Jenny Morris tour

Press, 8 December 1987, Page 8

Jenny Morris tour

Jenny Morris at the Powerhouse, Bush Inn Courts, last evening. Reviewed by Nevin Topp. The Powerhouse seemed to be the right place to find a pint-sized bundle of energy. Jenny Morris, the former Crocodile and member of the Australian band, QED, began her short, quick New Zealand tour in style. She and her five-piece backing band turned in a sharp performance, particularly in the more brash, Ocker-rocker numbers, which seemed to suit both her and the group. Perhaps, more used to the exuberant Australian audiences, the former New Zealander at first did not seem to be able the handle the polite Kiwi crowd too well — she wanted more use of the dance floor from the audience. However, once the chasm was filled with bodies (that writhed more and

more as the show went on) she seemed satisfied. The high energy numbers such as “Pass It Over” did not seem to work on an inhibited Monday evening audience at first, but by the end of the night when three quick tracks, including the hit “Body and Soul,” were reeled off, there was a general feeling of wellbeing. Particularly enjoyable were “You’re Gonna Get Hurt,” for its saxophone break, and‘an unusual version of Dusty Springfield’s hit "Son of A Preacherman,” that still retained that soul feeling. Perhaps it was a pity that a little more use was not made of the sax. But Morris, on her own, really made up for that in what was an energetic performance with a wide vocal range and musical styles. The bundle of energy will, play at the same venue this evening.