Reviews
Melbourne Stage Online, Written by Jan Chandler, Sunday, 21 January
2007
"The show itself was full of energy and fans were not disappointed
with some twenty-three Cat Steven's hits performed with skill and passion by
Coggan and his band made up of his sister Naomi Coggan (musical
director, keyboards, piano accordion), Jack Bennett (drums), Brett Canning
(bass guitar) and Ben Edgar (electric guitar), with backing vocals provided
by Simone Kay and Nilusha.
The songs were linked by commentary from
Coggan outlining some of the key events of Stevens' life and linking them
with the music he chose to write and perform. At times Coggan took on the
persona of Cat Stevens, complete with English accent with some wonderful
musical performances especially from Naomi Coggan and Ben
Edgar.
Moonshadows is very much a show for lovers of Cat Stevens' music
and the opening night audience were warm in their response, with many
'dancing' in their seats and generous applause after each song. The show
culminated in a standing ovation followed by a rousing rendition of Peace
Train. This was a night of memories and a night to
remember."
SUNDAY HERALD SUN, SUN 21 JAN 2007, Page E19, By SCOTT
PODMORE
"Prepare to board Darren Coggan's peace train, Moonshadows --
an enthralling and mystical journey through the life of singer/songwriter
Cat Stevens (now Yusuf Islam). Coggan's voice is uncanny in resemblance
(timbre and tone) as he delivers songs with Stevens-like precision and nails
his unusual accent. His narration is respectful and informed, plucking
poignant chapters of Stevens' life up to that moment ``the Cat'' became Yusuf
and retreated for almost 30 years in his search for inner peace
and "guidance''.
With a single strum of a guitar chord, Coggan breaks
from narrator to artist with precision. It's compelling stuff as the audience
can't help but hanker for what's coming, whether it be a deadly accurate
blast of another hit -- Wild World, The First Cut Is the Deepest, Father and
Son, Morning Has Broken -- or yet another insightful snippet of the artist's
life. Coggan's performance is helped by a subtle set, altered only in slight
details as the storyline changes mood.
He is backed by a sharp band -- led by sister/keyboardist/musical director, Naomi Coggan, who exudes energy
and passion -- as he seamlessly weaves the Cat Stevens story in song and
speech in what ends with a standing ovation on opening night."
The Age
Author: MARTIN BALL, REVIEWER
Date: 20/01/2007
Section: News
Page: 27
"Moonshadows: a Magical Tribute to Cat Stevens paints a
musical and biographical portrait of the singer-songwriter's career from his
beginnings in the cafes of West London, up to the time he converted to
Islam and disappeared from the music scene. Darren Coggan takes on all
roles, performing the music, narrating the story and also channelling Cat
Stevens by impersonating the singer's voice and telling stories from his
life. It's a huge role and Coggan gives a sustained and committed
performance, backed by a six-piece band."
SUNDAY HERALD SUN, ALBUM
REVIEW, PETE BEST, 28/01/07
"Coggan's musical story-telling tribute is
outstanding, as is his singing and playing. The CD packs in 22 of the songs
from this unmissable stage show at the Athenaeum. In short this is the
soundtrack to the best show in Melbourne"
"This was a passionate performance by Darren showcasing some of the best
songs from Cat Stevens accompanied by an extraordinary backing
band.
The entire performance was testosterone-charged with a
with a powerhouse vocal performance by Darren.
You
wouldn't get any closer to Cat Stevens and l recommend that every serious music buff or industry identity see this performance at the
Athenaeum Theatre 039650 1500."
Gary Turner
Toorak Metro New Star Newspaper Group QLD.
"Coggan has found a quality of voice which is so close to the original
that you would think it is Cat Stevens himself. The band and
backing singers supporting Coggan, perhaps especially musical director Naomi
Coggan on Piano and Keyboard are impressive. Seeing a band play this music makes
you realise how diverse and complex Steven's compositions are. The commitment
from the writer Peter Cox is not just to the music, but to the message. The
result is an exciting concert and a dramatic narrative with a worthwhile
theme."
FRANK MCKONE, The Canberra Times, Tuesday April 24, 2007
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