Went to see yet another extraordinary bunch of creative souls parading their talents on the streets of Melbourne. The first piece in this show was Luminesce – a combination of acapella voices and video projection. The video construction was the work of Robert Jarvis, aka Zeal, and basically each microphone was set up to trigger a projection whenever a singer let out any sound.
This is a different performance, from an earlier show. They did this piece on the night as well. Just beautiful.
In news just to hand, another bunch of jazz mofoes has taken a popular 90s hit and jazzified it to the hilt. This time, it’s The Grid, a smooth crowd from the same record stables as Invenio Singers.
Wear More Headbands by THE GRID
Found them on Bandcamp, which I am loving for its mix of awesome music and easy technology. Yes you can buy your music in ogg or flac formats. Audio geek heaven.
Well what about that. Recently went to a single launch by Brooke Russell and the Mean Reds.. and who was in the audience but Paul Kelly! It’s amazing what an effect he can have on a room.. you sense everyone trying to be cool, but really we’re all so starstruck. Gasp. #LivingLegend.
Anyway, I’d seen him on TV just days before playing his new single on Adam Hills Tonight. Paul hasn’t written anything for a couple of years because he’s been working on the book. So this was his first song back on the horse.
What I loved about it was that I find him even more captivating than before. This is such a beautiful and moving song.. surprising in the end too. It’s not always that an artist becomes stronger and richer as they mature. Often you’ll find musicians get worn down by the industry machines and their work is either stale or highly commercialised. But Paul is that rare human, who just sticks to the simple storytelling.
Ooh look, here’s the full episode. I forgot – Molly Ringwald is in there as well. Oh yes.
PS [Link]: Brooke Russell and the Mean Reds, CD Launch 25 August 2013 at the Toff in Town.
Ah the joys of cross-genre inventiveness. Like cabaret grunge or death metal prog folk. Here’s the "candlelight mashup", with Scott Bradlee, whom i first saw in the classic “Vintage Thrift Shop”.. which is the best kind of Opp Shop, right?
Mashups By Candlelight, Vol. 2 by Scott Bradlee
And here’s the Vintage Thrift Shop. Glorious. (Perhaps they could have thought more about the staging, but the song is great.)
I’ve been reading Leticia Keighley’s stories about raising a child with Down’s Syndrome. She’s a naturally gifted writer who draws you in with her candour and strong feeling. This post had me very tearful within minutes.. a real heart-stopper. Have a read and tell me you’re not affected.
In the Blink of an Eye, via Embracing Wade.
I’ve never really listened to Martha, and after seeing this performance I’ve realised my terrible mistake. Here she is live in the Q&A studio singing a beautiful song by her mum (Kate McGarrigle), backed by the lovely tones of Virginia and Jaye of Brighter Later.
Soundscapey duo Jaye Kranz and Virginia Bott were selected to perform as Brighter Later with Martha Wainwright on parts of her Australian tour. The Sydney Opera House banned local support acts, but Martha got them up to accompany anyway.. and she also brought them onto QandA when she was invited to join in the discussion there.
(Virginia is also the musical director of the first chorus band of singers, which is why i’m especially enthusiastic about this performance.)
Eleanor Jean Riley has done it again. But this time, she’s completely on her own.
I went to the preview of “This is My Show”, and was thoroughly delighted.
Firstly, the set itself is intrinsic to the experience, as you must choose your seating space before you enter.. and before you know what the choice will mean for your viewing. Which seat gives you the “best” view? What will you miss out on? (Sorry i won’t spoil your choice by telling you where i sat.)
The show is made up of different characters and aspects. In one space, the dancer’s body conveys a disturbing and awkward sense of discomfort.. and then soon enough she is transformed into the most confident circus show-stopper you’ve ever seen, in a glamorous outfit with a cocktail shaker. I felt i could identify with either of these archetypes, as her body played out the sensation – the uncomfortable one much more easily.
As well as movement, Little is exploring movement through shadow, and also concealment. Sometimes you’ll see everything, while at other times.. you must twist and turn to get the best view.
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James just linked to this article on FasterLouder, and it’s reminded me of the great things about MonaFoma13. As well as bumping into someone i knew from Melbourne everywhere i turned, and enjoying the whole experience of being somewhere exciting for 5 days.
Dirty Projectors – i’d never heard of them, and i was just mesmerised. They were so gorgeous. As she pushed further into the crowd at the front, Nina said they were her favourite band in the whole world, and i totally understood why. Amarina said she felt they gave her a new understanding of music, and they did that for me too.
David Byrne and St Vincent. Who wouldn’t love “Burning Down the House” over a dancing brass band. There are few things i love more than a massive euphonium belting out the bass, and here we had Byrne’s classically awkward dance moves played out by the whole band. They even had a real ..ah what’s that instrument you wave your hands against? The electronic one…
Tania Bosak Barefoot Orchestra were just beautiful. Very theatrical and engaging for me, as they played with alternating between wild dancing klezma and stilted off-key jazz. People at the front could appreciate the artistry and theatre of the event, and all seemed to love it. I certainly did. (Unfortunately this one didn’t quite fill the hall, and they lost the attention of the whispering crowds at the back. Don’t know if it was the sound system, or the fact that they followed the Spanish surf rock band, instead of preceding.)
Ben Skeffler looping harpsichord and cello. Beautiful. Apparently he used to play with Miso, and now is incredibly famous.
Anyone who’s interested in water and the Australian landscape will be fascinated by
Have a listen to this sweet new single from Brighter Later, aka Jaye Kranz & Virginia Bott. Sublime sounds. I saw them play the East Brunswick a while back when they were Reuben Montane. Gorgeous atmospheric and folky sounds.
..and here’s the video, via Mess & Noise
Here they are on the Gaga-Digi label: Gaga Digi // Brighter Later. Get more background via Mess & Noise. Brighter Later on Soundcloud.
