musopantz

Gig date: Sunday 28 December 2008

You may have heard of UK trip-hop band Morcheeba… they had a few groovy pop hits in the late 90’s and early 00’s such as “Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day“ and “Otherwise“. I specifically remember falling in love with the silky smooth voice of Skye Edwards soon after starting uni, especially as she sang “Otherwise”. I was hesitant in buying their album, Charango, particularly since I didn’t have any pocket money and I was still trying to find myself in music. I was still pretty selective in what I wanted to listen to. Morcheeba could have been a band that I kept close to my heart, but it never happened. The thrill of having a favourite band that most people wouldn’t really know…

Fast forward to 7-odd years later, Morcheeba visit our Western shores during my 18+ life. My heart was close to melting point waiting for Skye Edwards to appear. But then, a waif and not-so-dark looking woman appears and lays down the grooves. I started taking a few snaps thinking that Morcheeba were going to be on-stage after this band. But the two men on guitars looked oddly familiar…

… she started singing “Otherwise”. The confusion hit me… we have an unfamiliar beautiful woman singing these Morcheeba tunes, but not Skye? No time to think about that… I had photos to take! But, my my, she was very pretty and really reminded me of Sarah Blasko.

Further research after the show revealed that Skye Edwards had left the band. Something to do with creative differences. There’s not much on the internet about it, though throw in a handful of replacement lead singers and a sexual harrassment case and you have the recent history of Morcheeba.

Their current touring singer- her name is Manda and she’s from France. She’ll have to do. I am a bit sad that I didn’t get the chance to lose myself in Skye Edwards’ hymns. *sigh*.

I may have gotten a bit personal in this post… oh well, there’s a bit of insight for you!

Stay tuned for more posts from the Fremantle Arts Centre!

There are a couple more photos of Morcheeba on my Flickr photostream.

Jason Mraz’s brass players want some crowd action too!

Festival season is FINALLY OVER! And what a fitting way to bring us back to our roots by having a cruisy day at the West Coast Blues & Roots Festival. As usual, it was held at the Esplanade Reserve in Fremantle, right next to the harbour among the huge Norfolk Island pine trees. This time the festival was more low-key compared to the last couple of years which saw the lineup spread over a weekend. Ben Harper and Michael Franti were not brought over to Fremantle either. Though, that doesn’t mean we weren’t able to laze about for the day… it probably should have made it easier!

Some time after the Bluesfest tour announcement, The John Butler Trio said this would be the last time to catch the current trio. John Butler said something about gathering a new trio for a different sound, I think. I’m not sure how often “Betterman” is played at recent JBT concerts, but it was the fourth song of the set and it sounded marvellous.

They all looked quite comfortable on-stage performing with each other. I didn’t stay for the full set though, having not eaten properly due to lack of cash and suffering from sleep-deprivation from the night before’s shenanigans.

It’s obvious after “that song” became synonymous to Channel 7’s Packed To The Rafters that there were many many people wanting to catch Jason Mraz. Although being around for a fair while, I’m thinking it’s not just Australia who has tuned into I’m Yours over and over again. It’s a cute song, I must admit. A bit ashamed that my sister knew some of his older songs too… it took a while for me to jog my Mraz memory.

Oh, Missy Higgins… you’ve been gone for too long. You’re still gorgeous. I melted when you started the set with “Nightminds”. Stay in Australia just that bit longer please!

What roots festival would this be without a bit of reggae? The Easy Star All-stars were just one of those Caribbean bands to perform that night. Come on… let’s get lost and sway for a while.

I don’t think I could ever picture Paul Kelly playing at a music festival, but I guess he fits right in when jumping right into all the “Dumb Things” he had done. Though, speaking of Paul Kelly, I’m really bummed I didn’t get to catch Kev Carmody perform. You gotta catch the legends… even if they have been billed early on in the day.

I guess Bob Evans really COULD say “Goodnight, Bull Creek!” tonight! I’m still debating whether “Bullcreek” ever existed as a singular word though…

Seasick Steve has a reason to be happy. Having been a hobo, tramp or bum for most of his life, Seasick Steve has a story to tell to many thousands of ears out there. Now, wouldn’t it just poke your heart to hear “I Started Out With Nothin’ and I Still Got Most Of It Left”? He is such a jovial spirit.

And now, finally, my early highlights from the festival - Augie March and Ben Kweller. Either of those two I certainly can not get enough of. I’m a bit peeved off though… two years ago when Ben Kweller was on his own tour, I had tried twice (and failed) to get him to sign my special photobook. He announced he’d be at the signing tent and I didn’t bring my book. Snap!

There are plenty more photos in my Flickr photoset of the West Coast Blues & Roots Festival.

Coming soon… more V Festival posts!

Last time I saw The Mountain Goats was on 2nd January 2007 and, oh boy, was that a joyous show! And though they had originally planned to come back April this year, it had to be cancelled for “personal reasons”. But, being huge fans of Australia, they promised to be here later in the year… and they did! I’m only a modest fan, only owning The Sunset Tree and Get Lonely, but John Darnielle is such a great storyteller. He gets very emotive while on-stage and always puts on a good show. Given the packed out crowd and loud reception, I reckon The Mountain Goats earn the title of “folk rockstars”!

I was pretty surprised at the mix of people at the show. The Mountain Goats are truly ones to bring everyone together. I also didn’t expect to be squashed into the front of the stage either. Gosh, that place needs some better ventilation! Though I think the situation has improved there since the renovations. Anyway, I don’t think I can say much more… excuse this poor excuse for a blog post. Though, here’s another photo for you.

One thing that I will have to post is the autographs I got from both John and Peter Hughes after the show. I shall post it soon… it’s very special. Here’s a bit of trivia for you: John Darnielle doesn’t shake hands - he would rather hug you. He’s also a big fan of Missy Higgins, having toured with her in the US. Rumour has it that she has actually immigrated to America! I guess that explains why she does all her touring there!

A couple more shots are on my Flickr photostream. And there’s a review and a (really tiny) photo in this week’s Drum Media Perth.