Dipping into the Blogpond

This night’s Australian Idol Big Band episode opens up with Carl Riseley, who is expected to dominate the evening. “Me and Mrs Jones” was the song, but I only half caught the performance and judging (finishing up dinner). Mark said something about expecting Carl to exceed expectations, but that he only just met them. The other three judges seemed to be positive.

Next was Marty Simpson singing “American Baby” by Dave Matthews. I was actually praying for “scat”, anything to stop the “American baaaayyyy-be”. Dicko thought it “strangely engaging”, Marcia commented that when you play with a big band you need a strong voice, Kyle (go Kyle) said it was “ridiculous” and Mark said putting brass with an alternative song doesn’t really work.

Next up Matt Corby performed “How Sweet it is”. I quite liked it. Marcia said “that’s what I’m talking about”, Kyle wondered “what the hell has he done with his hair?” but found the performance perfect and that Matt’s a “superstar”. Mark thought the hair was “acidic Elvis”, but reckoned his key was perfect and Dicko commented that it’s amazing the difference a week makes and that Matt has real star quality.

Natalie Gauci – WOW, again! I’m not sure of the proper title of the song (maybe Orange Colored Sky, or Love Hit me in the Eye) but “Wham, Bam, Alakazam” it was great. A yellow dress and black pantyhose prompted Kyle to suggest she had “clothesorexia”, Mark was digging it, Dicko said she was in the genre and Marcia loved it. Thoroughly entertaining, and I was surprised she didn’t get a touchdown.

Carl’s second song “Just Kiss Me” by Harry Connick Jr – I thought he seemed totally comfortable. Mark thought it was all great, Dicko said it was pure entertainment but suggested his hair was having a party, with a one way ticket to Corbyville. Marcia dug it and Kyle suggested the band let him down with their pathetic acting, but that the band is really there to blow, and blow they did (I’m not going there).

Marty – The Doors “Light my Fire”. WTF? Woeful. Dicko points out the obvious, that Marty has NOT embraced the big band spirit of the eventing, that it was awkward, laboured and pointless. Kyle suggested he was trying to drag “big band” to rehab, but that it was nice work. Mark suggested he was trying to start a fire with a wet match.

Next up Matt with “Beyond the Sea” (I think). Lots of scatting which was well done. Marcia loved the way he was willing to embrace different styles. Kyle was a little disappointed with something, but suggested he was a chameleon able to morph into whatever was required. Mark agreed about his versatility, loved his vocal range and laid back style. He also commented on the “low note” at the end – that Matt didn’t drop the ball, but quite obviously his balls had dropped (OMG, I can’t believe he said that, but Matt took it well). Dicko reckoned that it was too much to ask for a “scat free evening”. (D’oh yes – it IS big band night, and if you object to scat you’re about to be completely scat on by Natalie).

Natalie finished of the performances with “How High the Moon” by Ella Fitzgerald. Ok one thing before I comment on the performance. If you want to get an idea of what Natalie looked like, here’s what her dress reminded me of:

Original Photo from Stef Mck

That said, I think this performance by Natalie was the most outstanding of the evening. Kyle suggested that her dress reminded him that Christmas is coming and something about presents under the tree (hmmmm), that she was smashing and he loved it. An overdue touchdown from Mark, who says she is a true artist, the only girl left in the competition, and that she should be at the Opera House. Dicko said that she has revealed herself as a major star and Marcia that she was fearless and “pinned it” (I guess that’s the same as “nailing it”).

For me Natalie was the stand out performer of the evening, and Marty – please guys just Don’t Do It. Resist the urge to vote for him. In my opinion, he’s lasted way to long and it’s time to put us all out of our misery.