An intimate, brooding affair: Tim Freedman does Nilsson is a musical experience like no other. Delivering a frighteningly authentic depiction of what a real Nilsson show might have entailed, Freedman’s take on Nilsson’s greats combined with a carefully constructed monologue drenched in black humour is downright captivating.
Renowned for his melancholic music, crippling stage fright and noteworthy associates such as The Beatles, Van Dyke Parks and Randy Newman, Nilsson’s story is one of great intrigue. This is something that Freedman certainly manages to uphold in his touching tribute with a perfect Brooklyn drawl, quirky anecdotes and of course, a tweed cap.
Opening with haunting track and Midnight Cowboy theme “Everybody’s Talkin” Freedman’s distinctive velvet-like vocals spilled out over the audience, remaining flawless throughout the entire performance.
A stripped-back, slowed-down rendition of Randy Newman’s “You Can Leave Your Hat On” was a sure highlight, but nothing could compare to Freedman’s poignant take on romantic croon “Without You” (or “Ken Lee” if you’ve seen the hilarious Bulgarian Idol Youtube clip). Just….Goosebumps.
A few pauses along the way are forgiven by Freedman’s incredible capability to stay completely in character for the full hour-and-a-half, accent, depression and all.
An off-beat and mischievously dark performance that sheds light on a pure music icon, Tim Freedman does Nilsson is an Adelaide Cabaret Festival gem.
