Gavjazz (the name Gavin Nicklette displays on his keyboard) offers a colourful and creative confessional cabaret, with a roulette-like spin for live songs and life stories.
He is a self-described jazz/pop-fused pianist/vocalist, and his skills can be appreciated in that order, plus a remarkably engaging and open person/a/lity on, and likely off, the stage.
There must be an embarrassment of riches in his vast repertoire, as he can take the risk of leaving to chance the choice of numbers (in more than one sense) to be performed.
Amanda, his bestie, provides harmonising vocals in many cases, and practical support in organising the game of chance. As Gavin explains, there is a multi-layered range of emotions recognised by professionals, and a series of them is available for display on a board, next to the numbers of the spinning wheel. When one is selected, another takes its place, as the same number may come up again when everyone chants 'spin, spin, spin!'.
The challenge comes with the match between each of the randomly chosen emotions and a song. This association is mediated through a personal recollection of a suitable event.
To complicate this exercise, there is the statistical probability of not having rehearsed in advance a particular song with Amanda. Still, her lovely sound is often added to the notes played by Gavin, and the words he sings.
Not all lyrics may be familiar or recognisable, especially if one has not been following pop stars over more or less recent decades, and the most enthusiastic applause is in response to the better-known / evergreen tunes.
The most engaging part is the telling of anecdotes, sometimes rather private, shared in a frank and often humorous way. Real-life stories, even revealing weaknesses and doubts, are delivered by the performer, who is baring not only his midriff and legs.
Besides golden shorts and crop top, enriched with feathers on the shoulders, the stage appearance of Gavjazz includes striking eye makeup and a playful headdress. Colourful in many ways, this show is indeed a winner!