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Katie Noonan performs for an enjoyable, chilled jazz night at The Tivoli

The perfect composed Saturday night with a few friends and a few drinks, as Noonan and band perform reinterpretations of 80s songs which “hands down” shaped her career and the night.

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THE SWEETEST TABOO

Until Sunday, September 20

SOLD OUT

The Tivoli, Fortitude Valley

Reviewed by Isabella Magee

Katie Noonan has done it again – comfortable, at ease, at home – with no surprise, the stage felt natural to her throughout the night.

Behind Noonan, as she covered classics and the 80s her own way, four exceptionally talented musicians stood under bright coloured lights in the dimmed hall at The Tivoli.

“... And they’re all from Brisbane,” Noonan said, making a point to The Courier-Mail all her attire, including earrings, were also by locals.

Noonan wore "all local" for the show, featuring Brisbane's Debra Hilda Hood, Concrete Jellyfish Co. and Jericho Road Clothing. Photo: Isabella Magee
Noonan wore "all local" for the show, featuring Brisbane's Debra Hilda Hood, Concrete Jellyfish Co. and Jericho Road Clothing. Photo: Isabella Magee

In between melodies, her connection with the audience really made the night.

As she spoke of her childhood, family, musical upbringing and how they were vital roots of where she is today.

She started the night with a classic, Don’t Dream It’s Over by Crowded House.

The second song by Vince Jones, a “badass band,” which created songs for “the first four years that Jazz music blew (her) mind”.

She held authenticity and realism, sharing she, too, is a fan of bands, adding: “I’ve bought every record” of Jones’.

Steve Newcomb on piano for The Sweetest Taboo. Photo: Lauren Crabbe
Steve Newcomb on piano for The Sweetest Taboo. Photo: Lauren Crabbe

Bringing the audience, and passionate fans to cheer, whistle and clap at every chance they could, her choice of songs, switching up classic melodies, were risky yet executed as Noonan has always done; perfectly.

She was clearly enjoying herself, which projected through the crowd of candlelit tables with typical jazz-feel.

Her voice control and high-note hits sent shivers down my spine, as I watched her laissez-faire attitude take control.

Katie Noonan with her band Zac Hurren, Owen Newcomb, Aaron Jansz and Steve Newcomb, who she complimented in astonishment for their talents. Photo: Isabella Magee
Katie Noonan with her band Zac Hurren, Owen Newcomb, Aaron Jansz and Steve Newcomb, who she complimented in astonishment for their talents. Photo: Isabella Magee

In a black Fedora hat, Owen Newcomb playing the double bass shared a finger-picking solo as he also shared quite the rarity, doubling in harmonics.

Noonan then sung to the right of Newcomb another classic, True Colours.

And who could fail to notice the switches between Soprano and Tenor sax by Zac Hurren? Very cool.

Zac Hurren switched between soprano and tenor sax throughout the night. Photo: Lauren Crabbe
Zac Hurren switched between soprano and tenor sax throughout the night. Photo: Lauren Crabbe

Down to earth and accepting where she came from, Noonan’s tales between tunes sparked melody of laughter throughout the room continuously.

Combining the use of a tambourine as she sung Dance with Somebody, Noonan flaunted her skills were beyond her voice.

No one looked at their phones throughout the whole evening, unless to take a quick snap to remember such a show.

Noonan on her second night of performing The Sweetest Taboo. Photo: Lauren Crabbe
Noonan on her second night of performing The Sweetest Taboo. Photo: Lauren Crabbe

Ending the night with further gratitude of the arts through COVID-19, noting we’ve “turned to the non-essential things that are deeply essential,” Noonan also spent the after-show signing CDs, taking photos and speaking with every last fan of the evening.

Paying respects to elders’ past, present and future, and refusing to forget the efforts of her whole crew, this was a woman who appreciated everyone’s contribution.

This performance definitely wasn’t her first and hopefully her last never comes.

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Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/entertainment/brisbane-festival/reviews/katie-noonan-performs-for-an-enjoyable-chilled-jazz-night-at-the-tivoli/news-story/ebfaacb0b0d3389b6604340cd8b19a0b