One of this year's Cabaret Festival delights was the bubbly and talented Ali McGregor and her show Jazz Cigarette.With a classical background behind her, McGregor moved very comfortably into the world of cabaret, incorporating both jazz classics and pop hits into her repertoire.
Along with her 3-piece ensemble, McGregor began the show with The Man I Love, Ain't Misbehavin' and Georgia, evoking the vocal styles of the great Billie Holiday and even Sarah Vaughan.
Terrific arrangements merged Justin Timberlake and the the traditional Cry Me a River, brought out a fine Sweet Dreams and created a superb jazz version of Britney Spears' Oops! I Did It Again, making it sound as if it was written to be performed this way.
Less successful was McGregor's encore homage to Prince.
Ali McGregor has a beautiful, rich, clear voice ideally suited to a style of jazz she clearly loves, and displays a fun sense of sexuality with numbers such as Whatever Lola Wants.
Her personality oozes warmth and she has a good sense of comic timing and story-telling.
The Adelaide Cabaret Festival continues until 20 June.
Ali McGregor
Jazz Cigarette
Part of the 2009 Adelaide Cabaret Festival
Venue: Space Theatre
Dates: 6 - 7 June 2009
Tickets: Adult $28, Conc $25
Duration: 1 hr 10 mins
Bookings: www.bass.net.au
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