RARELY does an artist's musical interpretation stand up in comparison to that of the original.
But for the past 30 years, RENEE GEYER has successfully re-recorded classic hits and branded them with her own soulful touch.
Last month Geyer returned with her latest album Tenderland , which also marks her 20th album release.
The album features a 12-track collection of soulful numbers previously recorded by the likes of OTIS REDDING, MARVIN GAYE, PRINCE, GLADYS KNIGHT, LULU and BOBBIE GENTRY .
Geyer described Tenderland as the album that she wanted to make for a long time and said it gave her the chance to pay tribute to the songs and music that had shaped her career.
``I consider this an originals album, not a covers album, because we weren't trying to copy the originals'' Geyer said.
``I think we've been humble enough to pay homage to the originals of all these songs and have thrown another slant on them.
'' Perfecting the craft of soul has been in the blood of Geyer from a young age.
As a young girl who would sleep with a radio under her bed, she sang along to the sounds of DUSTY SPRINGFIELD and ARETHA FRANKLIN .
It was as a teenager that Geyer discovered her talent for performing when she was encouraged to sing a version of the BEE GEES' To Love Somebody with a band.
Her talent was instantly recognised and by age 22 she had a hit with her stunning take on JAMES BROWN 's It's a Man's, Man's World .
She went on to tour with the likes of JOE COCKER and CHAKA KHAN and was a successful studio singer, recording with the likes of STING .
Her reputation grew through live shows and with the release of the singles Say I Love You, Stares and Whispers and Heading in the Right Direction.
Tenderland not only rediscovers the work of past classics, but also features a re-working of her hit Heading in the Right Direction .
``It was the first original thing Australia heard me do and it was part of my favourite record of all time, Ready To Deal .
``So I thought it should be on this record, as we do it live now, after all these years.
'' The album also includes version's of PRINCE 's Thieves in the Temple , GLADYS KNIGHT 's Midnight Train to Georgia , CURTIS MAYFIELD 's Makings of You and ROSE ROYCE 's Love Don't Live Here Anymore.
Geyer also took on MARVIN GAYE 's classic Sexual Healing .
Although she concedes that she was wary of attempting to tackle a version of the track herself, Geyer maintains that she is not one to back down from a challenge.
``That was the one I was most worried about on the record because it's so sacred to a lot of people.
``I thought that the only way I could do this song, because I love it so much, was by going completely organic, rather than drum machines which is what Marvin had.
'' Following her performance before a sold-out crowd at WEST LEAGUES CLUB in 2002, Geyer will return to the club for one show only.
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