Paying tribute to the bygone-era of Hollywood's finest music, the UK's Joe Stilgoe ignites silver screen in 'Songs On Film'.
The internationally-acclaimed singer, songwriter and pianist is renowned for his exquisite musicianship and theatricality. With songs from movies such as 'An American In Paris' to 'Casablanca', Joe will showcase hits that shaped the status of Hollywood and cinematic music.
Alongside his talented band, Joe will bring his own exciting takes and additions to silver screen pieces, that all classic film fanatics will adore. From the golden age of Hollywood cinema, to the works of more modern Pixar and Paramount films, his improvised wit and vocals will flood audiences with memories.
Joe – the joker – talks of his love for the silver screen... and cricket:
It certainly seems you have been kept busy with festivals, television appearances and album launches in the last 12 months, how has all the bustle been for you?
The bustle has been bustly, but full of joy. It’s not all work, work, work. In fact, I chose my current profession because of the empty days which could be spent watching cricket, but at the moment those days are sadly becoming more scarce. I’m just trying to grab it all while I can (and then I can watch cricket).
What are you looking forward to about your trip to Australia and your performances at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival?
I haven’t been to Adelaide since I was eight months old, when we lived there as my dad was touring and doing all the festivals in Australia. We still have family friends over there, and I can’t wait to catch up and pretend I remember things from when I was a baby. I also enjoy the fact that England are in possession of the Ashes, so I won’t feel like such a lemon when talking about cricket. It’s not all about cricket. I do quite like music as well...
© Jordan McLachlanWhat made you bring classic cinematic music to the stage in songs on film strong?
Songs from the cinema are the reason I went into music – I learnt them as I watched them. The first things I played on the piano were 'Star Wars' and Cruella De Vil from '101 Dalmations'. I learned about jazz from films, I learned from 'High Society' that if you’re Bing Crosby you can drink champagne, be best pals with Louis Armstrong and have a love affair with Grace Kelly. That seemed like my perfect job. Songs from movies also trigger the most incredibly deep emotions for people, as there is a visual memory to go with the music, so that’s what I try to do. It’s like going to see a film but without the need for a screen.
Do you have a favourite era to perform music from?
Probably the 1950s. It was when rock & roll popped up to steal the limelight, but all the great American standards, popular singers and MGM films were still going strong - Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald mixing with Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis. Perfect.
Your show takes audiences way back to the golden era of Hollywood film, what is that you love about that time?
I love that, like now, films needed to have great characters, great plot and a great script. Those things never change, but back then there were no special effects or huge action sequences so when they got it right, those films from the golden era were so good they’re still revered now and replayed over and over. It’s hard to predict which films we’ll keep coming back to, but funnily enough the music seems to have a big influence on the longevity of a film. I always think Spielberg’s films were made even greater by John Williams’ music. It has a massive effect.
Coming from a family background of performers and entertainers, how has your upbringing influenced your own career?
It sounds like it was all a big song and dance number at home, but really my mum and dad were just quietly supportive and kept their fingers crossed that I would one day actually do some work and get good enough at music to make a career from it. That happened quite late for me, so their fingers were feeling the strain by then. They’ve been amazing since I started performing properly, coming to loads of gigs and offering advice, as they both performed at a high-level for a long time. I’m very lucky to have that.
Aside from family, who has influenced your career?
Hundreds of people. Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Jerry Lee Lewis, Stevie Wonder, Louis Prima, Ella Fitzgerald, Joni Mitchell, Brian Wilson, Louis Armstrong, Nina Simone. The list is huge. Also, my teachers at college – Nick Weldon on piano and Anton Browne for singing, and my wife (who is my new family, does that count?).
Performing in theatres and clubs around the world, what is the best part about travelling with your music?
The best part is self-service coffee machines. The second best is meeting new audiences, trying to find out as much about the place as possible and making the show special and relevant to the new people I’m playing to. These songs are pretty universal though, so I won’t have to work too hard.
Your performance of 'Songs On Film' has received outstanding praise everywhere you've been, what can we expect from your Adelaide Cabaret Festival performance of the show?
It will just be 'Mad Max', 'Crocodile Dundee' and 'Strictly Ballroom'…
But seriously (to quote Phil Collins), there’s a real focus this time on the films that I and the guys in my band grew up watching in the '80s. A lot of my audience have a great affinity with those films, which often had an innocence and sense of wonder and humour, and looking back, the haircuts, the music, the mountainous shoulder pads – who knew they would become so iconic 30 years later?
Lastly, what's next on the busy agenda of Joe Stilgoe?
We’ve just been in the studio recording a new album of film songs; 'Songs On Film: The Sequel' is out in August, so I’ll be promoting that once we’re back from Australia. Then we’re up to Edinburgh for the Fringe, then a UK tour, and then a run of dates with my newly-assembled big band and radio and TV in the gaps. When do I get a holiday? I would LOVE to return to Australia with the big band in the future. Maybe I could borrow one of yours?
'Songs On Film' performs Adelaide Festival Centre 17-19 June as part of the Adelaide Cabaret Festival which runs 10-25 June.
