Live at Paraoa Brewing Co.
6 September 2024
Live Music Review by Music Journalist: Paul Marshall
Rumour Has It that Adele is in New Zealand, and while the rumour is not true there is a doppelganger in town you don’t want to miss.
It's Friday night, and I find myself heading to the Paraoa Brewing Co. in Stanmore Bay, a venue that’s quickly establishing itself as the new Kings Arms of Auckland. With a reputation for hosting top-tier acts, there’s an undeniable buzz in the air tonight as fans gather at the bar, waiting to see Australian artist Amanda Canzurlo, known as Bloom. But tonight, she’s channeling two of the greatest divas of our time—Adele and Amy Winehouse—in The Adele and Amy Songbook.
Covering artists like Adele and Amy Winehouse is no small feat. These are powerhouse voices, each with their own emotional depth and raw talent. It could easily tip towards disaster, but from the moment Bloom steps on stage, she makes it clear: she's not here to imitate; she’s here to celebrate their music.
The show begins with an emotional video montage of Adele and Amy reflecting on their lives, with Amy’s raw and vulnerable moments about her struggles with addiction setting a somber, reflective tone. Then, Bloom walks out, dressed in a sleek black gown, her presence commanding yet approachable. Her first song, Adele’s "Hometown Glory," is instantly captivating. Bloom's voice, with its warm, rich tone, channels Adele’s signature sound so closely that it’s hard to believe this isn’t the real thing.
Between songs, Bloom breaks the ice with a bit of self-deprecating humour, acknowledging that few in the audience probably know who she is. "We're not a traditional tribute show, and I’m not here to pretend to be Adele or Amy Winehouse,” she says. “We’re here to celebrate their music.” And celebrate, she does. Bloom's rendition of "Make You Feel My Love" is tender and heartfelt, while her soaring performance of "Valerie" hits all the right emotional peaks, leaving the audience spellbound.
What truly stands out is Bloom’s ability to transition seamlessly between the soulful contralto of Amy Winehouse and Adele’s powerful range. When she launches into Amy’s "Back to Black," Bloom captures the raw emotion and smoky tone of Winehouse’s voice, honouring Amy’s legacy without trying to mimic her troubled persona. Her performance of "Me and Mr. Jones" has a playful swagger, and the audience can't help but join in, cheering at Bloom’s cheeky comment about whether anyone minds a bit of swearing before the song kicks off.
Highlights of the night include a chilling rendition of Carol King’s "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?" that feels like a soulful homage to both Amy and Adele’s vocal stylings. The entire room is entranced, clapping and swaying along.
Later, the rhythm-driven "Water Under the Bridge" pumps with the precision of the backing band’s drums and bass, adding energy to the night.
Bloom’s mezzo-soprano voice hits so close to Adele’s that, if you closed your eyes, you'd almost swear you were hearing the real deal. The only giveaway? The absence of Adele’s signature cockney twang on those lingering notes. But here’s the kicker: Bloom isn’t here to imitate. She doesn’t need to. Her voice is a force of nature all on its own, carving out a space where she pays homage to Adele without ever slipping into mimicry. This isn't about impersonation—it's about celebration, and Bloom brings her own powerhouse energy to the stage, proving she’s got the vocal chops to stand tall in her own right.
The standout moment of the night? No question—it was Bloom’s jaw-dropping take on Adele’s 2012 Bond anthem, "Skyfall." As soon as that haunting piano intro hit, you could feel the room tighten with anticipation. Bloom didn’t just hit the notes; she soared through them, effortlessly sliding between harmonies before launching into those iconic peaks. It was like watching a vocal tightrope act, with Bloom playing the sherpa to Adele’s mountaineer, scaling those towering notes with precision and power. Few singers on this planet can pull off what she did—she took on that mountain and nearly stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the original.
As the night draws to a close, Bloom’s encore, Adele’s "Rolling In The Deep," feels like a final triumph—a song that blends soul, grit, and heartfelt emotion, which perfectly encapsulates what Bloom has achieved in her tribute to these two iconic artists.
Having first discovered Adele on Later... with Jools Holland back in 2007, I’ve long admired her unmatched voice and range. Admittedly, I was skeptical about how tonight would measure up. Yet, as I left Paraoa Brewing Co., I found myself thoroughly impressed. Bloom didn’t just meet my expectations—she shattered them. This wasn’t just a tribute show; it was an experience, a celebration of two of the greatest voices of our time, brought to life by a true talent in her own right.
If you haven’t yet visited Paraoa Brewing Co. or caught one of Bloom’s performances, now’s the time. This venue is becoming a beacon for incredible international acts, and after tonight, I’ll definitely be back.
Blooms band are:
Amanda Canzurlo - (Bloom)
James Morley - Bass (ex The Angels, Choirboys, Jon English)
Eddy Santacreu - Guitar
Trevor Stockton - Keys
David Kirby - drums
Blooms set list for the night:
- Hometown Glory
- Make You Feel My Love
- Back To Black
- Set Fire To The Rain
- Love Is A Losing Game
- Skyfall
- You Know Im No Good
- Will You Still Love Me
- Easy On Me
- 10.Water Under The Bridge
- 11.Send My Love
- 12.Me And Mr Jones
- 13.Tears Dry On Their Own
- 14.Rumour Has It
- 15.Rehab
- 16.Valerie
- 17.Someone Like You
- 18.Don't Stop - Fleetwood Mac
- 19.Rolling In The Deep
Reviewer: Paul Marshall
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