Earl Gray (album launch), TomCooney @ The Troubador,Brisbane, 19/09/2007

Mon 24th Sep, 2007 in Gig Reviews

Sydney based soul and funk artist Earl Gray chose Brisbane’s intimate Troubadour to launch his debut album Not For Sale. Shifting from the publicity of his name in Sydney, Earl made a daring decision to open his album in Fortitude Valley, an area that, according to Channel 7’s Weekender program, comes in second rated for the rock music scene in Australia. In the midst of this statement there are many local acts that follow the soul / folk genre and two fine examples would be the opening acts of local talent Tom Cooney and Cameron Elliot.

The Troubadour has a capacity of about 200; it offers traditional characteristic settings with the décor reminiscent of theater style, diffused lighting compliments this venue as the perfect surroundings for the deep roots cultured musician.

Tom Cooney’s style reflects influences such as Damien Rice, Beth Orton and Rufus Wainwright. His approach to songwriting and his delivery is contemporary and vibrant. Cooney has released a 7 track mini album Hold Me Down, produced by Jamie Trevaskis of Junkship Records and released in 2006 independently. Following this, Cooney will release his debut album Presque Vu in early 2008 by independent label El Nino El Nino.

Supporting Tom on stage was the admirable singer songwriter Cameron Elliott who offered with unsullied poignant backing vocals on songs such as Dark Room and Sing For Me, Cameron borrowed Tom’s guitar and sang one of his own tracks , the ever so exquisite All Is Open Wide. Cameron released a 4 track EP Witches and Pilgrims in June last year.

The last time I saw Earl Gray play live was an acoustic set at the vanguard in Newtown, Sydney; I remember the night well, besides being my birthday I was the assigned photographer for the show. Ray Mann, Earl and Andy Bull were on the bill. I remember the intensity of Earl’s music and vocal ability just completely captivating me to the point I ceased photographing just a few songs into the set – by the way, I did have enough shots to get me through.

Since moving to Brisbane I have had to familiarize myself with the local acts, the area has many talented musicians which are ever-growing to my favorites list. Even so, I jumped at the opportunity to photograph and review one of Sydney’s finest musicians Earl Gray.

With influences in blues roots, folk, soul and funk I was anticipating the night’s event. Earl Gray brings something delightfully new to his live shows each time and tonight I expected nonetheless. Touring as a 5 piece band and promoting his debut album Not For Sale which was produced by Buchman [aka Tony Buchen] and mixed by Russell Elevado in the legendary Electric Lady studios in New York. At the tender age of 25, Earl is well ahead of himself, his development and recognition in the public eye as an artist is expanding at rapid velocity, you can see and hear why when he opens into a tune such as 4 More Hours, then into the debut single of the album Beggin On Your Knees. Earl’s story-telling capabilities have the room of fans and critics awestruck. Taking on much recognition is his song Katrina about hurricane Katrina – as Earl explains to the semi full room – Katrina is not so much about the hurricane itself, he says, as “the injustice that comes with this sort of process where a lot of power rests in too few hands. I think that’s a universal thing, not just specific to that event”.

I cannot sign off here without a mention and two thumbs up for the entourage of incredible musicians that make the Earl Gray live outfit possible. Unmistakably they are influenced by the funk-y soul and groove-y blues genre. It was an absolutely brilliant night!