Tom Burlinson – Swingin’ The Great Standards
Following a much-applauded run of performances as part of the cast of stage musical Chicago one of Australia’s great crooners, Tom Burlinson, is set to arrive in Sydney. Burlinson will arrive in Sydney tomorrow with his brand new show Swingin’ The Great Standards, which celebrates the greatest songs, composers, and lyricists of the 20th Century.
The concept behind Swingin’ The Great Standards is an evolution of Burlinson’s previous shows. In the past, Burlinson has created and performed shows which have celebrated the legendary Frank Sinatra, and some of his contemporaries. For this show though Burlinson has expanded the repertoire to also include works from the likes of Lloyd Cole, Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Richard Rodgers, and Lawrence Hart.
By expanding the repertoire to include these artists Burlinson said it became incredibly difficult to narrow down the final setlist.
“There is simply so much to choose from… I had a great big list and realised I couldn’t do all of them. So I chose to focus on either my favourites or some of the best known.”
In order to best represent the music Burlinson doesn’t simply sing the songs. He has also done extensive research into the lives of the composers and the inspirations behind each track, knowledge which he will pass onto the audience throughout the show.
Whilst Burlinson is adamant that he will “stay true to the original material” and isn’t trying to “reinvent the wheel” he is going to employ a big band and orchestra as backing for this show.
“We’re doing the songs with a big band and orchestral arrangements, so perhaps it’s not as simple as it was originally but it’s mostly in the traditional style.”
By adding the orchestral elements, particularly the strings, to this show Burlinson believes it will allow him to “do some ballads with the beautiful harmonies that only violin, viola and cello can provide.”
Finally, Burlinson told City Hub that there was obviously some trepidation to tackling perhaps some of the most recognisable songs of all time.
“Of course before a show, you’re always a little nervous about how it’s going to be accepted. These songs, in particular, have been interpreted over the years by many many fine singers and instrumentalists, which is how they’ve become standards. So I think if I stay true to what the song is about and the melodic structure that’s the best you can ask for, and then people can judge for themselves.”
Dec 13. City Recital Hall, 2 Angel Pl, Sydney. $82.15-$101.50+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.cityrecitalhall.com
