Adam James: The Great First Nations Songbook

This show features 15 iconic First Nations songs, reworked by smooth singer Adam James, backed by a 13-piece jazz orchestra – and it is one of the most enjoyable evenings of Australian music you will ever experience. I absolutely loved every minute of it. Having made his mark as a country singer, Adam James is getting back to his childhood roots and reinventing himself as ‘The Quandamooka Crooner’, revisiting the African-American swing, soul, jazz and blues that he and his family grew up singing and dancing to. It was a family affair, with Adam’s Mum presenting the Welcome to Country, and dancing most of the night away just in front of the stage. It was wonderful and heart-warming to see so many of Adam’s family members in the crowd. This family connection to Quandamooka country (Moreton Bay) is the reason Redland Bay residents were lucky enough to see the world premiere of Adam’s show.

The Great First Nations Songbook was inspired by the notion that a great song can be presented in any genre. Adam reinterprets songs by First Nations artists as swing, jazz and blues hits. And the playlist is brilliant. As well as a mix of unexpected songs and popular hits, Adam included a mix of some of his original material – ‘Russian Blue’, and ‘Blame it on the Weather’ – which is perfect for his smooth voice and relaxed presentation. You will enjoy songs by some of our best songwriters, including Jimmy Little’s hit version of Royal Telephone’, Troy Cassar Daley’s ‘Chasing Rodeo’, Archie and Ruby Roach’s ‘Down City Streets’, and ‘Mission Ration Blues’, Glenn Skuthorpe’s ‘Redfern Girl’, Leah Flanagan’s ‘Love Like Water’, and Neil Murray and Warumpi Band’s ‘My Island Home’. Two of my favourite songs are Dan Sultan’s ‘Old Fitzroy’ and Yothu Yindi’s ‘Treaty’. Adam achieves the impossible of improving on the originals, this time with swing and bosa nova beats.

Supported by Arts Queensland, this show has something for everyone. It felt like a smile that built to a knowing grin, with plenty of toe-tapping to pleasantly surprising song choices. No wonder many in the crowd were on their feet dancing throughout the show. A demur lady sitting next to me politely clapped all the way through – at the end she was on her feet saying ‘That was bloody brilliant! I hope there’s an album!’ Hearing Adam backed by the jazz orchestra was an absolute treat – the Dreamtime Swingers were well seasoned and spot on for every change of tempo from bosa nova to reggae, and every step in between. With plenty of room to move for future iterations that could include even more from the canon of First Nations songs, this show should take Adam to every theatre in Australia and beyond. Do your heart – and feet – a favour and go and see this show!

Beth Keehn

Find out more: www.adamjames.com.au

Photo Credit: Adam James and Kath Rose & Associates