:: Kate Ceberano - Live with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra

Kate Ceberano

Fans of Kate Ceberano will be delighted with this 18-track live CD recording of her collaboration with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra. The set features an eclectic mix of a few covers of established songs and some of Celebrano’s own - yes that hit “Pash” pops up too, this time in slow motion singing. Half the songs on there are her own, like Cherry Blossom Lipstick, which is sweet and girly, or the sultry low crooning Untouchable. Other original tracks are “Sunburn” and “‘Round This Time.” Yet, some older covers of songs seem to be lost by Ceberano’s upbeat singing. Her rendition of The Drugs Don’t Work has nowhere near as much pathos as the Verve’s strumming melody. Similarly, the velvety crackling love song Unchained Melody, which shivers goose bumps from the movie, Ghost, is unconvincingly delivered. As she sings, “ time goes by so slowly,” you may wish that this tribute to the original may stop completely. However, other tracks are excellent, particularly, “Let’s All Get Together” and “The Logical Song.” Ceberano shows versatility, from the Spanish sounding cover of “Let’s All Get Together” almost aggressive notes, juxtaposed by slow violin. While all will agree that the West Australian Symphony Orchestra provides a grand musical backdrop, it may be felt that Celebrano’s soft talking explanatory introductions to tracks are slightly irritating. Overall, it’s a testimony to miss Ceberano’s musical endurance and success. Her long musical career is still going strong and doesn’t seem to show any signs of lessening.