Fraser A. Gorman was subject to the vagaries of a Sydney audience who seemed more concerned with chatting about their day than soaking up his solo opening set. Resplendent in a polka dot shirt with curly hair, harmonica and acoustic guitar, most would have commented on the visual similarities to Bob Dylan and there were … Continue reading
James Thomson opened proceedings with a strong set that showcased songs from his forthcoming album Cold Moon as well as a brace of covers including songs by Blaze Foley and Jimmie Rodgers. Thomson is a master of understated blues-based country and showed his ability to capture the audience’s attention with evocative lyrics, wonderful finger-picking and … Continue reading
Aria award nominee Harry Hookey had the honour of serenading the early arrivals and he did a superb job of capturing and maintaining their attentiveness with an engaging set. Predominately folk-based with a dash of country, Hookey showed his ability to invest real emotion in what might be clumsy turns of phrase in lesser hands. … Continue reading
As the incredible list of Americana acts visiting our shores continues (courtesy of Love Police and Out On The Weekend), last night saw contrasting shades of alt-country serenade the Newtown Social Club and a room full of music and media who’s who of the Sydney Americana scene (Emma Swift, Jep & Dep, Fanny Lumsden, Bernard … Continue reading
Skyscraper Stan made his way up from Melbourne to play support and he did a sterling job, setting the scene with just his guitar, voice and self-deprecating humour. Impossibly tall, hence the nom de plume, and possessing a deep, richly-toned voice he played a set that showed his impressive lyrical ability, dissecting and poeticised topics … Continue reading
Marlon Williams graced the stage with just his shabby-chic hat and tie, acoustic guitar and a voice that left many spellbound for the majority of his opening set. The New Zealander, (now based in Melbourne) held long, wavering country notes, caressed lullaby-like tones and bullied out a gravelly blues delivery across originals and covers of … Continue reading
Coogee Diggers have been doing great things for original music for a couple of years, in an area well outside the normal locales for live music. Tonight’s small audience was both symptomatic of the reluctance of punters to venture out east and a still growing Sydney alt-country scene. Regardless both acts performed exceptionally well, … Continue reading
Massive thanks to everyone that came along to the PBC on Saturday for the Post To Wire Presents show. Thanks to Darren, James and Mark for playing three sets of brilliant music, The PBC for hosting and a special thanks to Nick from Dear Orphans for making it sound so damn good! Continue reading
Pulling a crowd for an Americana gig in Sydney can be a struggle at times yet the paltry turnout of a dozen people for a gig with a trio of fine, critically lauded acts was disappointing to say the least. To their credit the bands seemed relaxed and grateful for the enthusiasm of those in … Continue reading
It was surprising to see that this concert was sold out given that Pokey LaFarge’s profile is only starting to grow in this part of the world. Put it down to a strong roots community with their ears to the ground and word-of-mouth buzz from his other Australian festival and headline shows perhaps. Regardless, … Continue reading
Neko Case’s journey from alt-country chanteuse and indie songstress (The New Pornographers) to something that now resembles a symbiotic fusion of the two has been one that has sometimes found her struggling to find a niche and suitably broadminded audience. On her most recent album she sounds the most settled and of herself and so … Continue reading
Ranger Spacey kicked things off with a set of hooky guitar music that sat at the crossroads between Pavement and The Band. They were a relaxed and jovial band who interacted with a relaxed vibe that suited their sunny-sounding music. Their drummer stood out as their backbone, able to switch effortlessly from skin pounding to … Continue reading
Yesterday saw the third instalment of Inner Western, the country covers afternoon at the Petersham Bowling Club in Sydney. It was another great event with covers of songs from Hank Williams, Neil Young, Ryan Adams, Lucinda Williams, Iris Dement, Blaze Foley, Gillian Welch, The Rolling Stones, Gram Parsons and of course Townes Van Zandt. The … Continue reading
by Chris Familton Johnny Green celebrated his 60th birthday with an opening set that also featured his son Hank Green on guitar. With The Detonators’ drummer as a late ring-in the band eased the arriving crowd into the world of country blues, rock n roll and honky tonk. Green’s laconic voice and laid-back demeanor made … Continue reading
by Chris Familton New Zealander (now Melbourne-based) Marlon Williams opened the evening with an impressive set of originals and covers (Townes Van Zandt). Williams’ voice is a beautiful instrument capable of soaring falsetto, yodel hiccups and he used it to near perfection singing songs of tear-stained loss and heartache. One in particular, State Hospital, was … Continue reading
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