Speakeasy Story

Speakeasy Story
By Serge Le Goueff and Paula Renée. Fringe World. The Gold Digger, The Girls School, East Perth, WA. Jan 18-24, 2021

Mr and Mrs Smith, a jazz duo from WA’s south west, presented this tribute to the Speakeasy in The Gold Digger for Fringe World.

Great accessible jazz is presented with a history of the speakeasies, in a show that entertains and informs. The Fringe World version of this show is an hour-long version of what is usually a two hour show, but feels complete and satisfying in this format.

Mr and Mrs Smith are the alter-egos of saxophonist and vocalist Serge Le Goueff and vocalist Paula Renée, who work together with warmth and affection and sound superb. French accented Le Goueff is a personable performer with expertise on saxophone and clarinet, a lovely voice and impressive vocal fry. Paula Renée, looking gorgeous in a sparkled gown, has beautiful creamy vocal tones and a beautiful presence.

Popular and familiar jazz standards punctuate a well told historical tale, with highlights including ‘Black Coffee’, ‘All That Jazz’, ‘Making Whoopie’ and ‘Miss Celie’s Blues’.

A show with broad appeal, relaxing, entertaining and informative, it was a great way to kick off an evening,

Kimberley Shaw

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