The Melbourne International Festival of the Arts 1999
The Prince of Wales Hotel October 19 - 24

The Australian

Tradition still has it’s surprises

Black Pearls and Strange Fruit
The Prince of Wales Hotel - Melbourne International Festival of the Arts
Friday October 22 1999 Reviewer:Jeremy Vincent

Music traditions come in all shapes and sizes…
... Closer to today, traditions of a different nature were heard from blues singer Jackie Gordon in her powerful tribute to the great African American singers, Black Pearls and Strange Fruit….. Tears to were on the cards for the treatment of African-Americans as outlined in songstress Jackie Gordon’s poignant tribute at the Prince of Wales Hotel, St. Kilda.  Hers is a thrilling vocal talent that successfully styled itself around the likes of Bessie Smith, Lena Horne, Dinah Washington, Biliie Holiday and Nina Simone.

Gordon’s plaintive message was a brilliantly conceived entertainment, a must-see show that concludes its short run on Sunday.