At Last – The Etta James Story

At Last – The Etta James Story

Vika Bull has received five-star reviews across the board for her astounding vocal performance in the Etta James tribute show that has captivated audiences in the UK, New Zealand, and Australia. The show features Bull and the Essential RnB Band (3 horns, bass, drums, guitar, piano) performing 22 of Etta James’ most popular songs intermingled with snippets of her biography. 

“I’m just telling her story and singing her songs – from her birth right through to her death,” explains Bull simply, “She’s my favourite singer, so I’ve always listened to her and copied her from when I first joined a band when I was 17 years old.”  

Although she later discovered Mahalia Jackson and Aretha Franklin through her parents, Bull grew up watching Countdown where there were very few black singers with whom she could relate. 

“I’d never heard anyone like Etta before, so it was a bit of an eye-opener for me,” she says. “And I liked the way she could tell a story, […] it really connected with me. I think it was…maybe her honesty.”

James suffered abuse, trauma, and addiction throughout most of her life and the emotional impact is evident in her voice. It’s something Bull is conscious of as she performs, and it imbues her with a sense of responsibility.

“You’ve gotta do it as best you can, because…I’m telling this woman’s story and I’ve got a lot of respect for her.” 

Bull believes James’ music is still so popular because “the songs are so great” and her career span allowed her to adopt many different styles:  jazz, RnB, rock’n’roll, funk, soul. That the songs still have resonance and power is proven by audience reactions.

“Most of the time they cry. I’ll look down at the audience and people will have tears running down their face…but then they walk out of there really happy,” explains Bull. “It’s just a fun show. If you want two hours of great music and a great story – you should come!”

Feb 12-17. Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney. $79-$129+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.sydneyoperahouse.com

By Rita Bratovich

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