REWIND tour reaches new heights

By SHIRLEY BROUN

CHRISTINE Anu is a lady with a beautiful heart and a big voice to match. Her latest live performances in her hit show REWIND – The Aretha Franklin Songbook have been applauded across the nation since its debut two years ago.

It has been so successful in fact that the much loved singer decided to continue the tour but with a more intimate presentation to showcase both her captivating renditions of Aretha Franklin hits and her highly skilled musicians.

“We have downsized the production to just myself, guitar, drums and backing vocalist,” said Christine Anu. “You could call it unplugged and intimate.”

Anu said Aretha was an amazing artist with an incredible voice that could extend up to five octaves at a time. “Singing her repertoire of songs is very challenging and by stripping back our production I am able to showcase myself as a vocalist singing some of the audiences most loved songs.”

In this must-see Encore performance, Christine conjures soulful interpretations of Aretha’s most memorable songs including the signature tunes Respect and (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman to name a few, as well as tracks like Chain of Fools and many other legendary classics such as Today I Sing The Blues.

Anu said she has grown within from singing Aretha’s songs. “I admire the quality of her music. It’s incredibly free and has some raw energy especially when she bursts out into alternative notes that go right up to the heavens.

“I was listening to her intently two years ago when I was putting the show together and really appreciated her both as a vocalist and an accomplished pianist. She had an amazing feel on the piano where she could play while at the same time singing counter melodies. It was incredible, especially when she `Arethathised’ it to sing Gospel,” she said.

The REWIND tour is the latest success for one of Australia’s most loved and admired performers whose career has encompassed everything from music, television, film, dance, and theatre to children’s entertainment.

The actress/performer is a multi-ARIA nominee and recipient, has achieved platinum albums, a Green Room Award for Best Actress in a Musical, won song of the year (for My Island Home) and is an eight-time Deadly Award recipient.

Christine has just wrapped up her role as Bloody Mary in Opera Australia’s production of South Pacific. She also received critical acclaim for her involvement in the Riverside Theatre production of Parramatta Girls.

Away from the stage Christine is a loving mother to two children Kuiam and Zipporah. "Of course if you believe what you read on the internet I have another son Wayne but believe me that is not the case,” she laughed after a morning of interviews with journalists from around the country.

Christine admits to having a passion for acting and singing and has no plans to slow down … at least for now.

With performances in her Aretha Franklin REWIND series in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Coffs Harbour this week Christine’s schedule is certainly keeping her busy.

Her REWIND tour heads to The Ellington Jazz Club in Perth on October 17 and 18.

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