Live Review: All You Need Is Love (Adelaide Festival)

Starting the homage and symphonic repertoire was Magical Mystery Tour, followed by Penny Lane. The latter, a song almost outstanding for its vocal subtlety, was transformed into a theatrical overture and indicated the direction of the arrangements to come. Rather than 'risking' being overtaken by the striking addition of the orchestra, several of the vocal arrangements appeared to compete with it.

Trying to match the orchestral strength worked in places, but sometimes it was a bit "The Beatles! The musical!" In Jack Jones’s solo rendition of Yesterday, he undeniably struck the right emotional chords. And while Jones can vocally punch his weight, it was at times a bit strong in gentler songs.

He definitely got his redemption during an extended version of I Want You (She's So Heavy), where Jones and his guitar solo were the sole focus. 

His longtime friend and bandmate Ciaran Gribbin, a former INXS member, was a steady and strong vocal presence throughout; flawless actually. While he didn’t stand out for anything in particular, he was authentic to the originals.

The two ‘guest spots’ belonged to Jackson Thomas and Rai Thistlethwayte, better known as the frontman of Thirsty Merc, both of whom brought a welcome sense of youth and individuality to the evening.

Jackson Thomas is a powerhouse vocalist and brought a cabaret-style vocal style to the evening. He was a mover, evidently unafraid to pop a hip swing or a one-footed, 360 degree turn when he was feeling the energy of the orchestra. But it's a bit unnatural to see Rod Stewart-inspired dance moves to Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. He stood out in group songs Let It Be and Hey Jude, where his enthusiasm transcended the group.

While Jones, Gribbin and Thomas all brought a sense of identity and style to the evening, it was Thistlethwayte’s vocals that ultimately captivated Saturday’s audience. In the words of Jones himself (following one of Thistlethwayte’s beautifully sung solos): “Oh. My. God.”

Thistlethwayte’s voice was unforced but still powerful. Without impersonating the originals, he managed to capture the soul of The Beatles. Most outstanding was his quiet rendition of Something, which was a genuine heartbreaker in the best way.

With a naturally raspy voice (in the manner of the late George Harrison), he also sounded a bit like a young James Taylor. Kind of funny, given that James Taylor also wrote a song called Something In The Way She Moves; which, incidentally, was released under the same label that The Beatles were originally signed to. #beatlesgeek

The foursome, along with the breathtaking excellence of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, earned every one of the three standing ovations they received. Performing two encores, including a ripping good version of Hey Jude and a camp rendition of Yellow Submarine, they ending the night fittingly with All You Need Is Love for the third and final ovation.

We would not miss this ASO-supported show in future. Hearing old Beatles songs with a full orchestra was not only a reminder of how brilliant The Beatles were but also of how much talent and passion there is for the arts in Adelaide overall. A fantastic production that will be coming back by popular demand no doubt.