barbara luna

sultry and sexy argentinian singer makes return visit
first and last seen at my first womadelaide in 2001
then appearing on stage with a damaged leg
the result of a hard landing from a skydive
but still delivering a couple of superb shows
she's been brought back for an adelaide festival
the promoter thankfully adding a show in sydney
this one at the never-before-visited carriageworks
a new venue inside the cavernous derelict railway workshops
so before showtime there's a sense of excitement in the air
especially with complimentary tickets at a front table
a most enjoyable set from local support act sorelle
4 (white) ladies doing sweet-honey-in-the-rock vocals
barbara luna's 4 piece band then on stage setting the scene
she runs on, picks up her ovation acoustic and away we go
first impressions - she looking as stunning as remembered
now i think probably delivering on the earlier promise
her stage presence demanding constant attention
not too mention her beautiful and clear voice
the lyrics - no idea - she sings in argentinian
but as with the best performers - no matter
it's the feel of the tunes that makes the difference
and this lady has feel to spare - most naturally
a few welcoming words at the end of the first tune
confirming her slight grasp on the english language
and then back into her comfort zone as performer
peeling off song after song of superbly played music
the versatile musicians changing instruments regularly
meaning the music easily changes in pace and feel
she does the singalongs as good as slow and sultry
a very professional show with lighting to match
close the eyes and listen to the voice a reward also
me thinking she has to be as good as anyone else
mariza comes to mind and this lady up there also
but i'm not sure the crowd tonight are with me there
it's quite a subdued audience reaction by and large
the obvious argentinians providing some encouragement
but despite best efforts she can't get too much action
the singalongs and call-and-response numbers a bit flat
sydney apathy seems to be out in force here tonight
result - she gives up talking and just keeps singing
excepting for the introduction of a bossa nova tune
a cover of a antonio carlos jobim song done superbly
sounding perfect in the hands of this band and this singer
me thinking that she could own that style on the big stage
it finally seemed to get the crowd cranked up also
and nicely placed at the end of the performance
meaning the demands for an encore were loud
then she come out to do a solo little wing
a stunning rendition of the hendrix number
though most memorably done by that sting chap
here tonight though - she just oozed sensuality
a classy performance from a classy lady
hope she comes back again soon