by Chris Familton Being an evening of minimal and sparse folk this was a seated show and those that took their seats early were treated to the solo songs of Melody Pool who immediately took the room in the palm of her hand with just her vocals and guitar. She possesses a sweet mix of … Continue reading
by Chris Familton The practice of an established artist giving a relative newcomer a leg-up by taking them out on tour is an admirable one and in the case of Texan singer/songwriter Robert Ellis it was a real treat to watch and listen to such an affable singer with a firm grasp of a number … Continue reading
by Chris Familton This night of folk and country music kicked off with the soft and lilting sounds of Patrick James who was accompanied by a banjo/mandolin player and who showed right from the opening notes that he is another of the many outstanding new singer/songwriters emerging on the local americana scene. His was an … Continue reading
by Chris Familton Fanny Lumsden is one of those personalities for whom the phrase ‘born entertainer’ was created. Boundless energy, a warm and endearingly funny stage persona and a stellar voice are what made her set so appealing. Her band of country/folk players played a critical role in presenting Lumsden’s songs making her the real deal and … Continue reading
by Chris Familton Pat Capocci had the task of getting the still sparse crowd in the mood for the return to Sydney of Justin Townes Earle. With a wide gulf across the dance-floor between band and audience Capocci and his combo didn’t seem to mind one bit as they fired off song after song of … Continue reading
written by Chris Familton Kurt Wagner is the closest thing to an artist in residence at this year’s Sydney Festival with his band Lambchop also playing and Wagner doing a solo show at The Famous Spiegeltent. Tonight we were treated to KORT, the collaborative project of Wagner and Nashville country singer Cortney Tidwell who pay … Continue reading
written by Chris Familton Those lucky enough to see all three of Kurt Wagner’s manifestations at this year’s Sydney Festival experienced a wonderful insight into his influences, the way he creates his music and how deeply he believes in country music as an art form. As KORT (with singer Cortney Tidwell) he dug into her … Continue reading
written by Chris Familton Putting The Felice Brothers on at The Annandale was a masterstroke by promoters Love Police. Too often touring companies have decided that the type of music americana/folk musicians play is more suited to sit down venues or places with much less of a drinking reputation and rock n roll vibe. The … Continue reading
written by Chris Familton Chris Altmann is the singer with Melbournians The Vandas but he is fast developing a solo career with some authentic country and southern rock acoustica. From the first guitar notes and words he came across as someone who knows his country music and isn’t afraid to frame his songs in the … Continue reading
written by Chris Familton Daisy M. Tulley has been building a solo career alongside her day job in Bridezilla and it is proving to be impressive one. In front of the growing crowd she silenced the chatterers at the bar and delivered a set of haunting, stately songs that grew and faded at a funereal … Continue reading
written by Chris Familton This was the first show for A Casual End Mile as a duo, now with added drums, and it worked well adding another dimension to the delicate Mazzy Star-like folk songs of Madelaine Lucas. Through the warm and intimate PA her voice was up front and engaging though it would be interesting … Continue reading
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