Melvin Brown has been bringing shows to Adelaide for a number of years now. His classic brand of rhythm and blues has delighted crowds in many distinctive ways. From the late 50s, early 60s and beyond Melvin Brown has had a career to be remembered. Still jumping and jiving, Melvin Brown is bringing two shows to Adelaide. One is ‘Chuck Berry Lives!’ an all-out love letter dedicated to rock and roll pioneer, Chuck Berry, and the other which I am covering for you today is ‘A Man, A Magic, A Music.’. A personal journey through Melvin Brown’s life and a retrospective through all the music that lead him to where he is today.

Brown’s specialty comes in his expertise with the hits of the 50s and 60s. His voice and style are a perfect accompaniment to the likes of Chubby Checker and Ray Charles. A show which is just as good as if you were with the artists themselves. With A Man, A Magic, A Music, audiences are treated to an expansive performance as Melvin Brown relives his upbringing, full of the stories and hijinks of his youth, and the trials in his career that built him up to be a worldwide sensation.

This show has everything. It’s a fascinating biography, a musical tour de force from Sam Cooke to Michael Jackson, a tap-dancing showcase of the rhythms the took hold of the 60s and the heartiest laugh in show biz. Brown’s proficiency as a performance veteran shines as he puts together an engrossing production with plenty for everyone while still just being a man on stage.

Melvin Brown continues to bring exciting and groovy shows to Adelaide and I expect he will be back again. If you’re a looking for a jamming night out with all the best tunes of yesteryear then Melvin Brown should be your first stop.

Words by Jonathon Tonkin

Photos by Maree Laffan