Mr Murray at the beautiful forum theatre

Band: Pete Murray with support from Gin Wagmore and The Audrey's Trio
Venue: Forum theatre
Date: 15th August 2008
Reviewed By: Lyn

Another chilly night out in Melbourne and already the beautiful Forum Theatre is filled and punters are taking advantage of an early open bar. Gin Wagmore, her name as interesting as her sound is on first. Her sound is squeakier, nasaly version of welsh singer Duffy, but I like her style and sound very much. One cannot stop watching her. Her arms waving around madly or perhaps a mosie was bothering her!An eclectic mix of punters and a near full crowd for The Audrey's Trio. Singer Taasha Coates beautiful melodic voice singes songs which include 'Oh Honey', 'Found a Place', and an INXS cover 'Don't Change a Thing'. Crowd seems lazy with their applause for this band.A full house awaits Mr Murray and Co. On stage I observe the four large bookshelves complete with books and suitcases (same picture as front cover on new album) and the crashing sounds of bottles from the nearby bar being emptied into a rubbish bin interrupts my thoughts. At last the 5 mebmbers including Australia's boy next door enter and the punters scream and cheer. Ben McCarthy on keyboard, Andy Sylvio on drums, bassist Jonathon Zion and Brett on lead guitar. Straight into 'Chance to say Goodbye' with nice keyboard arrangement and electric guitar riffs. Pete in cowboy shirt sets the girls hearts thumping. old wood lamps adorne the stage and give it a homely feel and four rectangle screens above the stage emit light. The crowd becoming even more pumped with standing and sitting room full. Lights flash for and thebookcase becomes a light show and pink lights flood the stage 'Ten FT Tall'. A cymbol start followed by drum beats flavoured with guitar and keyboards gets the crowd pumping. Pete's electric guitar sounding fantastic with circular riffs for ' Fall Your Way', keys muching the sound and ending with smooth drum beats. 'Class A' includes all out instrumental and a drum solo that the crowd love and Andy recieves thunderous applause. Pete brings out shakers and the crowd clap, pleased with the singer/crowd connection and the lead guitarist ends the song. The latest single "Pick Me Up' tickles the punters and this song Pete says is one of his most upbeat so far. The bookcase comes alight displaying blue cubes of light and I'm sure some punters are now blind! This song is blended with guitar and drum. Pete's honey soaked voice has a soothing melody and is soul baring. Music from the new album is bright and positive, displaying energy and honest emotions.The lead guitarist likes to steal the limelight with rock moves and sound. 'Better Days', a song for inspiration, flowing keyboards and the grunting bass delivers the song with Pete's semi acoustic. Pete tells us he's been sick the last few days but I couldn't tell, although he is very still on stage. Next journey is the song which is about touring and leaving his family at home 'The Game' 'HELLO MISS YOU' is written in lights. This tour is called 'Eureka Tour' which is the latest titled album from Pete. Produced in Pete's studio in rural nothern NSW and recorded over summer. Pete wanted to produce this album himself so he wouldn't have to fall back on anyone else. The album reflects this freedom. Now Ben taks to a comfy lounge seat and pulls a book from the bookcase and reads a book called 'Spotlight on Love' to the crowd who hangs on his every word, once he has read a few bits he gives to a punter. Songs to follow are 'Opportunity' then 'Saving Grace' and is started with harmonica and followed by keyboard and semi acoustic. A soft song with lovely harmonies. Rest of band enter again for 'Lost Soul' which is a country rock tune. Big whoops for "Bail Me Out' and 'Sugar' followed by 'Feeler'. Ben the keyboard wiz has great stage presence and clearly loves being here tonight. The lead struts his rock side, hence the lights displaying the word ROCK during one of his solo's. Funeral music keyboard start for 'Please'. Short encore and back for some new tunes, some guitar changes for Mr Murray.The statues in the Forum Theatre seem to be keeping an eye on the show, I'm sure they are enjoying the show as much as the full house tonight. Pete gets back to the semi acoustic for the end song with "So beautiful' whilst the entire room sings along to every word. Melody of keys, back beats, guitar - I can see why this is a crowd favorite. Guitars off, held above head and Pete says goodbye.

Soul Glo

Band: Soul Glo
Venue: Blue Diamond
Date: 8th august 2008
Reviewed By: Lyn Harder

Blue Diamond is such a well suited venue for Soul Glo, it’s as though the stage is made for this band. With many talented members, they need all the space they can get! Adorning the stage is Shirley in her stunning outfits and sexy heels surrounded by 8 males in black suits and pink ties. The way the boys are dressed it certainly allows Shirley to stand out as the front for the band.

Tonight we are treated to 3 sets, kicking off nice and early in the first set with an instrumental then songs include ‘kiss my neck’, ‘crazy’ which is sung by their bassist and is a great cover of this song and lastly in the first set ‘carwash’. The crowd reaps the bands energy and watches the band like someone looking for a muse.
Blue diamond is full of fashionable ladies and gents’ kicking their heels off to the music, and the dance floor is chockoblock with groovsters. Stunning dresses and suits set the scene with their cocktails, only things missing were umbrellas in the drinks!
Second and third set we hear ‘rehab’, ‘ain’t no other man’, split milk’, ‘Valerie’ which had the dance floor packed, and ‘more mess on my thing’. Bands that are covered include Metro Station, Jaci Velasquez, Big Daddy Kane and Dizzee Rascal.

Soul Glo give an amazing performance to the ambience of the night, the horn section giving divine treats of sound, the drummer providing back beats, keyboards twinkling in the night, percussion delivering the grunt and of course the guitars melting with the music. Shirley gives one hell of a performance with her soulful voice bringing the music together and including dance moves and womanly banter as the voice, front of the band.

The music of soul glo is funk and soul and one leaves a Soul Glo gig looking forward to the next journey with the band and their music.
Check out their myspace for future shows.