Songs and Times of Sam Cooke - A Change is Gonna Come

They say music communicates deeper than words. You’ll remember a tune before a speech or a name. The name Sam Cooke may not be one you remember but his songs are legendary. He was a prolific writer during his short life (died in his 30s) and made an impact so big that even now, some 50 years later, his music is still widely selling. It’s the sound of a very specific era in American music. From the first slow dance hit “You send me” in 1957, Cooke had 28 singles in the American Top 40 and Billboard Pop Singles. Songs like “Chain Gang”, “Stealing Kisses”, “Another Saturday Night”, “Wonderful Word”, “Only Sixteen” and “Having a Party”. One hit after another.

Australian ARIA Award winning and multi-platinum selling recording artist / composer Gary Pinto brought these songs to life again in a superb tribute to the first American King of Soul. Continuing a tour from earlier in the year of Queensland and Victoria, Pinto is playing the Sydney Opera House for a 5 night season, then continues the tour through venues in Victoria.

Most of the show repertoire was penned by Cooke plus a few others covered by him including “Unchained Melody” and “Summertime” by Gershwin. The first half featured many of his early hits. With tight arrangements they bopped along from Gospel to sweet early Soul. The second half developed well beyond the tight knit earlier arrangements into full throttle soul jamming reminiscent of the mid sixties - a great way to see the extent of Pinto’s astounding vocal skills and musical artistry.

Joining him on stage were 5 excellent musicians. Shannon Stitt keyboards, Declan Kelly drums, James Sandon saxophone and percussion, Adam Ventoura bass and David Tweedie guitars. The improvisations were deep and the team felt like they were well attuned to jamming together. The joy emitting from these performers was contagious and quickly spread within minutes around the whole theatre, remaining high throughout the evening.

The audience of all ages were singing along to the majority of songs plus “Twistin’ the Night Away” had them up dancing. The band well deserved their several standing ovations as the show drew to a close. If you love those early 60s songs and appreciate what a top quality band can do with them, catch this show before it moves on. Highly recommended.
Annabelle Drumm

Songs and Times of Sam Cooke - A Change is Gonna Come will continue its tour to:

Geelong Performing Arts Centre, VIC - 10 November 2019

Arts Centre Melbourne, VIC - 14-17 November 2019

www.samcookesongsandtimes.com.au