Adam Kubota has worked with Scott Bradlee, the creative force behind Postmodern Jukebox, for many years.
“What he does it amazing,” said Kubota, a bassist who’ll be part of the performance Tuesday at the Miller Theater. “There’s not a challenge he won’t take.”
Bradlee takes new music and puts a vintage spin on it. He started more than a decade ago in a basement in Queens, transforming pieces for the greats of yesteryear.
He’s taken Olivia Rodrigo’s “Happier” and given it a 1960s girls’ group spin; he’s taken Lizzo’s “Juice,” and given it the “Great Gatsby” 1920s feel; and Spice Girls’ “Wannabee” has hints of the Andrews Sisters and the 1940s
“Part of the challenge is making it original, while making it recognizable,” he said.
The melody line is always similar, but it’s the style that he transforms it into.
“Ever since I was in middle school, I knew I was something of an old soul,” Scott Bradlee said in a post at the Miller Theater’s website. “While my friends listened to ‘90s pop hits, I listened to old jazz and Motown records and spent hours upon hours attempting to figure out their inner workings on the piano. Listening to these records truly transported me – I appreciated the creativity, the skill, and — above all — natural talent that went into their creation.”
Postmodern Jukebox features multiple musicians and singers to bring a complete experience, and Kubota said the group that is part of this season is filled with talented performers.
Not only do the performers create the sound of certain eras, but they bring the look with the show as well.
The “grand reopening tour” is actually two tours in one. Postmodern Jukebox has a U.S. tour going simultaneously with its European tour.
Doors open for Tuesday’s show at 6:30 p.m. with the performance at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $49-$89 and are available at millertheatreaugusta.com.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the managing editor of The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com
