The Black Sorrows @ TheNational Gallery of Australia,Canberra (6/3/10)

Sun 7th Mar, 2010 in Gig Reviews

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Thinking there wouldn’t be a star to be seen in the night sky, Van Gogh himself must be a Black Sorrows fan because not a drop of rain hit the stage for the second event of the On a Starry Night series at the National Gallery of Australia.

Getting there nice and early I pitied the poor people that were lining up for miles for the Masterpieces from Paris exhibition currently showing at the gallery. With a magic pink band on my wrist, it allowed me to skip this line and go right on in, in front of all these waiting people. But once in there I could see what all the waiting was about. On my first trip around, the paintings were five people deep and I was about to catch a glimpse, but on the final circuit got to stand and appreciate what all the hype has been about. If you are um-ing and ah-ing about whether to purchase a ticket for the Starry Night’s last two events next week, all I can say is DO IT! You get the one on one time with the paintings and get a rockin’ gig afterward.

The Black Sorrows lead singer and artist in his own right, Joe Camilleri managed to peruse the exhibition himself before the show and when asked what he thought of a painting “Brilliant” came to mind. I managed to talk to Joe before the gig while he was relaxing in the greenroom, playing his red Nash guitar. “Music and Art go hand in hand. And with a series like this who can refuse” talking on the Starry Nights series of events. And he was so right. Music and Art – both sing to our heart and soul.

On to the gig, 9 pm hit and dead on time the men hit the stage. Baby It’s a Crime, which happens to be Camilleri’s favourite song to play in the set, was first up. “Like static on the dial, a look comes back in style”, we all know that line as with many others on the set list. Black Sorrows mainstays Harley and Rose ,The Crack Up and Come on Come On featured as well as Jo Jo Zep hits like Hit and Run and Shape I’m In.

What would a set be without a few crowd favourite covers. First up was Marley classic Stir it Up and karaoke favourite Brown Eyed Girl. His sweltering voice so familiar to many, he gave us a rendition that we won’t forget in a hurry. “Not today’s soul, YESTERDAY’s soul” Camilleri announced and in saying that Sam Cooke’s Cupid took hold half way through the song to the delight of the crowd and Camilleri himself.

With two stringless guitars and a full dance floor, the guys encored with Rolling Stones hits Time is on My side and Hip Shake.

One and a half hours later and a truly exhausted, a sweating yet highly satisfied crowd started to file from the Sculpture Garden.

Remembering back to my pre-show chat with Joe, I did say it was my first interview to which he replied “Who knows in time you may bring me back on my way down”, to which I flat out refused would be the case. Joe Camilleri and his music have been in our loungerooms, on our radio and at our fingertips for many a years and I have a feeling he will be around for many more years to come. His fan base is wide-spread and varied, but all have one thing in common, the love and appreciation for the music and the superb songwriting abilities he has.

With a new DVD/CD out now, 4 Days at SingSing, it just goes to show that he is a stayer with the determination and will that we all love and adore in our Aussie bands of yesteryear.

CHECK OUT THE PICS HERE!