Amy Winehouse is up there with the musical greats in her league such as Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday, and during Back To Back – The Music of Amy Winehouse, songstress Reine Beau and the Night Owl band whisked the audience away in a night of nostalgia and reverie for the late singer.

Returning to Adelaide Fringe all the way from the UK, the band – made up of keys, bass, guitar, drums, and a special saxophone appearance were tight, giving Beau license to belt out Winehouse’s hits along with a few lesser-known jazz numbers.

Beau’s presence was sultry and cheeky. She knew how to work the crowd and get the audience off their seat, clapping and grooving along in the more up-tempo songs such as “Valerie” and “Rehab.”

There were also poignant moments of reflection, with one highlight a stripped back rendition of “Love Is A Losing Game” that brought the goosebumps despite the balmy night.

Interluding the songs, Beau told stories of Winehouse’s life from her early start at just 10 years of age singing for the National Jazz Band in London, to her later career where her fame and harassment by the paparazzi caused her troubles to her impressive writing session with Mark Ronson where she wrote the lyrics to the titular “Back to Black” in 30 minutes.

Beau pays homage to the musical genius of Winehouse in the most respectful of ways. You can tell she has truly found inspiration in her musicality and lyrics. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or are interested to know more about the legend of Amy Winehouse, Back To Back – The Music of Amy Winehouse will leave you with a renewed appreciation of the mark she left on the music industry during her life.

**** Four stars.

Back To Black – The Music of Amy Winehouse is showing in Gluttony in the Octagon Tent until Sunday, March 17. Don’t miss it and get your tickets here.