As one promotional tagline proclaims – one is good with his fingers; the other is good with his mouth – long time collaborators Jamie MacDowell and Tom Thum are the perfect combination of sexy and swagger that will seduce your senses and leave you wanting more – in a musical sense, of course.

Playing to a sold out crowd on the second of their five-show run this Adelaide Fringe, the charismatic duo wowed those in attendance with their unique mix of impressive musical ability and witty banter that is as spontaneous as it is spellbinding. Creating all the songs live on stage with the use of samplers, synthesisers and raw talent alone (there’s no backing tracks here, folks), mischievous human beatbox Tom Thum and soulful singer/songwriter Jamie MacDowell took the audience on a one-of-kind acoustic adventure, traversing all manner of musical genres with Thum’s signature style complimented by MacDowell’s melodious guitar playing. Educational as it was entertaining, the one hour show included a surprise cameo by Thum’s girlfriend (sorry ladies), the impressively talented Franky Smart (aka Claire Walter) who’s jazz-inspired vocals folded seamlessly into the musical mash up that on paper appears as if it won’t work, but in practice so successfully does.

Despite a few technical difficulties and occasional lyrical miss-steps along the way, the duo were always able to regather and make light of the situation, creating a relaxed atmosphere that made the performance all the more enjoyable. Featuring a host of Thum and MacDowell’s collaborations from across the years, the show also gave each the opportunity to showcase their own individual brand of musical mastery in two short spots in the night. Tom Thum, as always, blew everyone away with his spellbinding talent that must truly be seen to be believed and Jamie MacDowell, with his endearing on-stage presence and poetic, lyric-heavy arrangements, serenaded the audience with his insightful love songs that came from the heart and spoke to the soul.

After sell-out shows at home and abroad, it doesn’t take a musical genius to figure out why this terrific twosome have continued their truly unique musical partnership that dates back to the Tom Tom Crew days. A refreshing alternative to the solo show performed by Tom Thum at Adelaide Fringe festivals in the past, this is one of this year’s must-see shows and one can’t help but get excited about next year’s offering (fingers crossed) already.

Jamie MacDowell & Tom Thum continues at The Royal Croquet Club until Sunday, March 13.

FRINGE FIX

Adelaide Festival and Fringe fever has hit the city, and ripitup.com.au is here to help. With daily reviews, interviews and features on a huge range of acts, we’re your best bet for finding the perfect show for you. Head to our Fringe Fix guide for the freshest festival news and remember, always #FringeResponsibly