I knew I’d be in for a special night when Ben Harper brought his acoustic show to the Sydney Opera House. The combination of stripped back music from one of my favourite performers in one of Australia’s most beloved venues was always going to impress. But I wasn’t prepared for just how much Ben would give us.

There was no support act, no backing band, no intermission: just Ben Harper and an enthralled Sydney crowd coming together for close to four hours. Never before have I witnessed an artist giving an audience so much of themselves and their time. He remarked a few times on the quality of the sound in the Opera House, the best he’d ever experienced he said, and it seemed he wanted to enjoy it for as long as possible.

The show wasn’t quite the acoustic evening we were promised. Ben didn’t mind plugging in his electric guitar for a blistering rendition of “Please Bleed” that morphed into “Something in the Way.” But no one cared if Ben played strictly by the rules. I was delighted to see him moving easily from instrument to instrument, delivering a number on his slide guitar, then taking up a ukulele, before sitting down at the piano. We even heard a bit of xylophone!

The set list was stellar, with many fan favourites and exciting reworkings of some of his biggest hits. I loved the bluegrass flavour he brought to “Steal My Kisses,” and the original lullaby stylings of “With My Own Two Hands.” I was particularly thrilled to hear my personal favourites “Walk Away” and “Waiting on an Angel” performed so beautifully.

The show was as much about connecting with words as much as music though. Ben seemed genuinely happy to interact with the crowd as they yelled out quips and requests between songs. He also shared so much of himself, stories about his family, his childhood, and the people he’s met. I was particularly moved to hear of the time he met Jeff Buckley at a French Music Festival, and when Heath Ledger gifted him his grand piano. These personal tales were made even more poignant when accompanied with “Hallelujah,” a Leonard Cohen song Jeff famously covered, and “Morning Yearning,” a song that saw Heath Ledger playing music video director.

After two generous encores, Ben closed the evening in true acoustic style. He sat at the front of the stage while he serenaded us with “Suzie Blue.” Without even a microphone to amplify his voice or ukulele, the crowd were hushed to hear. It was a stunning end to a spectacular night of music.

Image source: own photos

Fans of gentle folky music and incredible lyrics are in for a treat as two of my favorite new acts, Georgia Fair and Daniel Lee Kendall, team up for one big tour.

Both acts will play in intimate acoustic mode, so these nights are sure to be something really special. Daniel Lee Kendall’s just coming off his tour with Old Man River and Passenger, while Ben and Jordan from Georgia Fair have been busy laying down some new tunes. I recently heard their upcoming single “Marianne,” which features guest vocals from Lisa Mitchell and Boy & Bear. As you can imagine when you get that much talent in one room, it’s absolutely sublime. Watch this space because I’ll definitely post the video once it’s done!

The Georgia Fair and Daniel Lee Kendall double-header tour kicks off tonight at The Empress in Melbourne. Check it out; I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!

24 March 2011 – The Empress, Melbourne
25 March 2011 – Longboard Surf Café, Dromana
26 March 2011 – Baby Black Café, Bacchus Marsh
30 March 2011 – The Vanguard, Sydney
31 March 2011 – CBD Hotel, Newcastle
1 April 2011 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla

Image source: The Harbour Agency

Remember Avalon Drive? This Brisbane band was doing some great stuff, but then disappeared almost as quickly as they came on the scene. The band’s frontman Damion Page has happily moved on though as part of the new duo Words Versing Verses.

Damion has joined forces with guitarist Kevin Leggett for the acoustic driven double act.

“All of our old things, all of our roots have brought us to doing what we are doing now,” Words Versing Verses explained. “We haven’t just abandoned everything. We’ve just kind of moved on from it and taken what we’ve learnt. I think this is more of a release for us.”

It’s early days, with the band releasing their first EP earlier this month, but already they’re building a steady buzz with one sold-out show under their belt.

Words Versing Verses will play a home town show at The Zoo in Brisbane on August 12. Fans around the rest of the country should just sit tight, as the duo will announce national dates soon.

Image used with permission from Kieron Douglass Photography

The album’s still some time away, but this video from Thirsty Merc’s forthcoming release Mousetrap Heart has me wanting more. The classic grooves and quirky lyrics of the title track seem like a bit of a return for the Aussie lads, although even in this raw mode I can tell we’re in for something a bit slicker. That should come as no surprise as the Aussies are currently in Los Angeles working with producer Matt Wallace, the man behind Maroon 5’s sound. I can definitely hear his influence in this hooky tune. More please!

Punters raved about Daniel Johnston’s shows this February. In between slots at the Laneway Festival and theatres, the American singer-songwriter took time out to record an acoustic session in Sydney’s Albert Studios. Now that live set will be released as an EP through Hub The Label and Albert productions.

The EP features many tracks which have never been released live anywhere in the world. Standout local singer-songwriter Old Man River joins Daniel for “Fake Tales of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” just as he did at the Aussie shows.

The live@albertstudios EP will be available for digital download through iTunes on May 21.

My readers have been at it again, recommending some of Australia’s best up and coming bands. Keep your e-mails coming! I love to hear what you’re listening to, and what you think I should be!

Yesterday I heard from Denise who told me I needed to check out Juke Kartel. I remembered the band’s single “Save Me” released a couple of years back, but I thought they’d dropped off the radar. Silly me; I just wasn’t looking hard enough.

Denise pointed me to this video for “My Baby,” one of the non-single tracks from Juke Kartel’s debut album Nowhere Left to Hide. When songs like this aren’t released, you start realizing how strong an album is. I’m always partial to an acoustic performance because it shows us what talented musicians a band are. I like “Save Me,” but I love this.

Juke Kartel played a few shows in Hollywood last month; hopefully we’ll see them back on home soil real soon.

Earth Hour Unplugged is back for another year at Melbourne Zoo. Instead of sitting home in the dark, why not head out to this year’s eco-friendly acoustic concert featuring Tim Rogers and local acts Wagons and Blackchords?

While food and beverages will be on sale on site you’re free to BYO, so load up your picnic basket with gourmet treats and a few bottles of bubbles and prepare to soak up the good vibes. It all happens on March 27, with lights out from 8:30 to 9:30 pm.

Tickets are on sale now through Melbourne Zoo’s website and 1300 ZOOS VIC. Limited tickets will be available at the gate, but I recommend getting them early to avoid missing out. Gates open at 5:30 pm, which will give you a little time to meet the animals before the show starts at 6:30 pm.

Image used with permission from Chrissie Vincent Publicity

This weekend was busier than most for me; I saw George Michael live on Friday and on Saturday I caught Josh Pyke wrapping up his acoustic tour. While George Michael is at home entertaining the masses in a stadium, Josh Pyke seems made for intimate gigs like that I witnessed at Lizotte’s in Kincumber.

Before Josh even graced the stage I was in a good mood. While the busy restaurants at Sydney’s Fox Studios saw me grabbing a lukewarm pie at the football stadium on Friday, Lizotte’s treated us to a feast. Good wine was paired with delicious dishes like prawn and lobster tail ravioli and chicken breast supreme. I was already grinning from ear to ear when support act Russell Crawford began his set. I liked him instantly, a quirky singer songwriter delivering tunes on keyboards. Think Ben Folds without the angst. His music wasn’t especially challenging, but it was easy on the ear.

But Josh Pyke was the real attraction. When he stepped up the quiet chatter stopped and the room was transfixed. It’s always a treat to see a performer at Lizotte’s, a venue which holds no more than 100 lucky music fans. It takes intimacy to a new level, feeling more like a jam session amongst friends than a concert. Seeing Josh Pyke live makes you realise just how many hits he’s had. While he was still spruiking his latest disc Chimney’s Afire, his set also drew heavily from his breakthrough debut LP Memories & Dust. There were a couple of new tracks too, a hint at what’s next to come. He chatted easily with the crowd, joking with the girls singing along enthusiastically down the front and explaining the inspiration behind many of his songs.

I could not have asked to attend more different concerts this weekend; one a superstar performing on a grand scale, the other a more modest show in a stunning location. Just as I was glad to see George doing his thing on Friday, I am thrilled to have experienced Josh Pyke up close and acoustic at my favourite venue.

Image source: own photos

The Live & Cookin’ @ Lizotte’s Restaurant CD has been permanently lodged in my stereo since I picked it up at the Rick Price/Jackie Bristow show a few weeks ago. The disc features an all-Australian cast, with big names like Daryl Braithwaite, Christine Anu, Rick Price, and Richard Clapton appearing alongside Central Coast locals Mike McCarthy and Sarah Humphries.

The songs are stripped back and raw. We all know the words to just about every track, but their acoustic treatments breathe new life into these songs, giving the familiar tunes new meaning. To hear Diesel and Jon Stevens jamming on “Dock of the Bay” is truly something special.

I’ve often gushed about my time at Lizotte’s. I feel so blessed to live on the Central Coast, where we have such an intimate venue serving the simple pleasures of good food, good wine, and good music. We aren’t all so lucky. But this album allows all of us to experience a little bit of Lizotte’s. The CD slick even features some recipes so we can recreate the experience at home.

Just like a night out at my favourite venue, Live & Cookin’ @ Lizotte’s is a satisfying and indulgent experience to be enjoyed again and again.

Image source: Lizotte’s website