Prinnie Stevens: Lady Sings The Blues

International Women’s Day was the auspicious date that Fringe headliner Prinnie Stevens opened her one woman show: Lady Sings The Blues. She is quoted as saying, ‘When I perform…I represent all that I love and all who have gone before me’, and this show eloquently and passionately embraces the journeys of beloved female blues, pop and soul singers, from Billie (Holiday) to Beyonce.

Using her own arrangements, with 13 songs in 60 minutes, Stevens travels in the musical footsteps of different styles, including her roots in church gospel singing in Tonga, RNB, mournful love songs and stirring anthems such as Beyonce’s song “Freedom”. Bursting onto the stage in a glamorous silver sequinned gown, evocative of the 1930’s, Stevens captured the audience with, “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World” and for the rest of the show, she clearly demonstrates that the classic queens of music including Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James, Aretha Franklin, and Whitney Huston, dispel that myth.

It is a strong opening followed by the prayer-like “God Bless the Child”, originally sung and co-written by Holiday, reminding us of the often unacknowledged role of women, particularly at that time, as powerful and successful song writers with enduring and compelling messages to share. My personal favourite is the haunting song, “At Last” by Etta James, who Stevens claims healed herself by singing; but I was both appalled and captivated hearing the story around Holiday’s controversial racial inequality anthem “Strange Fruit”.

Written by Stevens, her songs are linked with beautifully written stories about inspiring women who suffered, triumphed and made a difference to other women and the history of this unique genre of music. Her background in musical theatre shows. Her breathing, projection, phrasing and embodiment of each song as a performed story is mesmerising. She is vocally strong and confident, having a beautiful, sultry tone and impressive vocal range. Stephens is a captivating and sincere performer who conveys her passion about each and every song and diva who she is celebrating. Accompanied by Alex, on a piano and Bronnie, on double base, the music is compelling, tightly delivered and unique to her style. Small solo pieces by each musician highlight how skilled they are in their own right.

Particularly moving is Stevens ‘Acknowledgement of Country’. She is a proud woman of colour who celebrates this with “My Island Home”, saluting indigenous people, particularly the women who have shaped the culture and history and our country.

The Melba is an apt choice of venue. With its mirrors, deco style entry and vintage style stand up microphone, the audience is seated in a semi-circle creating the ambience of intimacy in an old fashioned speakeasy. Sound and lighting are well done, carefully ensuring a focus on spot lit Stevens, who maintains a powerful connection with her audience throughout.

You don’t have to love the blues to love this show. Stevens is a standout chanteuse, a performer who is making a difference on behalf of the ‘50% of people who hold up the sky.’

Jude Hines

Photographer: John Mcrae.

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