Last time I was at the Vanguard to see Abby Dobson the place was packed to the rafters and the night was an absolute cracker. That was about a year ago. This Thursday evening the Vanguard is not absolutely chockers upstairs, even though the dining area is full, but then it is a Thursday, and the second of two shows is to be performed the following night, a Friday, which is much more conducive to pulling in a crowd for a show guaranteed to finish around midnight.

This is the front end of a month long tour to promote Rise Up the new album that went into stores just two weeks ago and Abby is busy doing TV shows, Sydney gigs and a stint of performances along the East Coast up into Queensland and down to Tassie.

On stage first up as opening act for the evening is Emily Ulman
Hailing from Melbourne and a rookie to the Sydney scene Emily delivered a solid half hour of self-penned songs. Playing solo guitar and occasionally accompanied by electric guitar, the songs were generally well received over dinner, but not to the point where the audience were compelled to hush and pay attention.

Emily has a powerful voice with an interesting character but her songs in the form presented struck me as a little dispassionate and didn’t give her vocal range a decent workout. I had a feeling she would go well backed by a Cranberry-esque band whilst delivering Dolores O’Riordan style sonic booms so maybe her songs could be arranged with a little more flamboyance for better effect.

The highlight of her set for me was the final song Dust which was a stronger tune and was delivered with more passion and conviction than her earlier songs.

Abby and band took the stage at around 10.35pm. They were met with rapturous applause, and opened the set with the ethereal Whisper Nothing from Rise Up. This is a stand out song from an album full of stand out songs, so good choice Abby. The set continued unabated until another two songs from the album were dispatched in fine fashion and Abby took a breather with some chatting to the audience. I had the impression the band are still developing as a vehicle for Abby’s songs however in these days of fast and disposable music fashion, where substance is often sacrificed on the altar of style, Abby’s music has substance and style aplenty and the audience were clearly appreciative.

It’s true there is no mosh pit and stage diving at the Vanguard, but whistles, clapping and sober cheers were abundant. Both Abby and the Vanguard attract polite listeners.

As the set continued we were treated to the great songs from Rise Up and some extra special moments where Abby and guest keyboard player Paul Mac performed Gonna Miss You from Paul Mac’s 3000 Feet High album of a few years ago. Paul Mac stayed on to assist on It’s Only Love which is one of the more funky upbeat tunes on Rise Up

Whilst the crowd was clearly happy with the one surprise for the night, more was yet to come and Abby was joined for a couple of songs from her Leonardo’s Bride days when former collaborator Dean Manning appeared to handle guitar on Even When I’m Sleeping and Buddha Baby a rock solid gem from “Angel Blood” . I have to say Buddha Baby is one of my all time favourite Aussie music tracks and it allows Abby free reign with the raunchy harder edge that she can get into her voice. Magic. And Dean appeared to really get into the groove with guitar and vocals on the tune too. I guess it’s called chemistry.

The final song of the set was Rise Up with Abby on guitar accompanied by cello, a quietly pensive song which also finishes off the album. On this occasion, a mood lifting encore where Abby and the band performed the first single lifted from the album, Shining Star, was a fitting end to the show at just about the stroke of midnight.