Way To Blue – Nick Drake Tribute (Melbourne)
Splendid evening last Sunday at the Recital Centre, and I was fortunate to have a seat in the 2nd row of a full hall. And it was interesting to note that they only performed once in Sydney, but had three shows in Melbourne. I guess we are more dark and arty here… or perhaps the Sydney Opera House is a bigger venue 😉
Of all the artists performing, a dozen of which had come here from the UK or USA, I only really knew of Green Gartside (Scritti Politti). I had heard of Robyn Hitchcock, but not heard his music – and based on what I saw tonight was not my cup of tea. These did impress:
- Kate St John – beautiful, multi-talented, formerly of The Dream Syndicate all those years ago.
- Joe Boyd – the producer of Nick Drake’s albums, who pointed out that almost everyone (back in the day) was introduced to Nick on a 3rd or 4th date back at the date’s home, where they played Nick to you and if you didn’t like him, the relationship might not last. This was true of my introduction as well, early 90s in Edinburgh.
- Danny Thompson – who played double bass on Nick Drake recordings, and was really a key component – then and now.
- Krystle Warren – American singer who has a wonderful voice as well as very emotive singing. Similar to Joan Armatrading I guess, and could be very popular, very soon with the right songs.
- My favourite was Lisa Hannigan, and I will surely be seeking out her music.