Randa and the Soul Kingdom opened with passion, energy, and soul to the audience, in the anticipation of Emma Donovan & The Putbacks.
Breathing New York jazz, smoky saxophones and commanding trumpet, Randa and the Soul Kingdom ushered in soulful vocals and harmonies – songs about grief, climate change, and psychedelic blues. The crowd waited off in the eaves, allowing for a shallow dance floor under the warm lighting tones of The Rechabite Hall.
The audience grew and surged forward moments before The Putbacks took the stage, and the roar of cheers for Emma Donovan was palpable.
Emma Donovan connects with audiences in such a way that is wholehearted, and warm – the embrace of a mother you’ve not seen in a long while. Her music, in partnership with The Putbacks, does exactly that – puts you back into childhood, experiencing joy, excitement, and fun.
Their collaboration began in 2014 with their album 'Dawn', as both brought rhythm and Indigenous language to the forefront, winning admirers across the world. Influenced by Coloured Stone and Warumpi band, and Aretha’s Classic Atlantic recordings, Emma Donovan & The Putbacks are raw, brutally honest, impassioned, and emboldened live.
Music of country, connection, and soul – Emma Donovan & The Putbacks can only be described as the forefront of the Indigenous renaissance.
Emma’s lyrics are empowering and vulnerable, representing the core aspects of humanity, and resonating deeply with the audience who were moved the entire performance.
An eclectic mix of ages and influences, enjoying a night of music, storytelling, and unabashed emotion – it was an absolute pleasure to witness Emma Donovan’s return to Western Australia, and we hope to see more of her and The Putbacks in future.
