When you think of artists responsible for the British Invasion of the U.S.A in the early 60’s, you naturally think of the Beatles, Stones etc, but it was Dusty Springfield that arrived on the U.S. charts before them. Ella McCready walked on stage in a short, sparkling mini dress and the band started the song that started it all for Dusty, I Only Want to be With You. Ella McCready’s voice, strong and powerful, filled the room.

Dusty teamed up with the songwriting team of Hal David and Burt Bacharach quite early in their songwriting career and a run of their songs followed in 24 Hours from Tulsa, Wishin’ and Hopin’, Anyone Who Had a Heart and The Look of Love. Between songs we got a short story of the song and snippets of Dusty life.

More hits followed before a very commanding rendition of You Don’t Own Me closed out set one.

Set two started with a series of covers that Dusty covered in her career. I Heard It on The Grapevine, You Take Me Higher, with some great trumpet playing, and Take a Little Piece of my Heart all rolled out.

Her 1987 duet with The Pet Shop Boys, What Have I Done to Deserve This? was a bit of a surprise. The Night Owl Band were spot on all night with their executions of the songs.

With “This is our last song” from Ella, phones came out for THAT song, only to be given a beautiful rendition of her 1970 song Spooky. “Thank you” and band introductions followed before, “Oh I think we may have forgotten one song” Ella laughed and yes, the phones were out again for THAT song, Son of a Preacher Man.

Night Owl Shows have been showcasing artists all Fringe and they have a few more shows to come. They are professionally done, informative and the music is sensational. Check them out.

The Look of Dusty may well be the highlight of their shows.