Last Friday night legendary blues and roots artist Ash Grunwald touched base in the nation’s capital to play a very festival-like show at the ANU Bar. Not only did Ash Grunwald bring Canberra a basket of excitment. He brought an unsual yet pleasant vibe.
People must agree that despite the almost minus something weather, and the vibrant ANU staff displaying their ‘ANU-ness’ – you got the feeling you were at a festival? Was it the dreads? The drunkness?
As a part of his Australian tour, Grunwald was joined by US artist The Last Town Chorus which is virtually just one person. It’s the vocals and musical styling’s of New York singer-songwriter, Megan Hickey.
A strong Brooklyn accent sang through the microphones. Megan Hickey was apologising for not being ready to play. She blamed Ash – as it was his fault she got left at the hotel, but she soon forgave him instantly as today was his birthday. Once she began she stunned people with her beautiful voice and talent for the lap steel string. She enticed her audience with songs from her album Wire Waltz (which is available online.)
It is songs like Caroline which left the crowd speechless. Her highlight song of the night was her wondrous rendition of David Bowie’s Modern Love. Megan introduced her band which was basically just an iPod with her band. She called it her “band in a box.” She then continued to talked about her songs, and what it was like touring alongside Ash. Megan really seemed to enjoy interacting with her Aussie crowd, especially the fine Canberra one. However she was only disappointed by the weather which was present.
Next up was the Victorian troubadour which everybody had been waiting for. The audience went wacko-tobacco with a warm cheer to welcome him to the stage. He set himself up and was away like lightning. He with much comic – made people giggle. After a few of that crazy cat Grunwald’s songs, Ash invited Megan and his drummer Ben to the stage. Together they mixed it up. There was ‘comical’ error was when a plug (or something) came undone. However Ash just kept singing, even though he was just singing what was going on. It had the audience in hysterics.
The highlight of the peformance was definitely crowd favourite Serious. He featured tracks from his fifth album titled Fish Out Of Water which was only recently released. It was suprising how the enthusiastic punters sang along and danced. Some punters even had the same look going as Ash with the dreads and the casual gear.
It was a spectacular event to see one side of the ANU Bar completely deserted whilst a mini-festival happened by the stage. Next time Ash returns to Canberra, hopefully it’s one where it’s hot and sunny. And one where many people attend.
Oh, and happy birthday Ash.
