Leather Lungs: Shut Up and Sing

The average male singing voice spans just over two octaves, but Jason Chasland has no average voice. At four octaves Jason, or ‘Leather Lungs’,  joins the renowned company of Mariah Carey and Dimash Qudaibergen (who has 7 octaves), and proceeds to tear up the stage of The Lark!

Leather Lungs: Shut Up and Sing is one man’s journey out of a domestic violence relationship with the love and support of his family. Don’t be fooled into thinking this production is 55 minutes of self-pity, it’s anything but! Jason is not a victim, but a glorious survivor, and his show is a celebration of love, family, tolerance and inclusion.

With only some suitcases, a glittery water bottle and microphone, Chasland, in an immense hot pink negligee over a sequin encrusted dress and blue pastel wig takes us on a gender bending trip dotted with hysterical situations, some massive bumps in the road and an ability to find positivity, all wrapped in an amazing voice covering a myriad of vocal styles.

Chasland’s ability to relate to his audience and his physical energy are infectious and we, the audience are quickly drawn in to his cheeky, irreverent performance style.

His voice is truly amazing, from bass growls to the heights of countertenor, all without falsetto! His performance is extremely physical, prowling, jumping and even lying on his back while belting out his top notes. This  physicality takes its toll at times, resulting in ‘a glow’ or as Chasland puts it, his “glitter”.

The moments of high energy are beautifully contrasted with a hilarious version of ‘Old Mac Donald Had a Farm’ complete with bawdy animal calls. He also gives us a tribute to his Nana Gail.

Chasland has an immense voice which is suited to a bigger venue. There were times when the volume was ear splitting resulting in the clarity of his lyrics being lost.

Don’t settle for the autotuned manufactured voices of TV talent shows, get out and see the real ‘Voice’, live in Leather Lungs: Shut Up and Sing!

Barry Hill OAM

To check out our round-up of Adelaide Fringe reviews, click here.