Three transcendent vocalists unite in a searing musical portrait of the legendary soul diva.
In early 2012 the world lost soul icon Etta James. A voice that transcended genres and time, Etta’s powerful and emotional delivery cemented her place in history as one of the greatest voices of American Popular Music.
Etta’s story is filled with personal heartache. But despite her dark times and problems with alcoholism, drug addiction, forgery and illness Etta produced a body of work spanning jazz, gospel, soul, rock’n’roll and the blues that will be forever timeless. With a career spanning six decades Etta was a master of interpreting song in her inimitable style.
Ruth Rogers-Wright, Henry Manetta and Chelsea Wilson perform together in this unique musical portrait of the legendary Etta James. Each vocalist will interpret Etta’s timeless songs of heartbreak and social protest through song and prose backed by the remarkable Adam Rudegeair on piano.
Etta James once said: "My mother always told me, even if a song has been done a thousand times, you can still bring something of your own to it. I'd like to think I did that."
In this series of intimate performances Ruth Rogers-Wright, Henry Manetta and Chelsea Wilson aim to bring their own style and character to Etta James’ classic song such as ‘At Last’, ‘All I Could Do Is Cry’ and ‘Sunday Kind of Love’ and some tunes that dig a bit deeper through her repertoire.
'Ruth’s deep velvety tone turned the tune into a quietly intense, almost spiritual invocation.' - The Age.
'Henry twists the syllables and harmonies until they surrender or snap!' - Sydney Morning Herald.
“I can’t understand why we don’t have more local talent like Chelsea signed to an Australian variant of Daptone records - or even Daptone Records themselves” Phillipe Perez AU Review.com
Listen back toRoots of Rhythm with Helen Jennings for a live set for the Etta James Tribute.
