US soul and jazz singer Richard Jackson wasn’t born the son of a preacher man, but his father was a well-known gospel singer and he grew up surrounded by singers such as The Fairfield Four and The Dixie Hummingbirds.
(The Hummingbirds inspired James Brown, who adapted the shouting style and enthusiastic showmanship of hard gospel).
At university it was jazz that captured Jackson’s attention, not classical voice training, and he’s been compared to the likes of Luther Vandross, Marvin Gaye and Barry White.
“Listening to Richard sing is like being covered by a warm blanket on a winter’s day,” Maylands jazz musician Adam Hall says.
Hall and his Velvet Playboys join Jackson in The Soul Rhythm Spectacular as part of Fringe World.
The pair met in Singapore, cementing a friendship over their love of the American music genre.
“All the musicians in town were saying you have got to hear this American guy who sang with Marvin Gaye…He was every bit as good as they said – clearly from another world,” Hall tells the Voice.
The hits of Gaye, Stevie Wonder, James Brown and Michael Jackson feature in a show that’s a mix of interactive performance and dance.
“The music is very action-packed,” Hall says. “There’s an opportunity for the audience to be involved…it’s more than just a band up there.”
The Soul Rhythm Spectacular is on in the WA Spiegeltent, February 15–21. Tix at fringeworld.com.au
by JENNY D’ANGER
Perth Voice Interactive 
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