Doug Parkinson has had a long and distinguished career interpreting other people's songs, and on Saturday night at the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre, he showed why.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Parkinson is a master interpreter of others songs and his versions of some very well known songs during his two-set performance sound familiar but with just enough of an original twist to make them interesting.
He opens with a jazzy version of the Beatles' Norwegian Wood; his big voice has the crowd with him from the outset. He has an excellent band, who are tight and note perfect.
Parkinson is a pro, he cracks a few jokes, interacts with the crowd well, is intense when he is singing and laid back when he is talking.
His version of Stings It's Probably Me is just bluesy enough to be slightly different from the original.
His wonderfully intimate reading of the Righteous Brothers' Unchained Melody is welcome when so many other singers go for the full tilt belt when singing the classic 60s ballad.
The only song in the first set that is close to the original version is Please Don't Let Me be Misunderstood.
First set closer Dear Prudence, which peaked at No. 5 on the National Top 40, sounds as fresh as it did when it was first released and could have benefited with an extended version.
Feeling Alright opens the second Joe Cocker tribute set.
It is clear that although the music is a pretty faithful homage to the originals, Parkinson is not interested in impersonation vocally and its good to hear the songs sung his way.
The band breaks out a bit more in the Cocker set and takes some risks with solos which adds to the alternative take on the songs.
Hitchcock Railway and The Letter are superb, and Parkinson is clearly having fun.
Up Where We Belong, You Are So Beautiful and You Can Leave Your Hat On are set highlights.
The run home of Unchain My Heart, Delta Lady and With A Little Help From My Friends is a masterclass in set pacing.
The Encore of I'll Be Around, which was a bit hit for Parkinson, reaching No. 22 on the Kent Music Report Singles Chart, ends a superb evening of music.
The mix of Cocker tunes, Parkinson's own hits and other covers made for a set-list that was as equally entertaining as it was interesting.
Parkinson remarked at the beginning of the night that he knew he had performed in Dubbo, but could not remember when it was.
Tonight I am sure he had a night to remember as did the audience at the wonderfully intimate Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre.