Live Review: Ron Pope, Cam Nacson

The Astor Lounge is just about as intimate as it gets in Perth's live music scene, creating the kind of magic that sets the scene for a relaxed night listening to folk riffs blended with pop melodies. The night began with Sydney-born singer-songwriter Cam Nacson; his folky pop style had the crowd intently enjoying his sombre-smooth melodies and mix of flowing guitar and piano riffs. He played hits like Crazy Kids and Old Heart; the solo renditions of his band-oriented songs brought out the raw talent and showmanship Nacson has developed over years of laborious gigging.

The master of winging it, American folk artist Ron Pope admitted to making his show up on the fly. His comedic charm seemed to win over a genuine response from his Perthian following – a true entertainer. He started out by quietly taking to the stage and without saying a single word, the crowd before him nestled on the floor as he began his first song. He played songs from his ninth studio album, Calling Off The Dogs, presenting his fans with something a little new whilst challenging himself to pursue risky ideas he'd had stored in the back of his mind over the years. Pope's raspy voice reverberated around the small venue bearing a record-quality sound while playing, among others, Fireflies, In My Bones, Lick My Wounds and Atlanta; he even re-learned how to play one of his own songs on request. Pope states that he's influenced by his idol Richard Manuel, singing the song, Blood From A Stone, off Calling Off The Dogs, entirely in falsetto as homage to the '70s Canadian composer. Pope's A Drop In The Ocean has remained a hit since its release in 2005. Since he dropped his label in 2009, going solo has been an extremely successful career move, the label giving him just the push he needed to establish himself as a solo artist and gaining international exposure. Perth was the last show Pope played on this Australian tour and he sure made every moment worth it, even managing to set his audience two homework assignments – support Cam Nacson and listen to Richard Manuel.