Reviewed by: The List
Review by Jo Laidlaw | 20 February 2024
Is there a better place to be than The Fantail (Gluttony’s outdoor arena) on a warm Adelaide night at sunset, as one of the world’s greatest gospel choirs belt out banger after banger? Didn’t think so. History Of House’s format is simple: DJ Groove Terminator and The Soweto Gospel Choir take an up-for-anything audience through their version of a potted history of house, song by song. They start with a few classics to get things moving: Ride On Time is a particular highlight. Then they roam through disco and 80s classics, with a bit of Prince, a bit of Whitney, and of course, a bit of Donna Summer. Next stop: Chicago House for a whistle-stop tour of the classics, including Can You Feel It? and The Soweto Gospel Choir’s own version of Good Life. There’s not a dud in the set and this choir can do no wrong: 13 voices in perfect harmony, a joyful explosion of music and dance. As DJ Terminator reminds us, house music’s message was one of liberation and freedom – an a cappella opening of Nelson Mandela raises the hairs on the back of the arm – and tonight, everyone is free to feel good. That certainly translates to both crowd and choir, who never stop moving from beginning to end. Pure delight.