As I get older, it takes something really special to lure me out of home during the week. But the promise of Jimmy Barnes playing at Lizotte’s on Thursday night was so irresistible that even I couldn’t refuse.

I’ve seen Jimmy many times over the years, but never in a place so intimate. If you’ve never been to the Central Coast venue known affectionately as “The Cubby House” it’s hard to imagine just how small it is. Seeing someone there is almost like seeing them at a private party with friends.

I was smiling before anyone even graced the stage, with my belly full of Lizotte’s tasty soft shell crab and delicious herby battered fish. But that smile got even wider when Mahalia Barnes was introduced as our support act. Jimmy’s daughter is always good value, and I lapped up her soulful set. Her modern take on “You Are My Sunshine” was a real highlight, as was the closer which saw Jimmy make an early appearance to sing with his daughter. The name of the song escapes me, but I was singing along in earnest.

It wasn’t too long before the Aussie legend was back on the stage with Mahalia and band in tow. He delivered a surprising set, but one that suited this venue perfectly. Anyone who came hoping to hear Jimmy’s greatest hits might have been disappointed. “Khe Sahn” and “Working Class Man” were notably absent, although he did treat us to a few Chisel and solo singles. The focus though was on songs that shone acoustically, especially those from one of my favourite Barnesy albums, Flesh and Wood. To hear some of my favourite cuts from that recording, especially “Guilty” and “Brother of Mine” was really special. Personally I enjoyed the opportunity to hear some of the songs that don’t usually get a work-out in the live arena; I’ve heard him sing the big numbers enough times at other shows.

The intimate setting made this show very personal. Where normally Jimmy moves quickly from track to track to please the punters, here he felt he could stop and talk to us about the songs a little more. I really appreciated that interaction. One of the most poignant moments of the night came when he stopped to talk about Steve Prestwich before performing one of his late mate’s songs, “When the War is Over” with Mr Percival on guest vocals. I also particularly loved his left of center closer, his version of “Love Me Tender,” again from Flesh and Wood, rather than a more predictable choice.

There are plenty of opportunities to see Jimmy rocking out. I’m thrilled that this week I got to see another side of this Australian music legend.

Image source: own photos

Jimmy Barnes will lead a lineup of Aussie rock legends performing for charity in Thailand this June. Angry Anderson, Jon Stevens, Swanee, and Kevin Borich will also play at Khao Lak’s Mukdara Resort from June 7 to 13 under the banner of Bands Across the Water.

Funds raised will benefit Hands Across the Water, a charity group which helps children orphaned by 2004’s Boxing Day tsunami. The cause is particularly dear to Jimmy’s heart as his wife Jane is Thai. While her family survived the disaster, they were all too aware of the devastation around them.

If you’ve got the cash to spare this will be a holiday to remember. The resort has four stars, the musical line-up is superb, and you’ll earn some serious good karma at the same time. Package deals are available through the Bands Across the Water website.

Image source: Bands Across the Water website

The annual Red Hot Summer tour will wind its way through regional Australia in January, and it’s shaping up to be a cracker.

Jimmy Barnes will headline the event with special guests Noiseworks, and Thirsty Merc. The McClymonts will also join the shows in Morwell and Mannum. I don’t blame them for not playing all the dates; can you imagine coping with all that testosterone from the blokey bands?

Acts of this calibre rarely get together on one bill, let alone in regional areas. If you’re in the vicinity you don’t want to miss these shows.

2 January 2011 – Warrnambool Racecourse, Warrnambool
6 January 2011 – Mulwala Water Ski Club, Mulwala
8 January 2011 – Mary Ann Reserve, Mannum
9 January 2011 – Riverside Soundshell, Mildura
15 January 2011 – Bonnie Doon Hotel, Bonnie Doon
16 January 2011 – Morning Star Estate, Mount Eliza
22 January 2011 – Eureka Stadium, Ballarat
23 January 2011 – Latrobe Sports and Events Grounds, Morwell
29 January 2011 – Cassegrain Wines, Port Macquarie

Jimmy Barnes made some telling comments in the media today, slamming the ARIAs and the way they’ve become more about television ratings than the music. I’ve got to admit, I tend to agree.

Years ago I remember attending several ARIA Awards. I cheered on the world music artists I’d chatted to earlier in the night as well as bands who were already my favourites, and celebrated the beautiful landscape of Australian music.

But that sense of community seems to have been taken away this year as awards were presented at ARIA Genre Awards concerts rather than the main event. These genre awards saw gongs go to some big names: jazz man James Morrison, children’s entertainers The Wiggles, country sister act The McClymonts, and the soulful Dan Sultan amongst them.

These artists might not be flogged to death on commercial radio as the acts that will take home Sunday night’s awards are, but isn’t that kind of the point? Why do international guests with no connection to music like Carmen Electra and Eric Stonestreet find a place at Sunday’s awards when the performers that make the Australian music landscape so rich don’t? I love Modern Family as much as the next person, but it makes no sense to me. I’d much rather celebrate the melting pot that is the Aussie music industry than only the performers that already bask in the limelight.

I was happy to see the ARIAs move back to Ten after the awkwardness of last year’s ceremony, but now I’m just not sure.

Image used with permission from Javelin Australia

A Day on the Green will celebrate its 10th anniversary with an Aussie music spectacular. Jimmy Barnes will headline the string of winery concerts this November, and he’ll take some very special friends along for the ride.

“I think that a day on the green has been like a breath of fresh air to the Australian music industry,” Jimmy said in a statement. “No longer do people have to settle for being crushed up the front of a suburban pub to be able to get a drink and see their favourite bands at the same time. They can now do it in style and sit back in some of the best locations. Eat, drink and listen to the best music in the world. What more could you want?”

Vanessa Amorosi, Tex Perkins and The Dark Horses, and Dan Sultan will play at all shows, along with a rotating list of the very best local acts. If you love Aussie music, you’ll want to be at these shows. Tickets go on sale on Monday August 23.

7 November 2010 – Leconfield Wines, McLaren Vale (Jimmy Barnes, Vanessa Amorosi, Tex Perkins & The Dark Horses, Mark Seymour, Ian Moss, Ross Wilson & The Peaceniks, Richard Clapton, Dan Sultan, Michael Spiby, Swanee)
13 November 2010 – Bimbadgen Estate, Hunter Valley (Jimmy Barnes, Vanessa Amorosi, Tex Perkins & The Dark Horses, Mark Seymour, Richard Clapton, Diesel, Dan Sultan, Mahalia Barnes, Michael Spiby, Swanee)
14 November 2010 – Sirromet Wines, Mount Cotton (Jimmy Barnes, Vanessa Amorosi, Tex Perkins & The Dark Horses, Diesel, Mark Seymour, Richard Clapton, Dan Sultan, Mahalia Barnes, Michael Spiby, Swanee)
21 November 2010 – Kings Park & Botanic Garden, Perth (Jimmy Barnes, Vanessa Amorosi, Tex Perkins & The Dark Horses, Diesel, Dan Sultan, Vika & Linda)

Jimmy Barnes is following up his massive 2009 album The Rhythm and the Blues with an album of originals entitled Rage and Ruin.

Barnesy recorded the disc in Los Angeles earlier this year with producer Don Gehman. Jimmy tragics will note that this is the same producer who worked on Two Fires, Heat, Soul Deep, and Flesh and Wood. These are amongst my favourite Barnesy CDs, so I’m hopeful that the newie will be just as exciting.

Jimmy will give us a taste of what’s to come when he performs the first single “Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead” at Wednesdauy night’s State of Origin game. This is Jimmy’s kind of crowd, so he’s sure to go down a treat.

Rage and Ruin will hit stores on August 13.