Suzanne Prentice

Press, 13 May 1987, Page 8

Suzanne Prentice

Suzanne Prentice in concert, at the James Hay Theatre, Monday, May 11, at 8.30 p.m. Reviewed by Greg Jackson. Suzanne Prentice and her band gained a stand-ing-ovation at .concert closedn Monday evening.

A capacity crowd turned out to see the return of New Zealand’s Entertainer of the Year and cultural ambassador. It was the Canadian stage show put together during her recent year in Canada that the audience saw on Monday evening.

Sparse pre-show publicity hinted that Miss Prentice had broken out of the country bracket and was making a strong pitch for mainstream success.

Her performance showed all the talent, confidence and drive required for this transition.

Her appearance was preceded by a local entertainer, Pat Cairns, in the “warm-up” slot. He had recently won the role of Elvis Presley in the stage production, “Are You Lonesome Tonight?”

A rather bizarre mix of 50s songs, impersonations, and a medley of jingles from television advertising made up his set. The audience gave him a good-natured reception with the sole criticism directed at the rather “twangy” guitar he wielded.

But it was obviously Miss Prentice the fans waited for. Her performance backed with the eight-piece band and its powerful brass section on taking the stage was an indicator of what was yet to come.

It was a strong, assured showing from a performer who has obviously become comfortable with the strength and range of her voice. There was hardly a trace of the more demure, "downhome” country singer of yesteryear. It was readily apparent that the time spent in Canada has given her a sure ‘ On-stage presence lamentably rare in New Zealand singers.

Aided by the band, anchored by the brass and

skills of Roger Fox, she gave convincing, assured renderings of such ambitious songs as “Memories.” A tribute to the Canadian sojourn came in the form of an Ann Murray medley. Older, more recognisable works such as “One Day At A Time” also got the medley treatment. Her very brief country set featured such staples as “When Will I Be Loved?” Her latest, r more middle-of-the-road record “Any News” supplied the source for many of the show’s songs.' It was a collection that showed the increasing maturity and skill Prentice has acquired. The musical backing was of uniformly high standard, the lighting.slick and professional, while the pace showed the be-hind-the-scenes skill of her Canadian stage manager. It may not have been a night of purist country, but it added up to great entertainment in the true sense of the word,