Fans of the film 'Cabaret' and 80's cheese will enjoy this show: a jazz and blues mash-up of 80's and 90's hits. Ali McGregor and her trio of musicians create a charming mix of cabaret, jazz and trashy pop music. Assembly's Salon Elegance is the perfect setting for such an event, decked out as an old-fashioned speakeasy, dark and decadent, smoke hanging in the air for a truly authentic atmosphere.
The music is indebted to the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday, with soulful vocals backed up by a piano, double bass and drums. However, the lyrics are easily recognisable and those who grew up in the 80's and 90's remember these hits fondly. Be warned - if you're the kind of person who never switched on the radio during this era, most of this show will go over your head.
Ali McGregor oozes warmth and charisma and it's easy to slip into a nostalgic reverie as she serenades the audience. With an impressive set of lungs, her jaw-dropping range is used to full effect, slipping between musical styles with confidence and ease. The combination of such contrasting genres can be surreal, but is all the more entertaining for it. The only bubble-burster is that once old pop songs are stripped down to their bones, it becomes obvious how corny and homogeneous many of them are. But credit is due to the back-up musicians who twist the melodies into new and imaginative forms.
The lighting is gorgeous, accentuating the performance and adding extra magic. Original, professional and entertaining, this is blissful escapism to wind down a manic day at the Fringe, or to start a night of further decadence. Everything is glamorous and retro. All that's needed now are long cigarette holders and a bow-tied bartender serving martinis.
