Band: Boomla
Venue: The Prince Bandroom
Date: 6th December 2007
Reviewed By: Lyn
Boomla’s debut show has arrived!! Arriving at the POW to see a band I’ve not heard of is always an experience.
The stage was set up with room for many - 11 muso’s and one ballerina to be precise.
The great lead vocals came from Syrene, in one of the most eclectic outfits I’ve seen on a singer. She had a voice a girl would die for, well not literally but almost!
All other band members wore old fashioned outfits which included vests, hats, ties and braces, all very fitting. The two gorgeous female backing vocalists grooved and danced all night with beaming smiles - when you looked at them one couldn’t help smiling back.
I was told that one or two members of Boomla play with Gotye. The lights were not spectacular but kinda suited the band and flowed well with the music. Their backdrops of rain and flowers were enchanting to watch. Include an instrumental, guitar solo and violin solo, a girl dancing for a few songs, an amazing front singer, excellent backing singers and you have one excellent show from an up and coming band. A top night out was had by all.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Perko and Cruicky
Band: Tex Perkins & James Cruickshank, supported by Abby Dobson
Venue: Ruby's Lounge
Date: Sunday 10th December 2007
Reviewed By: Heather. Photos are as good as they get from a mobile phone (thanks, Lyn!)
This particular night was a first for me on three fronts.
1. My first girls-only night out to see a band with Lyn - Yay!
2. The first time I've seen Abby Dobson
3. My first viewing of Lyn's beloved Tex in the flesh
I fronted up to Ruby's a little nervous. The reason? I was seeing Tex with a Tex fanatic. I wasn't sure if I'd like his music, and what do you say to an ardent fan who has bought you a ticket to see her favourite artist if you don't enjoy yourself?
Thankfully there was no cause for worry. I had a fantastic night.
Abby Dobson was gorgeous. Her very Jewel-like voice kept us spellbound. The former frontwoman of Leonardo's Bride has only improved in the ten years since the peak of the band's popularity and the track "Even When I'm Sleeping" in the late nineties. Her voice has taken on a more earthy tone while maintaining its unique characteristics, as she delved into a soulful and beautiful performance.
Abby was joined on stage by Melbourne boy Eden Altman from Moon Jelly. His electric guitar and her acoustic, as well as their vocals, were fused into one for the whole set.
Suffice to say I was impressed. Impressed by the quality of the performance, by the smooth way Abby conducted herself onstage, by the songwriting.
After such a good support set we were ready to stand up and get ready for the main event. I was still a little uncertain about whether I'd enjoy the performance, but my worries faded after the first song.
Tex and James (accompanied on stage by a small plastic horse mascot affixed to the keyboard) were nothing short of phenomenal showmen. Their antics were hilarious, their music was great, their song choices perfect, Tex's ripped jeans very fitting for the occasion. [Side note: do people actually rip their jeans up on purpose, or do they wear them so much they fall apart?]
Tex's gravelly voice is classic Aussie rock at its best. And I mean classic. He could stand up alongside Paul Kelly and Jimmy Barnes and hold his own impressively. The faster songs rocked. The ballads were absorbing. The storytelling lyrics read like the thoughts of the working man at the end of a hard week who has found out his girlfriend has moved out. OK, I can't really connect to them. Female, wife of a white-collar worker, mother, part-time worker in the IT industry - none of what Tex sang about relates to me. I am not an Aussie rock fan - I wouldn't play a Men at Work CD in my car if my life depended on it. But I appreciated the honesty of the songs - and the way they were delivered, without taking anything too seriously, was refreshing.
From the technical point of view of a "proper" fan, Lyn has let me know that the setlist included Here I am, Another Rain Song, Half of Nothing, Paychecks, The Singer of the Song and Anybody But You. His repertoire included songs from several bands - The Cruel Sea, Tex and Tim, Tex, Don and Charlie and Dark Horses. Of these I know nothing, Tex virgin that I am. I was content to simply enjoy the experience.
Amidst enjoying the impromptu comedy routines and banter between Tex, James and the sound man came the clincher for me. Tex threw back his head and launched into a spirited recitation of the lyrics to I Am Woman Hear Me Roar. I usually only laugh that hard when confronted by a particularly witty Adam Hills routine. I wish I had a video camera so I could relive the moment. In fact, I'm convinced that if music just doesn't work out for Tex (as unlikely as that is) he has a promising career on the stand up comedy circuit.
So after yet another superb night of music at Ruby's, I can honestly tell Lyn I had a great time. No, I'm not going out to buy every CD Tex has made, but I do subscribe to the idea that Tex is a very credible artist, a fantastic showman and I am not surprised he's on his way to becoming an Aussie rock icon.
Venue: Ruby's Lounge
Date: Sunday 10th December 2007
Reviewed By: Heather. Photos are as good as they get from a mobile phone (thanks, Lyn!)
This particular night was a first for me on three fronts.
1. My first girls-only night out to see a band with Lyn - Yay!
2. The first time I've seen Abby Dobson
3. My first viewing of Lyn's beloved Tex in the flesh
I fronted up to Ruby's a little nervous. The reason? I was seeing Tex with a Tex fanatic. I wasn't sure if I'd like his music, and what do you say to an ardent fan who has bought you a ticket to see her favourite artist if you don't enjoy yourself?
Thankfully there was no cause for worry. I had a fantastic night.
Abby Dobson was gorgeous. Her very Jewel-like voice kept us spellbound. The former frontwoman of Leonardo's Bride has only improved in the ten years since the peak of the band's popularity and the track "Even When I'm Sleeping" in the late nineties. Her voice has taken on a more earthy tone while maintaining its unique characteristics, as she delved into a soulful and beautiful performance.
Abby was joined on stage by Melbourne boy Eden Altman from Moon Jelly. His electric guitar and her acoustic, as well as their vocals, were fused into one for the whole set.
Suffice to say I was impressed. Impressed by the quality of the performance, by the smooth way Abby conducted herself onstage, by the songwriting.
After such a good support set we were ready to stand up and get ready for the main event. I was still a little uncertain about whether I'd enjoy the performance, but my worries faded after the first song.
Tex and James (accompanied on stage by a small plastic horse mascot affixed to the keyboard) were nothing short of phenomenal showmen. Their antics were hilarious, their music was great, their song choices perfect, Tex's ripped jeans very fitting for the occasion. [Side note: do people actually rip their jeans up on purpose, or do they wear them so much they fall apart?]
Tex's gravelly voice is classic Aussie rock at its best. And I mean classic. He could stand up alongside Paul Kelly and Jimmy Barnes and hold his own impressively. The faster songs rocked. The ballads were absorbing. The storytelling lyrics read like the thoughts of the working man at the end of a hard week who has found out his girlfriend has moved out. OK, I can't really connect to them. Female, wife of a white-collar worker, mother, part-time worker in the IT industry - none of what Tex sang about relates to me. I am not an Aussie rock fan - I wouldn't play a Men at Work CD in my car if my life depended on it. But I appreciated the honesty of the songs - and the way they were delivered, without taking anything too seriously, was refreshing.
From the technical point of view of a "proper" fan, Lyn has let me know that the setlist included Here I am, Another Rain Song, Half of Nothing, Paychecks, The Singer of the Song and Anybody But You. His repertoire included songs from several bands - The Cruel Sea, Tex and Tim, Tex, Don and Charlie and Dark Horses. Of these I know nothing, Tex virgin that I am. I was content to simply enjoy the experience.
Amidst enjoying the impromptu comedy routines and banter between Tex, James and the sound man came the clincher for me. Tex threw back his head and launched into a spirited recitation of the lyrics to I Am Woman Hear Me Roar. I usually only laugh that hard when confronted by a particularly witty Adam Hills routine. I wish I had a video camera so I could relive the moment. In fact, I'm convinced that if music just doesn't work out for Tex (as unlikely as that is) he has a promising career on the stand up comedy circuit.
So after yet another superb night of music at Ruby's, I can honestly tell Lyn I had a great time. No, I'm not going out to buy every CD Tex has made, but I do subscribe to the idea that Tex is a very credible artist, a fantastic showman and I am not surprised he's on his way to becoming an Aussie rock icon.
Monday, December 3, 2007
A Day With Lionel
Band: Lionel Richie, Supported By Mahalia Barnes and Marcia Hines
Venue: A Day on the Green Scotchman’s Hill at Spray Farm, Bellarine Peninsula; Rochford Winery, Yarra Valley
Date: Saturday 1st December and Sunday 2nd December
Reviewed By: Lyn. Photographs by Mark Geisel and Sarah
My youth certainly flooded back to me on this beautiful warm weekend in December when Lionel Richie sung hits from the 1970’s, 1980’s and today. More than 11,000 people showed up on the Saturday and 8,000 on the Sunday at wineries around Victoria . As soon as I heard Lionel was coming to town I just knew I had to go! Luck had it that I got to see both shows by working at them.
Where does one start! For a 58 year old, Lionel Brockman Richie Jr. still has what it takes to shake his groove thang (and mega lips to match)! His career started out in the band The Commodores, did you know they first caught the public eye whilst supporting Jackson 5? The name ‘The Commodores’ came from opening the dictionary and picking a word. So there you go, some trivia for you all!
Let’s start with the supports over the weekend.
Due to working I didn’t see Mahalia Barnes either day, but from what I heard she seemed to hold a powerful voice and style of music was soulful R&B.
Next was Marcia Hines. Born in the US, she began singing in the local church choir and was discovered at 16 by an Australian who wanted her in the stage performance of ‘Hair’ in Australia .
On the Saturday the crowd seemed to be bigger fans of Marcia, cheering her on big time, and the fans were vocally sad when she finished. Wearing colourful attire most of the show she took off her second top for the last song to reveal black top and pants. She has a beautiful voice. Supported with a big band, she played a lot of cover songs and the crowd joyfully sang and danced along, one punter displaying his love for Marcia by holding up one of her records! Her set ended with the Donna Summer song Ain’t Nobody, and we find out Marcia and Donna knew each other in the US as kids but didn’t like each other.
We had a bit of a wait for Lionel, perhaps waiting for the sun to dip for the day. Full lights were on, not that they made much difference on the Sunday due to the show being an earlier start. A bit late, but better late than never, out came Lionel. We saw him running from backstage on the big screen, and then the yelling and cheering started as he made it onto the front stage. Lionel looked out at us all with amazement. Humanity was everywhere, with no grassy spots to be seen.
By this time burnt and drunk were bodies all over the place! Saturday I felt had more drunken bodies than the Sunday.
Lionel started with a new song then launched into Lady Lover, then Easy, Ballerina Girl and then Oh No. Lionel chatted a lot to us and is very good at getting the crowd cheering, clapping and singing. He told us he created a dance called the Fly Dance at the Sunday show, due to the large amount of flies he swats hand around face and neck. He says he would take his top off (to which many people - or maybe I ought to say girls – scream rather loudly) but to the disappointment of a few, the shirt stayed on.
The next song was Stuck On You, followed by the big hit - before which Lionel warns us he’s not responsible for anything that happens in the crowd after this point - Dancing On the Ceiling’. True to Lionel's promise, this caused the whole crowd to stand up and dance about! I thought this may have been the last song of the night but that wasn’t to be.
For Three Times a Lady’ the couples in the Saturday crowd got up and slow danced together. Next was You Are, followed by Endless Love. Instead of having Diana Ross sing the duet, he asked all the females in the audience to sing her part! A Commodore medley included Sweet Love and Brickhouse, then Lionel and the band bowed and made their exit. Pandemonium followed, and naturally Mr Richie was back and at piano again to sing Hello, which is a gorgeous song. With big smiles, Lionel waved to the crowd. The song to end on was All Night Long, and I’m sure people took those words literally.
Both days had the same setlist, and Lionel and band did an amazing job. Unfortunately I didn’t catch the names of the band members on the Saturday and the Sunday I didn’t hear him mention them (maybe I was taking a break myself). My only disappointment was the fact he didn’t play Say You Say Me, but it was a truly memorable weekend at both wineries. I preferred the Rochford winery set up as I felt it was more open for all to see the stage and less squishy. If haven't been to A Day On the Green I suggest you head to one. Great bands, friendly punters and workers and some lovely wine to boot!
Venue: A Day on the Green Scotchman’s Hill at Spray Farm, Bellarine Peninsula; Rochford Winery, Yarra Valley
Date: Saturday 1st December and Sunday 2nd December
Reviewed By: Lyn. Photographs by Mark Geisel and Sarah
My youth certainly flooded back to me on this beautiful warm weekend in December when Lionel Richie sung hits from the 1970’s, 1980’s and today. More than 11,000 people showed up on the Saturday and 8,000 on the Sunday at wineries around Victoria . As soon as I heard Lionel was coming to town I just knew I had to go! Luck had it that I got to see both shows by working at them.
Where does one start! For a 58 year old, Lionel Brockman Richie Jr. still has what it takes to shake his groove thang (and mega lips to match)! His career started out in the band The Commodores, did you know they first caught the public eye whilst supporting Jackson 5? The name ‘The Commodores’ came from opening the dictionary and picking a word. So there you go, some trivia for you all!
Let’s start with the supports over the weekend.
Due to working I didn’t see Mahalia Barnes either day, but from what I heard she seemed to hold a powerful voice and style of music was soulful R&B.
Next was Marcia Hines. Born in the US, she began singing in the local church choir and was discovered at 16 by an Australian who wanted her in the stage performance of ‘Hair’ in Australia .
On the Saturday the crowd seemed to be bigger fans of Marcia, cheering her on big time, and the fans were vocally sad when she finished. Wearing colourful attire most of the show she took off her second top for the last song to reveal black top and pants. She has a beautiful voice. Supported with a big band, she played a lot of cover songs and the crowd joyfully sang and danced along, one punter displaying his love for Marcia by holding up one of her records! Her set ended with the Donna Summer song Ain’t Nobody, and we find out Marcia and Donna knew each other in the US as kids but didn’t like each other.
We had a bit of a wait for Lionel, perhaps waiting for the sun to dip for the day. Full lights were on, not that they made much difference on the Sunday due to the show being an earlier start. A bit late, but better late than never, out came Lionel. We saw him running from backstage on the big screen, and then the yelling and cheering started as he made it onto the front stage. Lionel looked out at us all with amazement. Humanity was everywhere, with no grassy spots to be seen.
By this time burnt and drunk were bodies all over the place! Saturday I felt had more drunken bodies than the Sunday.
Lionel started with a new song then launched into Lady Lover, then Easy, Ballerina Girl and then Oh No. Lionel chatted a lot to us and is very good at getting the crowd cheering, clapping and singing. He told us he created a dance called the Fly Dance at the Sunday show, due to the large amount of flies he swats hand around face and neck. He says he would take his top off (to which many people - or maybe I ought to say girls – scream rather loudly) but to the disappointment of a few, the shirt stayed on.
The next song was Stuck On You, followed by the big hit - before which Lionel warns us he’s not responsible for anything that happens in the crowd after this point - Dancing On the Ceiling’. True to Lionel's promise, this caused the whole crowd to stand up and dance about! I thought this may have been the last song of the night but that wasn’t to be.
For Three Times a Lady’ the couples in the Saturday crowd got up and slow danced together. Next was You Are, followed by Endless Love. Instead of having Diana Ross sing the duet, he asked all the females in the audience to sing her part! A Commodore medley included Sweet Love and Brickhouse, then Lionel and the band bowed and made their exit. Pandemonium followed, and naturally Mr Richie was back and at piano again to sing Hello, which is a gorgeous song. With big smiles, Lionel waved to the crowd. The song to end on was All Night Long, and I’m sure people took those words literally.
Both days had the same setlist, and Lionel and band did an amazing job. Unfortunately I didn’t catch the names of the band members on the Saturday and the Sunday I didn’t hear him mention them (maybe I was taking a break myself). My only disappointment was the fact he didn’t play Say You Say Me, but it was a truly memorable weekend at both wineries. I preferred the Rochford winery set up as I felt it was more open for all to see the stage and less squishy. If haven't been to A Day On the Green I suggest you head to one. Great bands, friendly punters and workers and some lovely wine to boot!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
