Tim Rogers @ The NorfolkBasement, Fremantle (28/01/11)

Wed 2nd Feb, 2011 in Gig Reviews

The Norfolk Basement was stacked and packed, buzzing with excitement on
Friday night for the Tim Rogers solo gig with support from Kenny Watt.
The sold-out event proved its worth with outstanding performances by both musicians

The filled-to-capacity venue was swarming long before the event even began, with all punters eager and waiting. Support artist Kenny Watt (previously from the M-16s and Valvolux) played his second solo show in history and managed to astound the crowd with unique and powerful vocals, natural and engaging stage presence, with charisma and rockin ballads to boot. Watt styles his sound as “Power Pop/Rock/Soul” and credits influences such as The Kryptonics, The Stems, The Scientists and Detroit rock as in, the MC5.

The crowd responded with high energy and appreciation. Quite a few people taking to the dance-floor. Particularly to the solo of Turn Turn Turn, Roll On off the upcoming M-16s album, Peace Propaganda. The multi-talented musician showed only skill in his adaptation to a solo show; having previously only played with amplifiers and a loud band.
Sound quality was at its best also, with musician and producer Jeff Martin (former Tea Party) mixing for Watt.

Tim Rogers appeared on stage with totem wine bottle in hand, praising Watt for his performance and questioning how he himself was to headline after such a performance. He took his place next to his stylish Shure copy of the legendary “Elvis microphone” and instantly the crowd were all eyes and ears.

Rogers never fails to entertain with his quick whit and lyrical tales of life’s idiosyncrasies and the events surrounding being a musician on the road. Interacting with the crowd in an intimate and always ‘Aussie’ fashion – joking and gaining laughs and cheers from the Fremantle/Perth crowd. Wishing You Am I band member Rusty (who was in the audience) a “Happy Birthday mate!” .

Rogers gave a show different from his performances as front-man for You Am I, and the crowd were made to feel part of the party. All songs, apart from being in a more acoustic style, were accompanied by Rogers’ stories, letting the listeners in on the experiences and influences of his songs with wit and ease. He did not play many of the more popular You Am I numbers, although Heavy Heart was included, there was much improvisation when the mood struck – or the memory failed. A master at covering up any musical flaw with his quick humour or a few extra strums. This created within the crowd a feeling of something new, and refreshing. Old songs as well as new were thrown in the mix, some which even die-hard fans did not seem to recognise, but there were always a few fans who were singing along to almost every lyric.

Rogers appeared for encore with his good friend Megan, a small cute Retro chick with an amazingly sweet, soulful and powerful voice. The pair were a perfect vocal compliment. Rogers once off-stage even gave an extra impromptu performance. The night was a success, Rogers performing with humour and humbleness and leaving all witnesses with their “just had to be there” smiles.