Concert Review - Postmodern Jukebox - Auckland - 29th September 2017

By Daryl Habraken

Artist: Postmodern Jukebox

Date / Venue: Friday September 29th, 2017 - Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna, Auckland

Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox is a stylish romp. A toe tapping trip back to impossibly infectious Jazz and Swing, a genre that was defined by its opulence and excess during the 20s and 30s. 

The hook? Every song is a modern classic. Ok some of the tracks covered aren’t exactly “classics” but when performed by these ridiculously talented musicians in a setting such as this, you certainly think twice about the throw away pop music in todays airwave catalogue.

The setting was the Bruce Mason Centre in Takapuna and it was the perfect location. The mid sized terraced amphitheatre carried the sound perfectly and brought the large crowd closer to the stage allowing the performers to bring the visual aspects of this genre to the fore as well as the audio.

The musicians are electrifying to watch. The drums, double bass and the brass sections filled the arena with a full catchy rhythm that one cant help but move to in someway, no one was immune to the effect. 

Then there were the singers. There were moments when i was open mouthed in awe at the control and power that these individuals displayed, They made the cast of La La Land seem like a rural high school musical as they covered tunes form Ed Shearen, Britney Spears, Radio Head and even the Notorious B.I.G

The show works on a multi pronged attack. Musicianship, dance, comedy and that doesn’t get you then theres the Nastalgia and amusement of hearing some of your favourite songs brought to life in a whole new way.

There really was something for everyone and nothing reflected that more then the diverse crowd. 20 something hipsters desperate to see a social media sensation, 30 and 40 somethings enjoying the songs of their youth brought to life again and the seniors reliving the sound of a bygone age, they may not recognise the lyrics but the sound is unmistakable.

As a lover of all things musical its this brand of entertainment that makes be wish id been born 70 years earlier. 

I cant recommend the live show enough, but with a limited performance schedule, you may have to jump on youtube to enjoy these remarkable renditions for yourself.