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Unbeknownst to the reviewer, this show was an earlier start than your usual gig. Thankfully it appeared that most ticketholders were better informed and they all gathered early to catch Gin Wigmore kick off the night before Pete Murray took the stage at the ANU Bar.

As usual Pete Murray and his band were brilliant, entertaining a capacity crowd with tracks from his latest album Summer at Eureka and his previous two albums Feeler and See The Sun. While many in the crowd probably carried over from Pete’s rugby days, alcopops in hand, there was also a mix of young and old, all equally enthused to be at the show.

Unfortunately, the venue set up was not great. Even Pete had to check if the sound was ok for the audience. For those at the back, they might as well have been hanging out in the foyer – the sound was poor. Luckily for those up front they could hear Pete loud and clear and many were singing along beautifully in tune, most notably to Bail Me Out. Regardless of issues with sound, the crowd was well into it, singing and dancing for the entire show.

Pete looked amazing in his check shirt and guitar – he certainly hasn’t aged since his last time in Canberra. It was indeed a couples fest with lots of behind hugging, particularly during the romantic tracks. The girls in the audience had to quietly drool to avoid making their boyfriends feel inadequate. It was hard to make out what Pete was saying between songs but there was no mistaking his singing voice and his talent, multitasking with guitar and harmonica for Saving Grace. The band was very cool but humble, with very casual movement save for the lead guitarist. He moved as a lead guitarist should when he rocked out a flawless lead in Feeler. While at first you might think Pete’s tracks have a sound similar to the likes of Jack Johnson, his husky voice and his funk band makes his music completely different. With good use of organs and prominent bass, the music gives off a jazzy and funk feel to it, especially in tracks like Tonic.

When Pete and his band vacated the stage, the audience immediately responded with a well coordinated ‘We want Pete!’. As expected the band came out and pleased the crowd with three more tracks, strategically finishing up with So Beautiful but it was pretty obvious no one in the crowd was interested in leaving this gig early. Pete waved his guitar goodbye and gave thanks as he and his band exited the stage after their fantastic set. He is proof that you don’t have to be a spring chicken to become a proficient musician.