Rattlin’ Bones by Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson is a fantastic record. But having been to two media tapings for this release, I was looking forward to seeing Shane and Kasey and the Rattlin’ Bones band play some songs from the past. On Saturday, Kasey and Shane and the rest of the crew put on a spectacular show at her favourite venue in Australia, The State Theatre. Spectacular in a down-home, back porch way, where the music and the stories leave you with that nice, warm feeling.
Kasey and her husband Shane Nicholson, a powerful singer/songwriter in his own right, were joined by her Dad Bill Chambers for the first half of the gig. They had decided to split the show in half and Kasey was excited about doing so as she waffled on about it. For the uninitiated, hearing Kasey talk and talk could be off-putting. Of course, once you have seen Kasey live, you know it is not an act. She is one big talk-fest and it makes the show even more enjoyable to hear about her marriage, her Dad’s needs for a nap as he takes a break from being on stage, and Shane wandering around the house with no pants on. Oh yes, he was hoping that would be a good way to meet Sheryl Crow, but that is another tale.
Kasey gave us a varied selection of tunes including Pony, Not Pretty Enough, Cry Like A Baby, Barricades and Brickwalls, Mr. Bayliss, Hollywood, Saturated, Bluebird and her great cover of Still Feeling Blue. Her introduction to Barricades was almost as long as the song, as she gave us a long diatribe on Worm (her roadie) and the fact that he came up with the idea for this song. She was quite surprised that he had an idea at all, as his motto for living is the ‘roadie’s creed’: “If it’s wet, drink it. If it’s dry, smoke it. If it moves, fuck it and if it’s not, throw it in the back of the truck.” But Worm is more or less family after all these years on the road, so the ribbing was all in fun.
Rattlin’ Bones, Monkey On A Wire, and the touching Wildflower were the strong songs from the new release. Shane and Kasey are our country duo and with time will give Buddy and Julie Miller a run for their money. Truly, Buddy probably won’t be touched by either of them on guitar, but the songwriting and harmonies are the best alt-country Australia has to show. Paper Aeroplane was out-and-out moving and the piano and vocal of The Captain simply sent goosebumps through many of the seated around me.
Kasey was more than ably supported by the Texan/New Mexican singer/songwriter Ryan Bingham on the last few shows and he is a talent that you should all look out for. His record Mescalito is one that has been on constant rotation here at home. Playing a mean guitar, singing with gravel and barbwire in his voice and looking like the ex-bull rider he was with a ten gallon hat, Ryan Bingham was startling.
Ryan’s set was short and moving and Kasey and band invited him out during the encore to play one of his tracks with the band. Admiration could be seen all around and it was definitely a great moment to hear him with a band. They got a real fine groove happening and Ryan was so pleased he was shaking hands and thanking the band as he left the stage. Quite a special moment for all involved and all in attendance.
Kasey and Shane and the Rattlin’ Bones band wrapped up the evening and the feeling of warmth that was there throughout the gig followed everyone home. For me, it was one of the most relaxed and easy Kasey gigs I have ever witnessed. Love ya, girl!
