Not to be missed if you’re a fan

By Lyn Collett

This concert starring Rick Price and The Colorado Quartet is the return season of Take Me Home Country Roads: The John Denver Story which has recently been touring the east coast of Australia. Australian singer/songwriter Price tells his story superbly, singing many of Denver’s popular hits whilst narrating the story of the famous entertainer’s life.

Price – a self-taught artist and a multi-instrumentalist – does Denver proud whilst being ably supported by The Colorado Quartet, all of whom are very talented in their own right, with Ed Bates on pedal steel,Tim Matthew on bass, Roger Bergodaz on drums and Greg Field on violin and mandolin

The music has you singing along, clapping, tapping your feet and enjoying the humorous asides as well as feeling the emotion of John Denver’s incredible talent but personally sad life story. Stage setting and lighting both subtly added colour, light and shade to the impact of the various songs, but the first act was slightly marred by sound issues which left vocals unbalanced and obscured lyrics. Fortunately this was mostly resolved by the second half of the show, and ensured Rick Price’s final vocal tribute to Denver, “Sunshine on my Shoulder”, is beautifully done and incredibly moving.

This concert is produced by Room 8 – founded by Moira Bennett and Simon Myers and has been written by Australian theatrical producer Jim McPherson.

The John Denver Story will be playing at the Athenaeum Theatre, June 9 – 13 before finishing its season in Perth.
Bookings: 13 28 49  or ticketek.com.au