The Look of love

Whatever her subject, Ali Harper adds warmth to their story – her charisma and sweetness is enfolding. This is a lovely thing and perhaps the reason, above all else, that her fans come out on a Nelson night following increasingly ominous world news. So here we are, together with Tom Rainey on keyboard and Harry Harrison on guitar, being close to others to celebrate the wonderfully romantic music of Burt Bacharach – and, by default, his marvellous lyricist Hal David.

After not one but two Covid related bumps in the calendar, renowned songbird Ali Harper has created another musical love letter to an incredible songwriter. The artist under the spotlight this time is Burt Bacharach in her new show: THE LOOK OF LOVE.Backstage Christchurch reviewer Sophie Ricketts was in the audience last night and thought: “The show was a non-stop parade of hits... I would encourage anyone who enjoys good music and good cabaret to buy a ticket even if they don’t already consider themselves a Bacharach fan.”

Ali Harper delivered entertainment in spades in her newest show: The Look Of Love. Dedicated to the songs of one of America’s most influential songwriters of the twentieth century, the show was a non-stop parade ofBurt Bacharach hits. So much so that I would encourage anyone who enjoys good music and good cabaret to buy a ticket even if they don’t already consider themselves a Bacharach fan. (But trust me, you are even if you don’t already know it.

Ali was beautifully dressed in a gorgeous outfit which magically transformed to become a second outfit without her ever needing to leave the stage;

Ali Harper seems to have Christchurch audiences wrapped around her little finger; and why shouldn’t she? She has the talent, the skill, and the showmanship to justify it. How lucky we are to the have theopportunity to transport ourselves into the chic music clubs of bigger international cities without even hopping on a plane! Do yourself a favour, treat yourself to a ticket and witness a masterful artist at work.

Harper’s way of talking directly to the audience also has a genuineness, as if we’re all friends in herstudio listening to her enthuse about the music.