| Published 2:15 AM PST Monday, Aug. 29, 2005 , Sacramento Bee Theater review: Donovan tribute mellow By Jim Carnes -- Bee Staff Writer Groovy, man. And far out... "Great Songs of the Sky," a Donovan tribute concert that opened Friday at the Fair Oaks Theatre Festival, is all that, but that's not all. Conceived and arranged by Lucy D'Mot, "Great Songs of the Sky" is a compilation of songs (mostly from the 1960s and '70s) that were written by Donovan Leitch. It's not a greatest-hits program - it leaves out "Sunshine Superman" and "Jennifer Juniper," among others - and it's not a straight song-and-dance musical like the usual fine fare put on by the festival. The revue presents the music in four parts, linking the seasons of nature to the cycle of life and love. It's original and the show has merit. Directed by Bob Irvin and Sunny Smith, it moves smoothly and with a fair amount of humor. Donovan was born in Scotland in 1946 and was discovered at 18 by agents hoping to find "an English Bob Dylan." The young folk singer didn't fit that bill - he was way too squishy and sentimental, too we-are-all-one-universe-hippie for that. He's said to be responsible for the phrase "flower power" and his importance to pop music of that era is considerable. "Great Songs of the Sky" underscores his contributions by collecting nearly three dozen songs, from the expected ("Wear Your Love Like Heaven," "Sunny Goodge Street," "Colours," "There Is a Mountain," "Hurdy Gurdy Man," "Season of the Witch" and "Mellow Yellow") to the unexpected ("The Love Song," "Widow With Shawl" and "Johnny Tuff"). An excellent band - Steve Comber on bass, Ken Manlapig on guitar, Tim Metz on percussion, Jeff Alkire on woodwinds and D'Mot on keyboards - provides fine accompaniment, from simple folk guitar or unadorned keyboard playing to nicely textured blues and really rocking full-band blowouts. A large ensemble cast, many of them actors who are regulars from previous festival productions, reveals some fine singing abilities. Without dialogue or dance numbers to distract, the performers are required to really sing - and they do, mostly quite well, in arrangements that run the gamut from exciting to lounge-y. Christina Yu's voice is elegant on "Isle of Islay," Joe Hall brings humor to "Johnny Tuff" and Charles Preston, who does yeoman's work in the ensemble, contributes nicely to "Summer Day Reflection Song." Highlights include Raymond Keller rapping out "Wear Your Love Like Heaven," Ken Figeroid nailing the delightful "Can Ye Dance?" and "Be Mine" (with Betsy Berryhill, Grace Hegy and Cathy Monaghan), Corey Winfield singing "The Magpie" and "Sleep" (with Brianne Hidden and Shannon Blodgett) simply and sweetly, Deane Calvin taking possession of "Season of the Witch" with a voice deep and powerful and perfect, Jonathan Blum displaying a smooth baritone lead on "Ride a Mile" (which also features Figeroid and Kyle Hall, who is quite good) and Daniel W. Slauson humorously romping through "The Love Song" and coming back even stronger on "Salvation Stomp," the latter featuring subtle touches of choreography as the seated ensemble members kick their feet and raise and clap their hands in unison. Marge Sage's costuming is suitably Sixties in fashion, full of tie-dye, peasant tops, Nehru shirts, vests, jeans and headbands. And Tim Anderson's lighting is mostly effective, although on Friday it appeared to have trouble finding a seated Lauren Nardozzi as she sang "Young Girl Blues." The absence of Donovan's first hit, "Catch the Wind," is curious, but one of his more powerful hits, the anti-war "Universal Solider," isn't included because it was written by someone else (Buffy St. Marie). It is, however, played quietly during iintermission along with other songs. 3/4 Stars About the writer:The Bee's Jim Carnes can be reached at (916) 321-1130 or jcarnes@sacbee.com. |
| THREE WEEKS DAILY, EDINBURGH FRINGE 2006 4/5 Stars Donovan Tribute: Great Songs of the Sky Fair Oaks Theatre Festival Think Gap advert. Think "they call me mellow yellow..." That's Donovan - no not Jason, but sixties Scottish singer-songwriter Donovan Leitch. Whether you own Donovan's entire back catalogue on vinyl or - like myself - you're a self-confessed newbie, you're sure to have a great time as eleven hippies of all ages bash through 24 numbers. This is an unassuming wee gem of a show; each performer gets a shot in the spotlight, and it is all well paced. Inspired to check out the original music, I hope (ironically) that it does its tribute justice! The show is not glamorous and there are a few naff touches but it is genuinely fun - chilled out and happy, it's a great way to end your Festival day. Greenside, 11 - 19 Aug (not 12), 10:30pm (12:00am), £7.00 (£5.00), fpp 137. tw rating 4/5 [hr] |
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