In a departure from the norm, platinum-selling vocal harmony group The Overtones arrive in Glasgow with their latest show Jukebox Idols of the 50s and 60s – a hybrid of the group’s traditional concert with dance sequences from former World Champion and ex-Strictly star Nadiya Bychkova, multiple Olympian Louis Smith and a quartet of high-energy professional dancers. Whether this new style of show has the same impact as the group, known for their “good times” usually deliver, is debatable.
Set in the Jukebox Junction Diner, the night opens on an extended medley of the most recognisable tunes of the 50s: Do You Love Me, Why Do Fools Fall In Love, Pretty Woman, Runaround Sue, Reet Petite, Good Golly Miss Molly, Great Balls of Fire and Hound Dog accompanied by a high energy jive sequence from the hard-working ensemble, particularly dancer Kiera Brunton who is the stand-out of the night.
From the raw energy of the explosive rock ‘n’ roll days we move to a UK/US battle between The Beach Boys and The Beatles, a battle The Beatles clearly win, to the hippy era of the late 60s and The Mamas and Papas iconic California Dreaming. Expecting a more linear journey through the eras we however jump to a sequence that highlights leading lady Bychkova, inspired by Marilyn Monroe (whose look clearly inspired the dancer before her new, darker blonde, curly modern bob) it features Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend, 1940s standard Why Don’t You Do Right?, Nancy Sinatra’s These Boots Were Made For Walking and the incongruous inclusion of Lady Gaga’s Paparazzi and Madonna’s Vogue.
The pace changes as we head to the interval, Moon River and Only You delivered by Overtones greatest asset Mike Crawshaw are vocal highlights. We then take yet another odd turn in a dance sequence of Elvis and Tina Turner tunes culminating in Proud Mary.
The second act opens on a sequence that is clearly going to please. Decked out in the famous Jersey Boys red jackets, we are treated to a trio of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons hits. However, in a misjudged choice, the announcement of a slower section to come is clearly not met by the response expected from the band as the audience, clearly up for The Overtones advertised ‘good times’ are vocal in their resistance.
As we move to the conclusion, the framing of the jukebox era goes out of the window, with an extended disco sequence (that said, this is the one that gets the audience on their feet) and a female empowerment dance sequence featuring songs from Kate Bush, Amy Winehouse, Raye and Olivia Dean. We do get back on track in the final Motown sequence.
There is a heavy reliance on dance during the whole evening and it must be noted that all of the ‘pure’ dance sequences are performer to pre-recoded backing tracks not live vocals. The number of actual songs sung by the vocal group is a fraction of their usual concert output. Save for original member Mike Crawshaw, there are also quite a few pitching issues from the other members, it is the last week of their national tour and the cracks are clearly showing. Thankfully, their greatest gift – their harmonies, do remain strong. Bychkova is clearly a gifted dancer but the small stage and a short-ish partner don’t allow her to showcase the full range of her skills. The inclusion of Olympian and 2012 Strictly Come Dancing winner Louis Smith is questionable – he looks leaden and lacking energy throughout, with dancer Brunton working hard to mask his shortcomings.
In the fickle world of music, that a band have survives 16 years, 7 albums and have maintained a loyal following is laudable. Jukebox Idols as a concept is a strong one, but straying from this means that this is ultimately an uneven and sometimes confusing night. Thankfully for fans of the group they return to town with their much-loved Christmas show in November.
Image: Ieuan Bradfield