Herald Sun Melbourne, Australia

Singing In Her Supper

The Fried Chicken Theory According to Jackie Gordon (Cotton Lounge, South Yarra), August 1999 Reviewer: Paul Stewart

Jackie Gordon can move into my house any old time she pleases.
What a woman. She sings like a sassy diva with the hip shaking moves to match and at the same time cooks like an angel.

She displayed both talents at her recent unique one woman show. What a great idea for a show -soul music accompanied by soul food.

Before she sang a note, Gordon prepared a feast of southern American fare in the kitchen of The Cotton Lounge in South Yarra.

We were offered a mouthwatering buffet that included her recipes for smoked sausage and seafood gumbo, barbecue ribs, creamy mashed potato, blackbottom banana cream pie, candied yams, Pot Likker greens, southern fried chicken....and more.

Each course comes with an off-hand story by Gordon, who proudly proclaims she is "from a family of great cooks."

After the crowd has well and truly indulged. Gordon-the-singer takes control.
In a great piece of theater, she walks to the front of the stage, whips off her apron to reveal a short dress and bangs straight into classics from soul greats Etta James, Ray Charles, Nina Simone and Aretha Franklin.

Gordon, from New York but based in Melbourne, is accompanied by passionate female duo Caramelle and funky outfit Disasterware.

Gordon should be sponsored by the U.S. government - she is a living breathing advertisement for American food and music.

There were several American couples in the audience on the night I attended; no doubt she granted their wishes to be transported back to the sounds and tastes of home.

Don't miss her tribute to some of America's great black women singers, as part of the Melbourne Festival, at the Prince of Wales, St. Kilda. October 19-23.