Review: The Road to BossaNovaVille
Opening the one-night-only performance of The Road to BossaNovaVille, Anje West commented how MadCouch Productions felt it would be just ‘perfect to have a lounge show in a lounge.’ I could not agree more; Australia Modern is the perfect space for the ‘best of lush lounge music inspired by Exotica album covers and bongos.’ Particularly when the performers include the fabulous The View from Madeleine’s Couch co-founders Anje West (Vocals and percussion, including bongos) and Kym Ambrose (vibraphone), and their excellent band: Bruce Woodward (guitar), OJ Newcomb (bass), and Paul Hudson (drums).
There were so many highlights in this set. The opening instrumental set the mood perfectly, before we quickly moved on to (So Nice) Summer Samba—enjoying Anje West’s glorious vocal interpretation and a great guitar solo by Bruce Woodward. The audience really enjoyed the introduction to A Man and a Woman, which led to us all responding with great gusto to the invitation to sing along at key moments. And, of course, the program included many of The View From Madeline’s Couch favourites—but then, no BossaNovaVille evening would be complete without Anje West’s wonderful vocals in their Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 Constant Rain (Chove Chuva), and in Garota de Ipanema (The Girl from Ipanema).
Looking at my notes, I see a simple ‘nailed it’ for the band’s version of Burt Bacharach’s The Look of Love, which included more fantastic vocals and Bruce Woodward’s excellent guitar solo. And this wasn’t the only highlight of the evening for me. I probably could just list the whole set, but my personal top three were well-known numbers by The Beatles, Dean Martin, and Antônio Carlos Jobim.
I didn’t think it would be possible to improve on The Beatles’ version of their classic Day Tripper, but I’m convinced that the version featuring Anje West’s vocals and Kym Ambrose’s vibraphone is better than the original. The One Note Samba was glorious, and funny, with great solos from each member of the band. And if The View from Madeline’s Couch ever decide to put on a Dean Martin evening then I’d be at the head of the queue for tickets, as the Dean Martin Cha Cha Cha D'Amour (Melodie D'Amour) was so evocative.
Picture: Bruce Woodward (guitar). Image credit: Creative Futures Photography.
Picture: Kym Ambrose (vibraphone). Image credit: Creative Futures Photography.
Picture: Anje West (Credit: Creative Futures Photography).
Picture (L to R): Our generous Australian Modern hosts, Chris and Susan (image credit: Creative Futures Photography)
Apparently no exotica lounge music would be complete without bongos. In one of the many interesting introductions to the music, Anje West acknowledged the generosity of the legendary Barry ‘King of the Bongos’ Sutton, in gifting his set of bongos for the performance. Sadly the show was a one night only event, over the closing weekend of the 2023 Anywhere Festival. And I hear that The View from Madeline’s Couch have already sold out their next Brisbane Jazz Club show. Let’s hope that the band announce future dates soon—perhaps featuring more Anje West bongo solos...
Congratulations again to Chris and Susan, on another memorable Australian Modern Anywhere Festival Show. Chris welcomed their many friends (‘you are all friends now’) to stay on to chat with the band, and to enjoy Australian Modern’s legendary hospitality. Which we all did, as no one really wanted such a glorious evening to end.
Verdict: A memorable Anywhere Festival Australian Modern The View From Madeline’s Couch show.
Picture: The View From Madeleine’s Couch at Australian Modern (credit: Creative Futures Photography).
Audience Information: The Road to BossaNovaVille (7:30pm, 20 May, 2023). 80 minutes, no interval. No warnings, all ages (I suggest 18+). Tickets $50 (general admission), including pre-and post-show hospitality. Australian Modern is a private home in Carina, Brisbane. Free street parking available.
The reviewer attended the 20 May 2023 performance.