Tuesday, April 17, 2012 12:31 PM

They don’t make ‘em like Burt Bacharach anymore. Armed with a songbook as deep as any in music, the man himself took to the Festival Theatre stage for an evening of the music he’s been crafting for over half a century now. Opening with a medley of some of his greatest hits allowed his three singers, band and the supporting Adelaide Symphony to find their groove. This medley style would be maintained throughout the show, meaning more songs could be aired, rather than any favourites missed altogether.
When the pace did slow, Bacharach and performers delivered stunning full versions of Anyone Who Had a Heart and I Just Don’t Know What to Do With Myself, the latter cheekily introduced as ‘one we haven’t played before’. At the microphone Bacharach displayed a sly wit and self-deprecating style, offering insights into a handful of songs and wondering how his career ever survived being involved with movie bomb The Blob so early on.

A medley of his movie tunes gave him a chance to take vocals for Alfie, and while his singing voice is little more than a raspy croak, the revered hush settling over the Festival Theatre was evidence something special was taking place. With a few more songs, including a reprise of show opener What the World Needs Now, and a good-natured sing-along of Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head, the evening was over.

They don’t make ‘em like Burt Bacharach anymore, and to spend the night in the company of the man and his music was a rare treat indeed.