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Veteran Frankie Valli takes fans down memory lane

Polly CoufosPerthNow

AT 77, the original Jersey Boy Frankie Valli is clearly not quite the singer he once was and the billing was something of a misnomer as in fact none of the other original Four Seasons were present, but to dwell on these two points too long when there was so much else to enjoy means you'd have missed a great night out.

It was sensible, strategic even, the way that Valli approached last night’s set. The veteran is only too aware of what he can and can’t do these days. Firstly it appeared much of the power of his piercing falsetto had gone (although he did keep something in reserve until the 100 minute show reached its climax), but his voice remains absolutely distinctive. Clever vocal arrangements enabled a young, four-man harmony section to lay down an incredibly rich bed to envelope, support and, when the moment was required, hide the singer.

That’s no criticism, for the show was a triumph in making the most of what he had. And what he had was his still unmistakable voice and a catalogue of songs that deserve to be shared. It may not have sounded like it was still 1962, but Frankie Valli still sounded like Frankie Valli. Swearin’ To God still sounded like Swearin’ To God, Who Loves You still sounded like Who Loves You and Grease can still blow the roof any place baby boomers and their offspring have gathered.

There were more hits than a party with a piñata. Gem followed gem, each sounding close enough to the original to please the huge crowd. This included some not so instantly recalled signposts like Opus 17 (Don’t You Worry ‘Bout Me), Beggin’ and Tell It To The Rain. Added to that were a handful of choice ‘60s covers (“a few that were stolen from us” Valli quipped in his introduction) including a gorgeous medley of My Girl and Groovin’. The gentle side of things is still well within his reach and many of the night’s highlights came with ballad material like I’ve Got You Under My Skin and My Eyes Adored You.

A fantastic small orchestra played arrangements full of depth and colour. This included an Australian five-man horn section which added polish to the pop songs and some real swing to the ‘70s material. When they lunged into Grease they just might have been the funkiest white band on the planet at that moment.

In one aspect it was pretty close to cabaret, with the moves of the “Four Seasons” who came across as the Village People on a day when their costumes hadn’t arrived on time. They were each given an opportunity to shine on December 1963 but none really left their mark on the song. Then again, the joy always was in the anticipation in waiting for Valli’s entrance on the chorus.

The diminutive singer held off the run of troubling songs until the end and with his voice suitably warmed up he pushed himself on the big three Sherry, Walk Like A Man and Big Girls Don’t Cry. It appeared he’d been saving himself to make sure he had enough in the tank for these demanding, incredibly youthful and testosterone-fuelled songs. They sounded magnificent.

On a beautiful moonlit night it was well worth the walk down memory lane.

Frankie Valli And The Four Seasons

Pioneer Womens Memorial, Kings Park Botanic Garden

Tuesday, March 27, 2012.