How good is RocKwiz this year? I must admit, the show used to be something I caught now and again. However when Spicks and Specks ended, it became compulsory viewing to satisfy my music trivia cravings. While I love yelling out the answers to the questions at my television set, the highlight for me is always those duets at the end. You just never know quite what you’re going to get, and it’s so often magical. One of my favourites in recent weeks was the coming together of Chet Faker and Saskwatch frontwoman Nkechi Anele for David Essex’s “Rock On”. If this doesn’t get you grooving, nothing will!
Category: Live Performances
Idina Menzel @ Opera House, Sydney – 26 June 2013
I feel like I’ve barely had time to breathe this week. There are worse things that being social, but as I age travelling up the highway and back again more than once in a week really takes its toll. Still, when you’re seeing wonderful things it’s worth all the effort. And Idina Menzel’s concert at the Opera House on Wednesday night was certainly a wonderful thing.
I became enamoured with Idina when I discovered Rent in the late ’90s. Wicked came later, and then Glee, with their roles that showcased Idina’s charisma and incredible vocal prowess. So when I heard she was visiting Australia this month, I jumped at the chance to be in the audience. My expectations were high, but she didn’t disappoint.
In fact, this was one of those shows that was even better than I’d hoped for. What a personality Idina has. She was genuinely humble and so incredible open. She was free with stories of her professional and personal life, even when those memories were painful like the loss of composer and mentor Marvin Hamlisch and Rent creator Jonathan Larson.
The music took the night to another level though. It was eclectic mix touching on jazz standards, musical theatre numbers, and even pop songs. It’s rare to find a set with songs from Lady Gaga, Cole Porter, Joni Mitchell, and Peter Gabriel, but I relished it. It all worked so well. Her tender rendition of “Both Sides Now” was spellbinding, her take on Barbra Streisand’s “Don’t Rain on My Parade” invigorating, her performance of Wicked signature song “Defying Gravity” every bit as impressive without green makeup and levitation.
But personally none of them compared to the joy I felt at witnessing her singing my favourite song from my favourite musical, “Take Me or Leave Me”. As it’s a duet I never expected it to make the set, but I didn’t count on her secret weapon: a ridiculously talented Sydney audience. Normally when singers invite random strangers to the microphone the results are cringeworthy. There’s something special about a musical theatre audience though. All the guest vocalists were stellar. If Idina didn’t look so impressed I’d assume they were plants. Witnessing all these great voices coming together was a true highlight.
I’d be remiss not to mention the Sydney Symphony Orchestra too, who helped elevate Idina’s act as only a full orchestra can. What a combination.
I’m still raving about this show to anyone who’ll listen days later. It was incredible, utter magic. And for nights like that, I’ll happily accept a little post-concert fatigue!
The Sydney Opera House is pretty strict about its no-photos policy, so with that in mind I figured I’d share you one of the clips from the tour video. It’s not Sydney, but it shows how special it is when Idina works with an orchestra. Enjoy!
Jesus Christ Superstar @ Entertainment Centre, Sydney – 8 June 2013
It’s been more than twenty years since a major stage production of Jesus Christ Superstar graced Australian theatres. That makes me feel old, and also believe that the revamp was long overdue. So I couldn’t want to see where the creators would take the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical this month. I’d heard whispers of course, as word trickled through from London. I knew it was edgier, more modern, but I wasn’t prepared for how dramatically different this version was from the one I enjoyed in my youth. Such a shakeup can be dangerous, but in the case of JC Superstar it was inspired.
Rather than placing an orchestra in the pits, organisers put rock musicians to the side of the tiered stage, so close to the action. Those historical costumes were largely gone, replaced with street clothes that wouldn’t have appeared out of place in RENT. Videos beamed onto the back screen alluding to YouTube, game shows, tabloid news.
But at the centre of it all, we had a stellar cast and incredible songs. Those are the key elements that can’t be messed with. They grounded the production and ensured the largely older audience stayed connected despite the contemporary changes. Tim Minchin was predictably Judas. He showed he’s got much more than comedy chops, attacking the complex role of Judas with relish. Ben Forster is a real find. My mum, a three-time JC veteran, said his version of “Gethsemane” was the best she’s witnessed. That song is such a pivotal moment in the musical, and it was played out exquisitely. How exciting to see a Spice Girl furthering her craft rather than cashing in with roles on mediocre reality TV. Mel C held her own against some theatre veterans. I was also impressed with Andrew O’Keefe, who played to his strengths with his glitzy “Lord or Fraud” game show take on “King Herod’s Song.”
The first half was satisfying but the final act was gutwrenching. The production didn’t back away from the horror of the story, and even added some nasty bits for good measure. It wasn’t pretty, but it was inspired.
What a shame more young people didn’t make it to this production. As I looked out at the predominantly grey-haired audience I couldn’t help thinking of how much Gen Y would have enjoyed this thoroughly modern take on classic musical theatre.
Gomez’s Ben Ottewell (Finally) Tours Solo Album
Ben Ottewell will leave his Gomez bandmates behind next month when he embarks on an Australian solo tour. Ben will treat fans to tracks from his 2011 solo album Shapes and Shadows and favourites from the Gomez back catalogue.
As if Ben’s spine-tingling voice wasn’t enough to sucker you in, the venues are stellar. Each one is intimate, all the better for showcasing Ben’s incredible songwriting talent. As an extra drawcard, Melbourne bluesy multi-instrumentalist Matt Walker will serve as the support on all but the Western Australian show.
This video of Ben performing his album’s title track acoustically on Billboard Live Studio Sessions should get you in the mood for the following shows!
26 June 2013 – Mojo’s, Freemantle
27 June 2013 – Grace Emily, Adelaide
28 June 2013 – The Substation, Newport
29 & 30 June 2013 – The Workers Club, Fitzroy
4 July 2013 – The Barwon Club, Geelong
5 July 2013 – Theatre Royal Castlemaine
7 July 2013 – Lizotte’s, Dee Why
10 July 2013 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
11 July 2013 – The Basement, Sydney
12 July 2013 – Lizotte’s, Kincumber
13 July 2013 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
14 July 2013 – Old Museum, Brisbane
Thelma Plum Plays on a Tram (and Sounds Amazing!)
I’m most impressed by music in its purest form. I don’t care how good you sound after you’ve been auto tuned or drowned out by instruments. I won’t be won over until you can produce a great sound without the bells and whistles. And that’s why I’m flipping over this clip of Thelma Plum recorded recently on a Melbourne tram.
Now a tram’s not the ideal space for a concert. There are no acoustics to work with, and the background traffic noises don’t exactly create ambience. So if you can make amazing music on a tram, I reckon you’re pretty special. And if you can do it at just 18, as Thelma does, you’re guaranteed to have a bright future ahead of you.
Just think what Thelma could do in a real venue! We’ll get a chance to find out the Brisbane native tours her debut EP Rosie, which features that song “Around Here”, next month. She’ll perform in stripped back acoustic mode with her pal Andrew Lowden at the following shows.
4 July 2013 – Transit Bar, Canberra
6 July 2013 – The Vanguard, Sydney
13 July 2013 – Old Museum, Brisbane
25 July 2013 – Grace Emily, Adelaide (supporting Dan Parsons)
26 July 2013 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne (supporting Dan Parsons)
28 July 2013 – The Aviary Rooftop Sessions, Perth (FREE)
Samantha Jade Wins X Factor
After months of knockout rounds, Samantha Jade was the last person standing on last night’s X Factor final. The Western Australian pop princess took the title from second-place getter Jason Owen and boy band The Collective.
This has been a funny season for me to watch. I switched allegiances time and time again as my favourite acts were eliminated: first Fourtunate, then Nathaniel Willemse, then Bella, and finally The Collective at the final hurdle.
I also watched Sammi grow from the girl most likely to get the boot to the last woman standing. Her confidence seemed to soar, and as she did her performances grew stronger and her voice more self-assured. Her brand of music isn’t the sort of thing I’d rush out and buy, but she’s easily as talented as other similar chart toppers like Rihanna and Beyonce.
Many spoke of Jason’s journey through the competition, but even at the end I thought he was little more than a mediocre RSL act. He seemed like a nice guy with a fairly interesting story, but I failed to see that X Factor we’ve often spoken about. I’ll be surprised if he has a career that outlasts the show’s 15 minutes of fame.
The Collective are another matter though. They’re five very good looking boys with exceptional voices. Their moves are a bit naff, but they’re the same ones Human Nature performed that made me weak at the knees as a teen. Something tells me that kind of thing doesn’t have a use by date. Look out One Direction; these guys could easily steal your fans.
The competition unearthed plenty of other great talents too. I really hope to see Fourtunate and Bella capitalising on the exposure. Angel and Nathaniel also have that special something. Once again, we’ve seen the depth of talent Australia has to offer. Congratulations to all involved!
Jacob Butler Impresses in Europe
Jacob Butler is swanning around Europe at the moment, but fans back home don’t need to miss him too much. Some videos of his recent appearances how found their way to YouTube!
This video shows Jacob bringing some music to the streets of Cologne, Germany with a great performance of “Come My Way.”
And if you just can’t get enough of the single, you can see him performing it again on Polish television!
Dewayne Everettsmith’s Tourism Song Gets Official Release
Ever since I heard the latest Australian Tourism commercial, I was determined to track down the man behind the song “It’s Like Love.” My Google skills failed me, but I recently learned it’s the debut single from Hobart-based singer-songwriter and sometimes Aboriginal health worker Dewayne Everettsmith.
Dewayne isn’t just a talented musician; he’s also a passionate ambassador for the Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal. So it’s only fitting that Dewayne was recently presented with a custom-made Maton Guitar, dubbed The Australian Devil, to celebrate the single’s release.
Songs used in commercials have a bit of a stigma, but this track is so good that hopefully it can be appreciated on its own merits. It gets a digital release this week, and Dewayne has hit the publicity track running with photo shoots and television appearances.
“The connection people are making with ‘It’s Like Love’ is so exciting for me as a songwriter and the ability to now tour my new songs and meet a whole new group of fans who are appreciating what I do is really a privilege,” he said in a statement.
“It’s Like Love” comes from Dewayne’s debut album, which should hit stores early next year.
John Butler Gives Away Oceans
The epic track “Ocean” has long been a highlight of any John Butler set. The acclaimed Aussie singer-songwriter has actually been performing the epic guitar instrumental since 1998 when he’d busk at Fremantle markets to earn a living. John Butler is giving back to all the fans he’s made since those early days by releasing the first studio recording of “Ocean” in 12 years as a free download.
“’Ocean’ is a very interesting aspect of my life. It is part of my DNA. It conveys all things I can’t put into words. Life, loss, love, spirit. As I evolve so too does ‘Ocean’,” John explained. “I’d like to thank you for your continued support over all these years; it means so much to me. I would like to thank you by offering this first studio recording of “Ocean” in over a decade as a free download.”
The track was captured at John Butler’s own studio, dubbed The Compound in February. You can grab the MP3 that accompanies this YouTube video by visiting the John Butler Trio website.
Jacob Butler Unplugs on Kids WB
Kids WB isn’t usually the place I head for live musical performances, but with most networks scrapping their variety shows I suppose we have to take them where we can! Perhaps I should start watching the kiddies’ cartoon show more often, because in amongst the animation they featured Jacob Butler playing an acoustic rendition of his current single “Come My Way.”
I’m such a fan of this song, and in acoustic mode it’s even better. The song’s also going great guns at the moment, with airplay on two of Germany’s biggest radio stations. Now if only we could get some local stations on board! This is one of those tracks that deserves to be heard!