Band: Shihad
Venue: Hi Fi Bar and Ballroom
Date: 12th June 2008
Reviewed By: Lyn Harder
Venue: Hi Fi Bar and Ballroom
Date: 12th June 2008
Reviewed By: Lyn Harder
Photography By : Mark Geisel
Shihad
rocked!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Friday, June 13, 2008
John "JT" Tomaino at Veludo Bar
Photos By: Mark Geisel
Live review and info about his new EP.
A Tuesday night in st Kilda had me venture out to the Veludo Bar to see a solo performance from JOHN “JT " TOMAINO. Having read great reviews about JT (as I’ll call him too) I thought I’d check it out for myself. JT recorded the EP with care and love in Scott Matthews’s boutique personal studio in San Francisco using analogue gear which brought about a non glitzy appeal to the EP. JT is very passionate earthy person, who could talk about his music forever, nothing wrong with that though! Many punters turned out tonight to sit and enjoy the solo show. I must say I enjoyed the gig and when I listened to the EP I had the feeling that seeing JT with band would be excellent. The EP treats us to JT’s melodic voice and balances it with keyboards, violin, percussion and back up singers, a very radio friendly EP with great potential. His voice live reminded me of Cat Stevens, singing with passion and showing us just how organic his music is. The type of sound could be said to be classic folk/pop.
The night started with the tune ‘Force of Habit’ which is a new song then followed with ‘blue tune’ from the new EP. After these songs finished JT realised some mixing was sought (yep, guitar was a little loud!). This definitely helped the rest of the set. More songs in the set were ‘Watching the Detectives’ an Elvis Costello cover which sounded very much like Costello. A cover of the Leonard Cohen classic ‘hallelujah’ was beautifully covered. A song called ‘scarecrow’ which is also off the new EP was a heart felt song about betrayal. The last few songs off the new EP were ‘how far is heaven’ (on the Ep this song has guitar loops that really perfect the song) and ‘as good a times as any’ which was a faster track to end on.
The EP is available on itunes and will be distributed across many countries very soon.
A Tuesday night in st Kilda had me venture out to the Veludo Bar to see a solo performance from JOHN “JT " TOMAINO. Having read great reviews about JT (as I’ll call him too) I thought I’d check it out for myself. JT recorded the EP with care and love in Scott Matthews’s boutique personal studio in San Francisco using analogue gear which brought about a non glitzy appeal to the EP. JT is very passionate earthy person, who could talk about his music forever, nothing wrong with that though! Many punters turned out tonight to sit and enjoy the solo show. I must say I enjoyed the gig and when I listened to the EP I had the feeling that seeing JT with band would be excellent. The EP treats us to JT’s melodic voice and balances it with keyboards, violin, percussion and back up singers, a very radio friendly EP with great potential. His voice live reminded me of Cat Stevens, singing with passion and showing us just how organic his music is. The type of sound could be said to be classic folk/pop.
The night started with the tune ‘Force of Habit’ which is a new song then followed with ‘blue tune’ from the new EP. After these songs finished JT realised some mixing was sought (yep, guitar was a little loud!). This definitely helped the rest of the set. More songs in the set were ‘Watching the Detectives’ an Elvis Costello cover which sounded very much like Costello. A cover of the Leonard Cohen classic ‘hallelujah’ was beautifully covered. A song called ‘scarecrow’ which is also off the new EP was a heart felt song about betrayal. The last few songs off the new EP were ‘how far is heaven’ (on the Ep this song has guitar loops that really perfect the song) and ‘as good a times as any’ which was a faster track to end on.
The EP is available on itunes and will be distributed across many countries very soon.
keep an eye on his myspace for when he is out and about next!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Soul Glo getting funky at Veludo Bar
Photos By:Lyn Harder
Soul glo is a crew of 8 talented funk members from Melbourne who have plenty of heart and soul. Stepping into Veludo Bar I felt I was taken to another world. Dancers were grooving away on the dance floor and the 8 members somehow fitted onto a very small stage! The female singer, Stunning Diva Davis (who was wearing a fantastic outfit and I loved her shoes!!!), was in the middle of the stage, singing her heart out surrounded by some hunky men. First set started with an instrumental song followed by colourful tunes like ‘kiss my neck’ ‘what have you done for me lately’ and carwash’. The horn section was a pleasure to watch as they were all smiles and totally enjoying the music they produce. Audience members were dancing away enthralled by the groovy music. Afro Centric Dave Dharumasena is the second vocalist with a deep melodic voice which suited the sound.
The second and third set consisted of tunes such as ‘ain’t no other woman’ ‘right on’ ‘Valerie’ and ‘dance with me’. One gets the impression that there could be no one in the room and Soul Glo would have an awesome time. They gel together and create the perfect mix of funk and groove.
Watching the band play together you feel like you are taken on a ride of a funky and groovy lifetime. They are playing around Melbourne in the next few months so check them out!
Watching the band play together you feel like you are taken on a ride of a funky and groovy lifetime. They are playing around Melbourne in the next few months so check them out!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Dallas Crane at Hi Fi Bar and Ballroom
Band: Dallas Crane
Venue: Hi Fi Bar and Ballroom
Date: 30th May 2008
Reviewed By: Danelle Lee
Photos By: Danelle Lee
(please do not copy photos without permission)
Rumour has it that this Gig was the last Dallas Crane gig, which some might say was backed up by the fact that they didn't play any new material; had a big fan fare of fans up on the stage (of which I was one), and they even brought back their original bass player Chris. Rumour also has it that the band are in fact about to make a new album (sans MX May 30th) and if the band were to ever have a farewell gig it would be held at The Espy. Whichever rumour you prefer to favour the crowd loved the Crane, and I would personally be gutted if the band departed. Even the thought of it brings a tissue to dab at the wetness in my eyes. Nothing beats the rootsie dirty rock of The Crane, and tonight was no different. For me it felt like an old school reunion. It's been nearly two years since the band last played at the Hi Fi and a little less than that since they played at all. I ran into so many people that I haven't seen for years, and the set list compounded this for me. A set list of all the greats, spanning all of their albums, keeping all fans old and new very very happy, God Damn Pride, Sit on my Knee, Wrong Party, Numb all Over, Can't Work You Out, Dirty Heart and the list continues. I have to admit the night rocked and unlike most gigs there was no one sing-a-long song, every song was treated like a great by the crowd. Dave is a great showman, and one of my personal favourite acts is counting how many songs in, it takes for him to loose whichever hat he is wearing. Tonight it was by about the fourth song. Of course there are a few attempts to put it back on his head, but it never stays there for long. And who would Dave be if he wasn't well and truly drenched in sweat by the end of the gig, well it just wouldn't be a Crane gig if he was dryzabone now would it? I always feel that Shannon gets lost in the back there, hidden behind all the other band members, especially when he's not on a particularly high platform. But that's no slur at his playing, it's just sad because I didn't get much chance to ogle at my favourite piece of band candy, but i digress. It was a real night of comradery with all members talents on show equally impressive, that I really can't pin point any one solo as being any better than the other. I think has a lot to do with the attitude of the band on the night and Dave repetitively noting Dallas Crane to the audience ensuring that all members were constantly considered as a whole. Me, the group of friends I was with and every lost friend that I re-encountered that night had an incredible time. Dallas Crane epitomizes Melbourne rock and Melburniuns attitude to rock. It's a homely business with a lot of beer and all your friends celebrating a little piece of Australia. Oh how I love it and everything it stands for.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Milk in Brunswick
Band: Milk
Venue: Brunswick Hotel
Date: 1st June 2008
Reviewed By: Heather
This was a special performance for me - it doubled as a benefit (called Songs For Mary) for a friend's sister's family, who are going through a very difficult time with cancer. On that side of things there was a wonderful result, with the money raised exceeding expectations.
I had (shock, horror!) never set foot inside the Brunswick Hotel until that afternoon. I was pleasantly surprised by the clean look of the bar and the good size of the venue. Not too big, but certainly not poky. The biggest feature of the interior was the record wall. They had the most fantastic collection of vintage record sleeves displayed, and it provided a great source of conversation along with a little laughter at some of the more interesting cover artwork.
Milk were just taking the stage as we arrived around fifteen minutes after the advertised time. Their sound? Predominantly folk/roots, with a strong jazz influence and a touch of soul - oh, and some country thrown in for good measure.
The four members of the band are Helen Begley (Vocals, Guitar, Accordion), Emily Hayes (Vocals, percussion), Greg Craske (Vocals, Double Bass) and Teal Bain-Roben (Percussion). Oh, but the guitar was passed around freely between Helen and Emily, and when the ukeleles were on stage everybody seemed to be an expert. Separately they are obviously all great artists, but put them together and the blend is incredible. Helen has a rich and deep, solid tone that contrasts and harmonises perfectly with Emily's clear and sweet jazz voice. When you add the harmonies from both Greg and Teal the effect was breathtaking - a single sound that had a depth and clarity I've rarely seen. Sometimes it was difficult to hear where the melody ended and the harmony began. Songwriting is their strong point. A great sounds without lyrics to match tends to be empty, but every single song told a story.
Their set was varied, including songs from their current album (Shipwrecked at the Royal Oak) along with older songs and even a cover of I Will Survive thrown in at the end as a tribute to Mary's family. However, the standout song was one with a strong story behind it: All Aboard. It was written about their time with activists in the Tasmanian forests who were living on a pirate ship in protest. Emily described it as a song of mourning for the ship and those who lived on it. You can hear it on their Myspace, but that recording doesn't even come close to doing it justice. Hearing it live gave me goosebumps. It's to appear on a Wilderness Society Benefit CD entitled Forests Forever, which includes a huge lineup of Aussie artists.
Milk are not fading into the horizon - they're playing at the Forests Forever CD Launch at the East Brunswick Club on June 8th, and they have a month's residency coming up at the Brunswick Hotel too.
Have a listen to the Myspace or buy their CD, but if you can, get to a live gig. There really is no substitute.
Venue: Brunswick Hotel
Date: 1st June 2008
Reviewed By: Heather
This was a special performance for me - it doubled as a benefit (called Songs For Mary) for a friend's sister's family, who are going through a very difficult time with cancer. On that side of things there was a wonderful result, with the money raised exceeding expectations.
I had (shock, horror!) never set foot inside the Brunswick Hotel until that afternoon. I was pleasantly surprised by the clean look of the bar and the good size of the venue. Not too big, but certainly not poky. The biggest feature of the interior was the record wall. They had the most fantastic collection of vintage record sleeves displayed, and it provided a great source of conversation along with a little laughter at some of the more interesting cover artwork.
Milk were just taking the stage as we arrived around fifteen minutes after the advertised time. Their sound? Predominantly folk/roots, with a strong jazz influence and a touch of soul - oh, and some country thrown in for good measure.
The four members of the band are Helen Begley (Vocals, Guitar, Accordion), Emily Hayes (Vocals, percussion), Greg Craske (Vocals, Double Bass) and Teal Bain-Roben (Percussion). Oh, but the guitar was passed around freely between Helen and Emily, and when the ukeleles were on stage everybody seemed to be an expert. Separately they are obviously all great artists, but put them together and the blend is incredible. Helen has a rich and deep, solid tone that contrasts and harmonises perfectly with Emily's clear and sweet jazz voice. When you add the harmonies from both Greg and Teal the effect was breathtaking - a single sound that had a depth and clarity I've rarely seen. Sometimes it was difficult to hear where the melody ended and the harmony began. Songwriting is their strong point. A great sounds without lyrics to match tends to be empty, but every single song told a story.
Their set was varied, including songs from their current album (Shipwrecked at the Royal Oak) along with older songs and even a cover of I Will Survive thrown in at the end as a tribute to Mary's family. However, the standout song was one with a strong story behind it: All Aboard. It was written about their time with activists in the Tasmanian forests who were living on a pirate ship in protest. Emily described it as a song of mourning for the ship and those who lived on it. You can hear it on their Myspace, but that recording doesn't even come close to doing it justice. Hearing it live gave me goosebumps. It's to appear on a Wilderness Society Benefit CD entitled Forests Forever, which includes a huge lineup of Aussie artists.
Milk are not fading into the horizon - they're playing at the Forests Forever CD Launch at the East Brunswick Club on June 8th, and they have a month's residency coming up at the Brunswick Hotel too.
Have a listen to the Myspace or buy their CD, but if you can, get to a live gig. There really is no substitute.
Root takes on The Espy!
Photo: Mark Geisel
I had expectation of the band Root! I thought they'd have to be a great band to see live. I have to say I wasn’t disappointed. A fantastic show, lots of great songs with much comical humour. The band put their all into the set and the crowd lapped it up. Out they came in suits and cowboy hats, very stylish I must ad! The front bar of the espy was chock o block, and the anticipation could be felt in the air. I mean who could blame the crowd for this! ‘Jet’ started the set; ‘get up’ was next, more of a talking song with great keyboards. Shazza, orange people glowing we’re told by front man DC Root, and out he came walking through the crowd, truly inspiring lyrics…not. ‘Spring me out of Caroline Springs’ was a hoot, the names sums that song up! ‘Pauline’ (yep Hanson), quote ‘she made the digestion of chewing gum seem quick’! A song called Crown summed up pokies and was sung in tune of hokey pokey, quite the crowd tickler. ‘Back to mine’ (not sure if this correct title) had a rock country feel – rhyming words with emo – clever adapted song.; ‘I wish I was Tex Perkins’ (he eats roots and leaves), this song most people would know, a highly hilarious song of the man that is Tex Perkins. To sum up, a show that was quirky, funny, full of hilarity, well dressed men, comical, musical as well as being raw, so I recommend you go see Root. Nothing quite compares really…..
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