Live Review: Paul Kelly, Courtney Barnett, Kate Miller-Heidke, Marlon Williams
"Kelly and his wonderful supports sure brought one hell of a party."
Classically trained Queenslander Kate Miller-Heidke is a unique act. With a captivating operatic vocal range, she still manages to appeal to mainstream audiences with her catchy and absorbing work. Heidke entertained with The Devil Wears A Suit, Can’t Shake It and a cover of Psycho Killer, and undoubtedly won over a host of new fans in the process.
Punters were excited ahead of Courtney Barnett's set. Witty lyrics complemented her shy yet charming stage presence. The catchy Small Talk, Avant Gardener and I’m Not Your Mother, I’m Not Your Bitch featured in a set highlighting her undeniable talent. Barnett was another unique act who combined axe-slinging rock'n'roll moments with talky lyricism, while showcasing her singing range.
Courtney Barnett @ Stadium Park, Optus Stadium. Photo by Tashi Hall.
Paul Kelly. A legend of Australian music. A national icon. The list of his achievements could go all the way from Perth to Kings Cross. With a rich catalogue of music spanning over four decades, this promised to be a super special performance, a celebration of the man and his magnificent career. And it sure didn’t disappoint.
Before Too Long and Careless featured early. The set included some special guests in the returning Miller-Heidke on When We're Both Old And Mad, then a phenomenal banjo-led Shakespearean sonnet, as well as a brilliant cover of Archie Roach's iconic Charcoal Lane with Barnett by his side, cued nicely with the falling rain.
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The absorbing rhythm of the newer Rising Moon and Firewood And Candles had the masses moving. The charming Kelly always looked at home on stage and seemed to savour every moment with his band. A cluster of legendary songs followed in From St Kilda To Kings Cross, To Her Door and Dumb Things.
Then Deeper Water, and a festive cover of Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) rounded out the main set, before an encore of Winter Coat and Look So Fine, Feel So Low. Kelly and his wonderful supports sure brought one hell of a party.
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