival hub.”
Catherine Summers and Matt Milford play Night Owl Studio (Fringe World) 27-28 January and 3-4 February.