This is our review of The Definitive Burt Bacharach Songbook at Liverpool‘s Epstein Theatre. So, let’s take a look at The Definitive Burt Bacharach Songbook!
The Definitive Burt Bacharach Songbook
Description Of The Definitive Burt Bacharach Songbook
John Reilly leads the way in singing songs that Burt Bacharach himself wrote. Miss Rachel provides the female vocals throughout the song. Not to mention some of the country’s very best session musicians backing up John and Rachel. And of course, there’s Lewis Nitikman, who is both the pianist for the show and also the musical director. This is a supremely talented crew that brings to life so many famous tunes from over the years.
After some background about Burt, we start with Alfie, Make It Easy On Yourself and San Jose. Then, we get a great rendition of The Look Of Love complete with a very good saxophone section. It’s then onto You’ll Never Get To Heaven and the appropriately-titled What The World Needs Now. Elvis Presley is represented by Any Day Now, with both John and Rachel singing Wishing And Hoping. Meanwhile, romance enters the air with This Guy’s In Love With You and I’ll Never Fall In Love Again.
Other Songs
The first half also features I Just Don’t Know What to Do with Myself, which is very upbeat. However, God Give Me Strength is a very emotional rendition, ending the first section on a high note. The second half includes 24 Hours From Tulsa, Walk On By, Arthur’s Theme and a fantastic duet of On My Own. Always Something There To Remind Me, Anyone Who Had A Heart and Say A Little Prayer are also featured. After we hear What’s New Pussycat, we get Close To You and That’s What Friends Are For. That takes us to the encore with Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head, a fun way to conclude the evening.
Analysis Of The Definitive Burt Bacharach Songbook
This is a great show to watch. For starters, John Reilly is a versatile and passionate singer who has the ability to trigger singing, laughter and tears. Meanwhile, Miss Rachel is a beautiful singer that manages to grab everyone’s attention whenever she sings. As a duo, the two are exceptional, and they can cover any track in an authentic manner. I must also mention Lewis Nitikman and the backing artists, all of whom shone throughout the evening.
Of course, the soundtrack to this show is what really helps the night to succeed. There are so many all-time great tunes. Not to mention the who’s-who of legendary artists that get a mention here. They range from Elvis Presley to Elvis Costello, from Dusty Springfield to Cilla Black, from Perry Como to Stevie Wonder. Plus, there’s Dionne Warwick, The Carpenters, Tom Jones and many more. That’s the strength of Burt Bacharach’s work to have given so many wonderful songs to so many wonderful singers. The upshot is that this is a wonderful experience for everybody in attendance.
Summary Of The Definitive Burt Bacharach Songbook
I watched this show back in 2019, and it was a thrill that night. On this occasion, it was just as entertaining, if not more so. Between the performances, the music itself, the soundtrack and the legacy of its subject, this ticks all the boxes. Indeed, this show delivers everything that you could want from a live music show. Make sure to check it out for yourself in the future!
Notes
Target Audience: Ages 40+
Content: No Content Likely To Offend
Recommendation?: Yes