It’s been a year in waiting for the return of Kiki Dee & Carmelo Luggeri, and certainly, after their performance on a chilly Saturday evening, it was well worth the wait.
The Acapela Studio is fast becoming a beacon for live music in the area and a venue where you can get up close and personal to the artist in a quite chilled environment and something that no doubt attracts both performers and fans who find large concert halls both antiseptic and cold.
Yet the 13th proved rather prophetic for the duo as the gremlins struck during their opening number with a power issue, but they battled on gamely despite the false start with Kiki Dee casually annoucing that a glass of red wine would help calm the jitters, whereupon, a glass appeared at the front of the stage, courtesy of the management, and a very grateful singer.
If getting through the first number “What You Wish For” appeared a little traumatic, the rest of the evening was simply plain sailing with a lovely acoustic version of her biggest hit (with Elton John, his first No 1) “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”, “Small Mercies” a song about appreciating life, and a quite stunning version of Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill”.
There were a few exceptional covers during the two-set performance. Leonard Cohen’s “Dance Me To The End Of Love” a heart tugging “Let It Be Me” by The Everly Brothers and best of all Sinatra’s “Very Good Year”, in a suprising, yet classy selection.
Dee’s voice, as strong as it ever, was supremely complimented by Luggeri’s virtuoso guitar, creating soundscapes that provided the perfect foil for Dee, who pitched in with some occasional keyboards .
It’s been a long and rewarding career for Kiki Dee, something which was emphasised by her hit “Amoureuse”, released in 1973 and performed so perfectly in 2021, as she turned back the clock in quite stunning fashion, a very youthful looking 74 years of age.
For those Strictly fans in the audience it was interesting to hear that she had turned down this year’s series, saying she was to be the ‘token’ oldie in the competition, but, declined her inclusion due to a family illness. On this evening’s performance, It was obvious she was quite capable of putting a few of the younger ones in the shade, had she been able to perform.
But, back to the music, and the highlight of the evening. “Until We Meet Again”, a touching song about her mother and how the death of her father affected her and having to re-invent herself and embrace her life without her husband and life partner.
Ending proceedings with another hit “I’ve Got The Music In Me” a big UK and American hit, it was a triumph after such a frustrating start for the duo. They say good things come to those who wait, so hopefully, for Kiki Dee and Carmelo Luggeri, an early, post-pandemic Acapela return will be on the cards.
Review and Pix - Tony Woolway
