Bob Evans @ Oxford ArtFactory, Sydney (22/11/08)

Mon 24th Nov, 2008 in Gig Reviews

The night grew cold, and the rain was due, but nothing could hold back the warmth of an intimate night with Bob Evans at the Oxford Art Factory. As Kevin Mitchell sung his heart out, he not only consolidated his reputation as one of the best singer/songwriters in Australian music, but also gave birth to its next singing sensation.

One fan got the opportunity to join the headliner onstage for a song – and delivered it with the panache of a seasoned pro. His name was Xiu, Jew, Xiao, or Ju…I couldn’t quite hear it, but goddamn, I was jealous of him. He was grabbed from the crowd, ran on stage and sang Turn, from Bob Evans’ first album Suburban Kid. He had the crowd in the palm of his hand for his rock star moment – and you couldn’t have many better.

Bob Evans seems like an everyman who has had his heart broken millions of times. Some songs are hopefully romantic, while others possess a melancholy reminiscent of Bob Dylan or Woody Guthrie. The highlights of the night included Darling, Won’t You Come and Nowhere Without You, featuring Simon Jones on guest vocals. Josh Pyke joined Mitchell onstage for Don’t You Think It’s Time – the jewel in the crown of this set.

Mitchell’s sheer enjoyement is evident in his live performance: accepting requests, talking with crowd members and bringing them on stage.
To all those who are seeing the Blind Faith tour in other venues around the country, be sure to scream out your favourites when you are asked for requests. Be prepared to sing – you never know, you could be up there on stage living out your rock star moment too…