Blues at Bridgetown @Bridgetown, WA 13/11/09

Wed 18th Nov, 2009 in Gig Reviews

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Those venturing into WA’s lower South West to experience the Blues at Bridgetown as first timers, should have walked away from the experience thoroughly impressed.

The three-day long Bridgetown Blues festival is a Mecca for fans who make the annual pilgrimage to see an all-embracing range of blues.

It was also a way for the music eclectic and blues festival virgin to sample the genre.

A seemingly cultish sea of middle-aged, fedora-clad devotees traipsed down the main street of Bridgetown, entranced by tales of lament and slow-chord melodies. Once immersed in the atmosphere and sound for a short time however, it seemed much less like a bizarre sect as the generation-transcending appeal of the blues became clear, and a new breed gave their approval alongside the old-timers.

The head-liners were split between three main stages, whilst smaller acts performed in the various licensed venues and the free street party on Saturday. Victorian Three-piece; Tin Pan Orange, fronted by Emily Lubitz, gave us some truly roots-inspired storytelling delivered in haunting tones and complemented by stirring violin and guitar melodies delivered respectively by Alex Burkoy and Lubitz’s brother Jesse. Lubitz’s ukulele in Another Town added a new dimension to the group’s sound. Their dulcet tones carried the appreciative crowd to another place at dusk.

Sydney veterans The Bondi Cigars were able to keep the audience moving long after sunset, the high energy presence of front-man Shane Pacey, still fresh sounding after two decades of performing, succeeded in keeping the crowd on its feet with a mixture of new and classic hits. Your Fine Frame, from the recently released album Universal Stew was an upbeat crowd-pleaser, as were their unique covers of Hank Williams’ Lost Highway and Solomon Burke’s Cry To Me.

Pianist-composer Kenny – œthe Blues Boss’ Wayne was a well received US import at the Blue Owls Nest after dark, blending a mixture of originals and covers that had an old-school rock – œn roll appeal to mature audiences. His stage presence was eccentric; his shimmering stage attire alone drawing attention.

Wayne’s set was supported by local WA outfit, The Nervous Investors, who had performed at Geegelup earlier in the day.
Their lyrics had an element of Oz humour and irony as they revealed tales of tragic realities from alcoholism to broken marriages, in keeping with the blues theme. Lez Karski’s laid-back stage presence endeared him to the crowd who heckled good-naturedly.

Following The Blues Boss, The Backsliders, featuring Rod Hirst (Midnight Oil), Dom Turner and harmonica virtuoso Ian Collard, were nothing short of a well-polished act. The pleasant vocal harmonies of Turner and Hirst fused with Collard’s harp were striking and gave their blues an acoustic rock feel, which could easily grow on you.

Highest festival accolades go to contemporary Texan bluesman Hamilton Loomis. His edgy, hard-hitting sound and commanding presence drew huge numbers to the Geegelup amphitheatre. His sultry rock-star good looks and charisma, combined with skilful rock/blue riffs and soulful vocals engaged the large crowd. Loomis was a truly versatile showman. His vibrant presence parted the crowd as he leapt off the stage to deliver a remarkable guitar solo during the heavy blues number, Bow Wow.

Next, the amused crowd were treated to a saxophone/guitar duel between Loomis and Stratton Doyle who skilfully wove together familiar hits from Men at Work’s Who Can it Be Now to Deep Purple’s Smoke on the Water. Loomis’ stellar performance appeared effortless as he captivated the crowd for the remainder of the set and earned himself a resounding encore with an apt mantra that captured the mood of the weekend, Get My Blues On.

All other acts for the entire festival seemed to pale into significance following this star appearance. Loomis is definitely one to watch out for should he continue to make waves down under.

With over 170 hours of live blues, one day was simply not enough to gain a full appreciation of the national and international acts and a full weekend’s accommodation is highly recommended for next year.

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