Renee Geyer has long reigned over soul, funk, jazz, blues, big band, reggae, hip-hop and pretty much every musical style.
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Australia's queen of the sound scene will bring all that and more to the Royal Hotel in Queanbeyan on Thursday, November 14.
The eclectic artist is touring small east coast venues with acoustic gigs, accompanied by just a double bass, keyboards and guitar.
"I'll be doing all the usual songs, but with a three-piece," she told the Age. "Changing the approach keeps things interesting."
With Heading in the right direction, Stares and whispers, It's a man's man's world and Say I love you, the show is sure to sell out.
Geyer's career began in 1971 in Sydney when a friend took her along to the rehearsal of acquiantances who were forming a band.
She got steady work, but after her debut on ABC TV's Countdown in 1974, her career took off. She didn't sound like anyone else.
"Aretha Franklin was my major influence, but I had many," Geyer said. "To say I don't sound like anyone else is a great compliment."
In the 1980s, she tackled the US, performing with some of the biggest names: Sting, Stevie Wonder, Toni Childs, Joe Cocker.
Although international success as a solo artist was elusive, she's not concerned. "I think I've done pretty well," Geyer reflected.
"I live in Australia by choice. People in America and Europe know my name. That's good enough for me."
In the early 2000s she took another left turn by collaborating with Australian hip-hop act TZU on the song Take it easy.
"I've collaborated with many, many people over the years. I'm always interested in new sounds," she said.
"If it seems like a good idea, I go ahead with it."
Yet Geyer says she rarely writes songs any more. "I'm lazy, so I don't write much. It happens when it happens."
She said people could expect plenty of variety in her show:
"'Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue'. I'll do the songs people know, plus my version of songs from other people.
"As long as I'm around doing what I do, I'll keep doing it. I love music and am lucky I have a job that I love."
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