On a warm summer’s night on the Festival of Perth’s Village Verandah, with the ghost of Gram Parsons hovering above, three damn fine singer-songwriters gave Perth their best.
Bob Evans started the show, and due to public transport was sadly missed by this reviewer, although from all reports, Perth’s current day ‘Boy from the burbs’, impressed everyone with songs which have gained a certain world weary maturity since his mid 90’s offerings under the umbrella of Jebadiah, Dave Warner would be proud.
Tim Roger’s never claims to have the best voice or be the greatest guitar player, but damn can he write a song! In a set which swung from his yet to be released solo album to 1999’s country flavoured ‘What Rhymes with Cars and Girls’ and even the odd You Am I number. Rogers may not be pitch perfect, but unlike many singers, he sings with heart broken authority that makes every song an emotionally loaded gun.
The songs from the new album seem to have a country/bluesy feel, and a bit more rock’n’roll than what rhymes with cars and girls. The newer songs went down well with an audience obviously more familiar with the older stuff, ‘Handwasher’ from 1994’s HiFi Way and ‘If We Can’t Get it Together’ from 1996’s Hourly Daily being big crowd pleasers. A soaring rendition of Gram Parsons $1000 Dollar Wedding breathed new life into the classic song.
Even Dando watched Rogers from the audience before getting up to present a tight, crowd pleasing set which showcased the best from his new solo album ‘Baby I’m Bored’ but spent most of the time churning out old favourites from the Lemonheads.
Into Your Arms, My Drug Buddy, Being Around and The Outdoor Type, were all lapped up by an appreciative audience. Dando’s deep melodic voice and understated stage presence made for an impressive show from an obviously well practised troubadour. When Rogers joined him on stage the two old friends started singing an amateur campfire version on Honky Tonk Women before collapsing into giggles.
They then finished of the night with a heaven sent version of Gram Parson’s Hot Burrito No# 1 (I’m Your Toy) with Rogers on guitar and Dando singing like he meant every word. By the end of the song there was wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
