Charles Jenkins and theZhivagos @ The Corner,Melbourne (4/07/09)

Sun 5th Jul, 2009 in Gig Reviews

Perhaps better known for his work as front-man for pop-rock band the Ice Cream Hands, and better known as – œChuck’ during this same epoch, but regardless of his history Charles Jenkins proved himself a worthy solo performer and all-round sparkling musician as he hosted the Blue Atlas Winter Ball at the Corner Hotel.

The first act to get the ball rolling seemed honest but was down right discordant, warranting a few insistent – œShut-ups!’ to be bellowed from the guts of the gathering crowd. It was like entering the lair of two dorky teenage boys who spontaneously shred apart their little hearts for any willing audience, but to their demise lacked any harmony or sense. Their title still remains a mystery, although maybe that’s not such a bad thing. But despite this shaky start and their inability to hit a note with the crowd, they certainly didn’t set the trend for the evening.

The snowflake spattered Corner Hotel provided the perfect setting for Jenkins touching lyrics, heart-warming ballads and the presentation of his ninth album, Blue Atlas. With a fine list of guest appearances indeed, including Clare Bowditch, Abby Dobson, Anna Burley, Carl and Van Walker, Spencer P Jones, Rebecca Barnard, Shane O’Mara, a Frankenstein-esque Ron Peno, Kerri Simpson, Liz Stringer, Tim Rogers and Davey Lane from You Am I and the unforgettable contribution of The Blue Atlas Strings, such majesty was not to be forgotten quickly. And despite the chilly conditions, Jenkins never failed to remind the audience that we – œlook amazing…really hot’.

The gig, set in two stages and as Jenkins informed the devoted audience, spanned – œfrom one extreme to the other…’ really kicked into gear post intermission. The performance and atmosphere lost its previously refined form and sobriety (as did the crowd somewhat) in favour of a final hour of power.

A soulful rendition of Jenkins’ popular tune Rolling into Houston by Rebecca Barnard got the now full house truly into the groove and Trees Of Brisbane by the stunning and sultry Clare Bowditch was undoubtedly a highlight of the evening.

Equally as spirited, Rogers, appearing twice on the crowded stage now homing Jenkins, The Zhivagos and The Blue Atlas strings professed his love of the album repeatedly.

Another warming quality of the Winter Ball was that Jenkins never failed to look inspired and excited about his music, guests and equally as enthused audience, who for only twenty bucks a pop had packed out the Corner Hotel.

From grandiose tales of 1950s Hollywood superstar Shelley Winters, to more grounded, humbling lyrics found in Trees of Brisbane or Across the Nullarbor, Jenkins’ poeticism never lapsed throughout the night. Such intimate detail and ambition readily accessible in his music made it a truly wondrous audience to be a part of. So indeed we were taken on a journey, with Jenkins, his band and his friends, and left feeling a little more wholesome then before.

To tie the night up neatly Jenkins and the Zhivagos ended with a track from the new album, politely thanked and farewelled the crowd, and just like a charming prince cast by Disney himself, promised he would return next year for the ball. We can only wait to see if the silver slipper fits as well next encounter.