If you have never heard of Tom Waits or you only like muscians of the calibre of Celine Dion, Robbie Williams or any X-Factor contestant, you are unlikely to appreciate this show. The show is a celebration of the life and music of Tom as shown through his songs and stories about his life and how his songs affected the star of tonight’s show, Stewart D’Arrietta.
Stewart started with one of the creepiest of Tom’s pieces, _What’s He Building In There_ (from 2003’s Mule Variations) and then launched into a show that was excellent, not only for the music being played, but for the fact that Stewart was not afraid to inject some of his own personality into the music and lyrics. This is no slavish replaying of the tracks from the many albums Tom has released (well over 20), but a stylish reinterpretation of the music as felt by one of Tom’s biggest fans. The set-list changes for each show and tonight we had such classics as Red Shoes, Jersey Girl, _Invitation To The Blues_, Romeo Is Bleeding, a very moody version of Hold On, Kentucky Avenue and two duets with special guest Heidi James, This One’s From The Heart and Sick and Tired (Of Picking Up After You).
So if you are prepared to stay up late (which is the perfect time to hear Tom’s music, preferably with a whisky bottle in your hand) and want to hear some music from the master of melancholy, this is a must-see performance, especially as Tom doesn’t seem to want to tour anymore.
Visit the Fringe Website for full show details.