Secret Show by Emma Knights

Emma Knights is well known around town. Known and respected interstate and internationally too, but it’s around Adelaide that she has mostly made her impact. Emma works tirelessly to support local artists, products, services and venues. With a host of awards such as SA Tourism awards, she is a rare breed of creative and talented, as well as selfless and supportive. So often found behind a piano, behind a signer, behind other artists, it is both a treat and truly heartwarming to see Emma perform original songs in a solo show.

Emma is testing the material ahead of an album release and has launched this show quietly, such is her modesty and professionalism. She requests feedback from the audience and provides a printed song list and pens so we can share our thoughts.

Emma’s warm and friendly personality shines though as well as her humour and cheeky personality. She is talented, educated, experienced in life (as echoed in a few songs) and very, very funny.

Emma Knights performing Secret Show with lighting by Tom Kitney

Emma Knights performing Secret Show with lighting by Tom Kitney

Each of Emma’s songs reflects and is inspired by a personal story. Each one has its own emotion and own style. One of Emma’s talents and one which I think is quite rare, is that her superbly crafted compositions enable the music to tell the story as much as the lyrics do. And the lyrics are exceptional. Well written and evocative.

Although I am classically trained in piano, I’m not a trained singer, so cannot critique on a purely technical level, but I can say that Emma’s voice is versatile and beautiful. She hits high notes, middle range and low register notes with aplomb. She openly shares a few experimental moments, one of which we all laughed along with as she admitted the sound check “went a little better” (ssshhhh Emma, we wouldn’t have noticed!). It was still brilliant.

The songs ranged in tempo and style to create an interesting and compelling mix. I personally loved the jazzy numbers the most and they were full of energy, humour and personality. The slower numbers were full of ethos and emotion. For one song Emma provided a language warning, but I think she should have provided an emotion warning as a few of the songs really tugged at the heart strings, in the most beautiful and poignant way.

As an audience there was a tangible feeling of connection, shared laughter and a few tears. Moving, fun, inspirational. Cannot wait for the album.

You can follow Emma Knights’ adventures on her website: https://emmaknights.com/
Subscribe to her newsletter to be informed of all her shows.
I highly recommend one of Emma’s inspirational and fun ‘Floating
Melodies’ events: https://floatingmelodies.com/

Author: Samantha Tipler

I live to create and I thrive on others' creativity and passion. I write, paint, design, market and engage (and drink wine). You can find more about my art and corporate communications at screamcreative.com

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