OBSERVER: Still Swingin’
I have been doing publicity for a long time, and I get to meet some fantastic people.
Tom Burlinson would have to be among my top five people I have worked with, always gentlemanly, kind and so talented.
And, like me, he loves what he does.
Tom is bringing a new show, Tom Burlinson , Still Swingin’, to the Frankston Arts Centre and I cannot recommend him highly enough.
The Australian star of stage and screen, Tom presents a sensational salute to the masters of vocal Swing. Tom will perform with his big band.
This dazzling, energetic show presents a montage of swing classics made famous by the great superstars Tony Bennett, Sammy Davis Jr, Nat ‘King’ Cole, Dean Martin, Bobby Darin and Frank Sinatra, through to the hits of the hugely successful modern favourites – Harry Connick Jr and Michael Bublé.
Tom’s illustrious career stretches from acting and singing to television host and theatrical producer.
He first shot to stardom in the early 80s when he was cast in the title role in the movie The Man from Snowy River, which became one of the most successful Australian films ever made. This led to a string of starring roles in Australian and international films.
In the 90s, Tom revealed that as well as being a talented actor, he also had an amazing singing voice.
He was cast by Frank Sinatra’s daughter, Tina in his first professional singing engagement as the voice of young Frank in the Warner Brothers mini-series‘Sinatra’.
Later Tom created and starred in the acclaimed theatrical production ‘Frank – A Life in Song’, a celebration of the life and career of the legendary Sinatra, which played highly successful seasons at premier venues around Australia and overseas.
Now he has explored the renowned achievements of other stars of the genre and chosen their best songs to perform, as well as some Sinatra classics and timeless standards in Still Swingin’. This show truly has one great song after another!
He has included classics from the great Tony Bennett, who was Sinatra’s favourite singer; the smooth and jazzy Nat ‘King’ Cole, the multi-talented, highly energised Sammy Davis Jr, the ‘King of Cool’ Dean Martin, and the sensational Bobby Darin.
Tom says his show would not be complete without a selection of Sinatra songs. “Many people who come to see the show will be expecting to hear some Sinatra. For me, he was the greatest of them all, but that’s not to say they weren’t all great.”
Throughout the show Tom has included all-time favourites such as I’ve Got the World on a String, Fly Me to the Moon, I’ve Got You Under My Skin, and, of course, New York, New York.
And there will be a surprise. After the show members of the audience will be invited to purchase some albums of Tom’s and get a chance for a photo and to meet him.
Accompanying Tom on stage as always will be a fabulous big band including some of Australia’s best musicians.
Tom Burlinson Still Swingin’ . Frankston Arts Centre, Sunday, March – 9. 4pm-5.30pm
Bookings: www.frankstonartscentre
I promise you will be singing all the way home.
Di Rolle