patti.txt

http://www.nightnews.net/fringe2008.htm#patti

Dada Noir - Patti Plinko and her Boy
venue :: C central
see links :: http://www.myspace.com/PattiPlinkoandherBoy
http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=42673999
category :: Music
Reviewed date :: 23 08 08

Review: Patti Plinko is a petite and diminutive figure, she is 
onstage clutching her ukulele at her last minute sound check. 
It’s a bit chaotic at C Central as the last act is tidied up and
Patti prepares to go on. The room is sparse and there is a big 
queue at the ticket desk upstairs. The sound check is fun, the 
snatches of tunes seem promising and her tall ‘boy’ accompanies
her on guitar. When the audience is admitted, this 23rd out of
25 gigs that Patti has booked into this festival will be quite
busy. Some theatrical touches are apparent when the gig starts,
Patti wears a blindfold, the 'boy' on guitar has a gas mask on 
and the microphone stand is wrapped in red roses. Not only is 
the opening a spoof on the 'Sound of Music' but also Patti's 
voice is hoarse and sexy and is of the type that gets instant 
and riveting attention. Patti lives up to her press, she has a
dark acoustic style that is anarchic and subversive without being
derivative in any way. Brel, Piaf, Tom Waits and others may inspire
her but most of her songs and singing style are as unique and 
original as herself. While 'the boy' in the gas mask bobs about
and accompanies her, Patti sings songs about murder, suicide and 
adultery in the cheeriest and most inspiring manner. Her Billie
Holliday number is a darkly humorous pastiche and Patti's vocals
are interspersed with shifts into mouth music where clicks and
hums replace words. 'Circus Girl II,' is a tribute to Camille 
O'Sullivan, a big Patti idol and whom she managed to entice onto
her own stage earlier during this fringe, to the great delight 
of both. (I understand that last year she was networking onstage
with Amanda Palmer!) Later there is a Tom Waits cover with a 
unique musical and vocal re-interpretation. A bit of competition
between Patti and 'the boy' with their string plucking work offers
some comic moments but its not longed before we are plunged back 
into songs about art, love, betrayal, prostitutes, strippers, lechery
and more suicides! With an inimitable and original style, Patti 
Plinko communicates tireless energy and a profound, engaging talent.
Patti Plinko and her gas mask wearing 'Boy' have put together a 
brilliant, fun, enjoyable set, that is over far too quickly!
5 gold bats

by John C Vassallo