This concert review is way overdue. There were birthdays, a few days away in Port Stephens, and a nasty cold I’m still fighting, so it’s only now that I’ve had time to cast my mind back and reflect on the wonderful music I heard in Lizotte’s on April 12.

It was a stormy miserable night, the kind of night that tempts even the most serious music lover to pike on the cheap tickets they’ve already bought and rug up in front of the television. After all, we bought the tickets for Annabelle Kay’s show after hearing just one song, her cover of “The Real Thing” on Adam Hills’ In Gordon Street Tonight. But I didn’t pike, and once I was toasty warm in “the cubby house,” with a full belly, and being soothed by some gorgeous music I was glad I’d made the effort.

Dominique Morgan and two of the members of her outfit The Six Dollar Shoes kicked off the night with some bluesy folk music. I loved Dominique’s sultry, husky voice, and the stripped back sound of her band. I’m not sure what they sound like when they’re full strength, but the acoustic mode really allowed their songs to shine through. I want to make special mention of the drummer, who provided the backbone of the songs by banging on a box with his bare hands and feet. Their originals were surprisingly tight for an outfit that had only worked together for a few months. I also appreciated the covers that peppered their set. Their takes on “Steal My Kisses” and “Purple Haze” showed this is an act with real diversity.

Then it was time for Anabelle Kay, the local girl who’d captivated me with her unique voice and folky sound on television. As a newcomer to her music I didn’t know any of her songs, but this was the perfect setting for an introduction. In such intimate settings with stripped back instrumentation, often just Anabelle herself on a guitar, ukulele, or mandolin, I could hear each and every lyric and truly appreciate the melody behind them. I was a little disappointed she didn’t play more songs with the mandolin, the instrument that first attracted me to her, but it was a minor quibble on a night of such glorious music.

As my husband and I looked around the crowd it felt like we were surrounded by the friends and family of the artists that appeared. It’s encouraging to see musicians so well supported by their loved ones, but I hope it’s not too long before these two awesome acts earn some mainstream recognition.

Image source: own photos

I was lucky enough to catch Busby Marou and Georgia Fair last night as their 5 Rocks tour made its final pitstop at Newcastle’s Lizotte’s. A night out at Lizotte’s always feels indulgent, and when it’s married with performances from two of Australia’s most promising up and coming acts it’s made even more exciting.
I’ve been casually following Georgia Fair’s career for the last couple of years now, and I was thrilled to see how much they’ve grown. The banter with the crowd still feels a bit stilted, but all that awkwardness melts away once the music starts. The lads complement one another so beautifully, both with their instruments and their voices, and it’s a pleasure to witness. I can’t recall observing a crowd so hushed during a support act’s set in some time.

I loved Georgia Fair, but Busby Marou took the energy levels up a notch. They haven’t been on the national scene for very long, but their performance felt so comfortable and easy. Again we were treated to some incredible harmonies and a stunning meeting of instruments. I’ve loved the duo’s songs since I heard their self-titled debut album last year, but they took on extra meaning with the explanations Tom gave. I was thrilled to hear all my favourite cuts from the album, but out of my skin excited to hear them cover “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.” It seems the cover came about on Triple J’s Like a Version sessions, but I hadn’t heard it before. What an introduction to its existence though. I thought I might have bounced out of my seat with joy.

My Dad often bemoans the state of modern music and longs for the glory days of the 60s and 70s. Yet after watching the performance even he concedes that with bands like Busby Marou and Georgia Fair around, the future of our local scene is in very safe hands.

Image source: own photos

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

I first saw Bachelor Girl in the last 90s. They’d just released “Buses and Trains” and the strength of that song saw them supporting The Goo Goo Dolls at the humble Newcastle Workers Club. I was a young thing then, keen as mustard to catch a live show, and so I arrived with plenty of time to catch their set. I remember being struck by the power of the pint-sized Tania Doko, the charisma of this tiny creature who sang pop songs that were far more intelligent than the average.

A lot of years have passed, but I was every bit as impressed as I caught them on their extended reunion tour last night at Lizotte’s. “The Cubby House’s” small stage was warmed up by singer-songwriter Beth Robertson. Her set was simple but moving. It was touching to see her interacting with her guitar-playing husband, and hear the way her voice fit so perfectly with her back-up singing sister. An ode to Newcastle and its small-town feel inevitably won me over, and her stripped back cover of Katy Perry’s “California Girls” was another highlight. It was a set without frills, but its sincerity and simplicity won me over. I really hope to catch Beth somewhere again; she was brilliant.

Bachelor Girl have certainly lost nothing over the years. If anything the time apart seems to have done Tania Doko and James Roche good, as they appear to be performing with real joy. There’s an easiness about the way they appear on stage that can only come from so much time together.

Their set was punctuated by the big singles, but also featured some of the “lost songs” only heard on the new greatest hits album. I didn’t know all the tunes, but I didn’t need to. It was much more fun to discover them as the evening unfolded, listening to the lyrics and the anecdotes James and Tania told between tunes.

The acoustic setting shed a new light on the songs I’ve loved for years. Songs like “Permission to Shine” and “Treat Me Good” were played to death on radio in their day, but I found a new appreciation for them last night. To hear personal favourites “Buses and Trains,” “Lucky Me” and “I’m Just a Girl” once more in the live setting was another thrill. And their version of “Help,” which has only been performed a handful of times, was breathtaking.

There aren’t too many second chances in life, but I’m thrilled I got another chance to see Bachelor Girl. They were one of the most talented Aussie acts of the 90s, and in 2011 they’re sounding every bit as good.

Image source: own photos

As winter weather sets in, it gets to be a bit quiet on the gig front. What better way to ease myself back into the live music scene than a night out at Lizotte’s. I’ve made no secret of my love of this live music experience. Whether at the Central Coast or Newcastle venues, you can always count on delicious food, warm, friendly service, and of course, excellent music.

My Saturday kicked off with Matt Zarb, a singer-songwriter with magical guitar fingers. I had mixed feelings about his set though. While he was a wiz on the acoustic guitar and mandolin, his songwriting felt a little basic and his vocals couldn’t match his musical prowess. His music too was very derivative, with songs virtually imitating “Amazing Grace” and Mark Knopfler’s “Going Home.” There’s nothing wrong with being a cover artist, but if you are you should probably be honest about it rather than pretending to be delivering original material. He had such an infectious personality though; I sat captivated as he recounted stories of the romance between his grandparents and his time abroad. It’s also impossible not to be impressed by a man with a harmonica slung around his neck and a tambourine strapped to his foot.

But the main attraction was Rick Price, making his return to Lizotte’s after time spent in the US of A. It’s always a shame to lose local talent to the bright lights of the States, but it seems the time away has done Rick some good. He always sounds amazing, but there was a little something extra in his performance this time. He shared more of himself that he typically does; the stories I’ve heard accompanying particular tracks were expanded upon. He seemed genuinely thankful to be home, and to be in front of such an appreciative audience.

Rick was spruiking his new acoustic greatest hits album Revisited, but he still found time to treat us to a handful of new songs. These were well received, especially the sexy “It Started With a Kiss.” He might be a grandfather now, but that man still has the power to make the girls in the audience swoon!

Revisited is an album that’s been too long in the making. In the past few years I can’t recall ever seeing Rick without his acoustic guitar in hand. That gentle treatment breathes new energy into the songs that are more than a decade old, and makes us appreciate the raw emotion behind them.

When I fell for Rick as a 13-year-old I was wowed by his long flowing hair and sweet love songs. Years later he’s proved himself to be much more than a pretty boy; he’s grown into one of the greatest singer-songwriters in this country. If you’ve never seen him live, or you’re keen for another fix, you can catch him at the following shows.

Image source: own photos

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

Last night I was back at Lizotte’s. I’m beginning to think I should just set up a bed out back and be done with it! This time I was enticed there by the prospect of seeing Aussie music legend Daryl Braithwaite.

But before all that we were treated to the musical stylings of Jess Locke. I was initially entranced by this folk singer with the pure voice and her quiet acoustic guitar strummings. But pretty soon the lack of variety in her songs made me lose interest. Her introspective tunes were well crafted, but ultimately depressing. When she introduced a track called “Happy Song” I perked up looking forward to the change of pace. Yet as the lyrics told us, she tried to write a happy song but it didn’t work out! Jess has a real talent, but some light and shade would make her music a lot more accessible.

Jess might not know how to have fun, but Daryl sure does. I’m not sure how I’ve made it to my age without seeing him live, but I definitely won’t wait long before repeating the experience. From Sherbet to his solo career, Daryl’s been around for an awfully long time. He’s had hit after hit, and he crammed as many of them as he could into his set.

Daryl’s appeal crosses all generations. My mum used to squeal over him when he was the long-haired frontman of Sherbet, while I remember Rise being one of my primary school soundtracks. No matter when you knew him, his songs are classics ingrained in us all. So it took little prompting for Daryl to engage us all in a little sing-along session.

Iconic tunes like “Howzat,” “One Summer,” and “As The Days Go By” sat comfortably alongside covers of James Reyne’s “Slave” and Free’s “Wishing Well.” Daryl performs with energy and a healthy dose of humour, and as a member of his audience you find yourself having just as much fun as he appears to.

By the closing number, “The Horses,” we were all on our feet and singing raucously. Our applause was enthusiastic and the smiles on our faces wide. After a show like that, it’s not hard to see why Daryl Braithwaite continues to be a strong force in the Australian music industry.

Image source: own photo

Last night I headed to Lizotte’s to catch their Live and Local music showcase. These nights are a wonderful initiative designed to encourage music fans to get out midweek and discover some wonderful new talent. We were lured there by former Australian Idol contestant Ben McKenzie’s slot on the bill, and were delighted to find he wasn’t the only artist worth seeing.

Joe Kalou was first up with a set of originals peppered with a few crowd-pleasing covers. This was music at its most basic, and its most pure. An acoustic guitar, some cleverly crafted lyrics, and a sweet voice is all you really need to captivate an audience. His flawless good looks don’t hurt either! Joe had the audience in the palm of his hand, and when he broke into his own renditions of Ben Harper’s “Steal My Kisses” and Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours” we were all happy to sing along.

Hayden French followed with his unique blend of pop, soul, and blues. As I listen back to his recordings on his MySpace I remember just how good his music is, but for some reason his performance didn’t draw me in. Technically Hayden and his band were beyond reproach, but right now they seemed to be missing that X factor. Still, with songs this good it’s only a matter of time before it all clicks. Maybe I’d have been a little more receptive if I wasn’t so tired!

Read the rest of this entry…

Image details: Flemington Spring Fashion Lunch served by picapp.com

Last night I headed out to my favourite venue, Lizotte’s, to see one of my favourite performers, James Reyne. The reasons why I love both venue and performer so much are similar: they deliver exceptional quality each and every time.

So I was in a good mood long before James took to the stage. It might have had something to do with the exquisite barramundi spring rolls and herbed rack of lamb I devoured, or the good company of my husband and parents, or the delicious pinot grigio we were all drinking. Nevertheless, when the support act Lianna Rose stepped out we were ready to have a good time.

Lianna was excellent, a storyteller with a rock rasp. She reminded me a little of Sheryl Crow with her knowing way and earnest performance. Her cover version of “Time After Time” was a highlight for me, but I also adored her originals. It’s just a shame that the folks sitting at the tables surrounding us didn’t make the effort to listen to her. Trying to hear her over their chatter was a little frustrating.

Thankfully they gave more attention to Mr Reyne. It’s been years since I’ve seen him perform with a full band, and Lizotte’s is the perfect setting for that acoustic mode he favours. Stripped back with two backup singers and a handful of acoustic guitars, these classic songs and their words become the focus.

And what classics they are. We joined James on tracks like “Slave,” “One More River,” “Way Out West,” “Hammerhead,” “Errol,” “Fall Of Rome” and “Reckless.” It’s impossible not to have a wonderful time with a soundtrack like that. James is one of those performers who loves to sing the songs we love to hear, which is why I keep coming back time and time again.

Last night I had the pleasure of catching Chris Murphy at Lizotte’s. The last time I saw this affable singer songwriter he was singing head-to-head with the likes of Damien Leith, Dean Geyer, and Bobby Flynn. The stripped back setting of this Central Coast icon is a world away from the Australian Idol stage, and it allowed Chris to shine.

The first thing that struck me about Chris is just how funny he really is. We saw glimpses of this during his reality TV journey, but without anyone to rein him in Chris was hilarious. In fact, I’m not sure he actually got through a whole song without throwing in a couple of jokes.

Rather than distract, Chris’ hysterical banter broke down the traditional walls between singer and audience, and made you feel like you were a part of the concert experience.

But it wasn’t just about fun and games. When you strip away the humor, Chris still has the power to entertain. He’s simply that good. While performing his original songs or encouraging a cover version sing-along, he always had the audience in the palm of his hand. Chris didn’t restrict his cover repertoire to the songs he made famous during Idol, but treated us to unexpected gems like Bob Marley’s “Is This Love” and The Eagles’ “Heartache Tonight.” But of course, he closed the show with his Idol touchdown track “Evie.”

It’s so refreshing to see an artist like Chris, a man who has come out the other side of reality TV fame thankful for everything it has given him. In fact, he shared with us a song he’s written as a potential winner’s single. It’s got the right amount of inspiration without ever becoming cheesy, but only time will tell whether it’s the next “Angels Brought Me Here.”

In the meantime, I encourage you to see Chris when he’s in your neck of the woods. If you loved what he did on Idol, you’ll lap it up. And if you’re an Australian Idol skeptic, he just might convince you to think differently.

Image source: own photo