Queensland Performing Arts Centre's new On The Banks series has pulled together a stellar line-up for its live concert series running across February and March; with multiple standouts including the one and only singer-actress-model, Miss Grace Jones.
Support act The Illustrious Blacks offer a big reminder of that age-old, gig-going philosophy: always catch the opener because you just might see something amazing.
The New York duo of Manchildblack and Monstah Black's blend of disco-infused funk is a feast for the ears, eyes, dancing feet, and ultimately, the soul.
"We are intergalactic Afro-disco space-punk velocity. We are rising to a higher vibrational frequency," is their opening address, and when they're not making us move, they're out to help destroy "racism, sexism, transphobia, ageism, and all that sh.t"; all while having a righteous pop at the twice-impeached Trump currently occupying the spot as the so-called leader of the free world. "Funk that" they demand and we repeat back. And repeat we did!
"Hello passengers, and welcome aboard intergalactic flight L-O-V-E. . . love," is the introduction to 'Turbulence'; another banger in the canon. The real-life couple later reveal shirts emblazoned with the words 'suck my disco' and enjoy a passionate onstage smooch.
As the rain tumbles down across the South Bank Cultural Forecourt, a long, low, and resonant rumble signals something is stirring behind the dark curtain, and with the words "ladies and gentlemen, Miss Grace Jones," it lifts to reveal the Queen herself, perched on a golden throne high above her band.
Behind dark glasses and underneath impressively-sized headwear (her first of 12 costumes of the evening) she sternly surveys her domain, and it's instantly clear who owns the night.
What follows is a joyous, uplifting, and at times chaotic celebration of music, fashion, and life over 12 songs. The Jamaican, at 77, remains an icon and bosses everything; this is her world and we're just lucky to be a part of it. Everyone be on your best behaviour and better do as you're told.
Opener 'Nightclubbing' is played slowly and sleazily, revealing Miss Jones to be in fine voice, which only gets better the more red wine she sinks throughout the show.
After 'This Is' she berates the poor sound guy ("The speakers are crackling darling. Fix this darling.") before sharing an anecdote about going to a Gold Coast beach ("I did a lot of screaming. The waves were coming at me.") and questioning a stool's potential durability before risking perching on it.
The excellent 'Warm Leatherette' precedes 'My Jamaican Guy', during which Jones sings upside down from her throne. Whereas 'Pull Up To The Bumper' is later sung from the shoulders of a burly security guard as he is led along the front row of the audience, so the Queen can meet her subjects close up.
By this time, she is all smiles and the love she has for her audience is returned like waves coming at her. After 'The Key', a funky, as-yet-unreleased track, and a rocky 'Love Is The Drug' cover, Jones completes an astonishing set with an extended version of 'Slave To The Rhythm' including a lengthy band introduction – all while doing the hula hoop.
After 90 minutes and a powerhouse performance by one of music's true originals, there's a firm and lingering feeling that we just witnessed something almost impossibly special.
Amazing Grace. . . how sweet the sound. Truer words were never spoken.
