Nineteen (number): One more than 28; nine more than 10; the number of editions of Teatru Unplugged that have been staged so far, the latest of which took place earlier this month.

Nadine AxisaNadine Axisa

It is, without a doubt the Manoel Theatre’s longest-running annual event, and more than likely one of the longest-running concerts in modern Maltese music history.

What makes Teatru Unplugged special, however, has nothing to do with the years it’s been around, but has everything to do with the high quality and interesting diversity of the acts it presents to the public year-in, year-out. Having attended almost all of the editions to date, I can honestly say I’ve seen some fantastic performances brought to life on Teatru Unplugged’s prestigious stage, and this year’s edition was, in my book at least, among one of the best in the event’s history to date.

The night started with a set from singer Nadine Axisa. Accompanied by Christian Borg on piano, she served up a striking performance that bridged smooth jazz with perennial pop, starting with a deconstructed take on The Verve’s Bittersweet Symphony that had everyone’s attention from the get-go.

Her stripped-down interpretations of The Beatles’ evergreen Come Together and Crystal Waters’ 1990s dance anthem Gypsy Woman were just as engaging, with the singer ably coaxing a still-lukewarm audience to get involved on the latter. Further to these three covers, she also performed the original number Għanja, off her 2014 Velvet album and, maybe it’s because I happen to rate it among the best Maltese songs ever, but it truly was one of the most gripping moments of the night, accentuated by Axisa’s silky vocal delivery and elegant presence.

The second act also brought with it a strong jazz flavour, though it was a totally different kind of jazz that Swing Nuages presented to the audience. Rolling in with instrumental toe-tapper Mimosa, they had people shuffling their feet in next to no time. The gypsy swing band was then joined by Angela Vella Zarb on vocals to give us splendid versions of the jazz standards Take the A-Train and Caravan, the young singer clearly referencing the late, great Ella Fitzgerald in her delivery.

Packing an amazingly versatile voice, Vella Zarb’s take on I Wanna Be Like You (from Disney’s The Jungle Book), boosted by Alex Taylor’s agile trumpet-playing and niftily humorous vocal interjections, must surely have transported the over 40s in the audience back to their childhood, at least for a few minutes. Closing number I Got Rhythm rounded off a perfectly vibrant set that I’m sure has earned Swing Nuages a good number of new fans.

KażinSkaKażinSka

This year’s edition was, in my book at least, among one of the best in the event’s history to date

Red Electrick was next on the bill. Having already performed in the 16th edition, they’re no newcomers to Teatru Unplugged’s audience and ambiance and, despite having played a great number of concerts at home and abroad, singer Matthew James Borg commented that stepping onto the Manoel Theatre stage remains as unique an experience as ever. They didn’t take long to feel at home though, as they slipped into their acoustic set with one of their best-known hits, Paul.

The audience started to hum and sing along almost from the first verse, pausing only when the song ends, only to begin again when the band, boosted by violinist Simon Borg and pianist Aleandro Spiteri Monsigneur, plays a stripped-down version of Everybody’s Listening off their latest album Inside You.

They revisited this album when they played Young Again, another of their more popular hits. In between, they delivered a fantastic reworking of Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean, later rounding off their set with an acoustic yet impressively vibrant rendering of ‘older’ hit Who The Heck is REK, which I believe to be one of their strongest songs and destined to forever remain a live favourite.

After the break, it was Gozitan band Roundhouse Kick that brought the live buzz back to the theatre, kicking off (pardon the pun) with The Beatles’s Lady Madonna and following it up with A face in the crowd, an original song that Scottish frontman Kevin McGowan had penned over two decades ago.

Red ElectrickRed Electrick

The band is used to playing covers, and has garnered a dedicated following thanks to regular gigs on our sister island. Their experience was evident and, both The Eagles’ Hotel California and Oasis’s Don’t Look Back In Anger, clichéd as the choices may be, went down very well with the audience. Judging by their Teatru Unplugged reception, I wouldn’t be surprised if we get to see Roundhouse Kick in Malta more often.

Last but not least, headliners KażinSka came onstage knowing that the crowd was well-primed by all of the previous acts. They were the proverbial cherry on top of an already-amazing night; fantastic, fun and full of energy, their renderings of popular marches such as Is-Santos and Venceremos were not only rousing but totally entertaining.

I did notice some of the audience were initially taken by surprise. After all, putting a band that plays traditional Maltese band marches with a twist on Teatru Unplugged’s bill was perhaps a gamble of sorts. It was, however, a gamble I am absolutely all in favour of, not only because I had experienced a couple of KażinSka performances in the past, but mostly because having bands that push boundaries as they do on a show that attracts a mixed audience makes it all the more exciting. And it certainly was, from start to finish.

The question now is, what will the team behind Teatru Unplugged come up with next, particularly since next year’s edition will mark the concert’s 20th anniversary? Having established itself as one of the prime live showcases of local talent, the challenge is obviously greater but, based on the past editions, I have every faith it will be as special as we’re all expecting it to be!

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