Rather fun to be given The Keys to Paris for the afternoon! 

And that is just what Louise Blackwell and her band, The French Set, achieved. Their audience, already in the vibe in a gloriously bedecked Queens Theatre, was indeed transported from Adelaide streets to the parks, gardens and squares of Paris. 

It was a delicious hour of musical flirtation, provocation and romance. One that played homage to the joys of Paris, and equally, readily acknowledged the delights of Covid freedom that can be enjoyed in Adelaide.

It was a generous taste of a wonderful Parisian Cabaret, with Blackwell beautifully supported by Mark Simeon Ferguson on keys, John Aué on double bass and Josh Baldwin on drums, while Julian Ferraretto on violin (and wood-saw) anchored the Parisian touch. 

It was a very French experience, and one clearly loved by the enthusiastic, full-house, audience.

Blackwell has lived some 10 years in Paris, so she clearly knows and loves her city, and its music. She shares her knowledge well. The introduction to each song gave a wonderful context to its history though there could perhaps have been a touch less of her personal reminiscences.

Treat yourself to A Night in Paris - it’s  a perfect antidote for a travel deprived audience.