Jez Mead @ The Grace Emily,Adelaide (07/05/09)

Sat 9th May, 2009 in Gig Reviews

Support act, the SimonPeter band, opened for a casual Thursday evening gig at Adelaide institution, the Grace Emily. Simon on lead vocals and guitar led the trio through gritty folk/rock songs, while making light of sound problems that hampered the intimate gig. Dread-locked Sarah gave an unconventional yet skilful performance on the violin, lending her soft and raw singing voice as back up vocals. However, it was underrated Craig who was most interesting to watch during the set, moving swiftly between a range of instruments from didgeridoo, bongos and stomp box, to tambourine, rhythm sticks and clever shoe-attached shaker.

With draped Australia flag and Goofy toy mascot, the eclectic trio led the small audience through moments of solemn lyrics to furiously played folksy tunes, including songs The Fool and Walking Away. The easy-flowing set was closed with politically charged My First Protest Song, featuring a sample of old nursery rhyme Five Little Ducks to stir the audience’s sense of nostalgia.

When Jez Mead finally took to the small stage, he was quick to acknowledge that he saw “lots of familiar faces from my last gig”, playing with the relaxed confidence of being amongst friends. Guitar- and harmonica-playing Mead’s acoustic set featured songs such as Belly Up and Sucker, drawing a few laughs about his ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriend.

Following up on a support act slot with Australian favourites The Waifs earlier in the year, Mead exuded self-assurance as a performer which seemed would carry him well from intimate gigs at the Grace Emily to national touring slots at places like the Governor Hindmarsh and Sydney’s Metro Theatre.

It wasn’t long before the small audience of cross-legged, laid-back fans were encouraged to their feet for a lengthy instrumental; bare feet stomping out the Grace’s well-worn carpet. The cold evening outside was quickly forgotten, with Mead’s often feverishly-played performance drawing sweat from singer and audience alike.

As much as the comparisons surely get tiresome, Mead would certainly hold his own alongside other Aussie names such as John Butler and Ash Grunwald. A highlight was his take on Billy Idol’s White Wedding, given a slow-paced folksy overhaul.

Giving a taste of his instrumental album on the way, the 38-year-old delivered an upbeat and energetic set of hypnotic folk/blues. While the gig was enjoyed by only a handful of fans, it won’t be long before this secret well and truly gets out.