Matt Corby, Emma Davis, Lissa,The Evergreen Trail @ TheSmallest Gig, Syndey (1/5/11)

Tue 10th May, 2011 in Gig Reviews

There is a small laneway in Paddington, and there you will find an ivy-laden door which opens onto the courtyard of a small terrace. And on Sunday, May 1st, as the sun went down, this friends, was the location for ‘The Smallest Gig’- the launch of a new movement of small, intimate gigs in gardens, on rooftops and patios across Sydney.

After a week of incessant rain, the sun graced us with radiant beams aplenty for an afternoon of musical bliss. The Smallest Gig was conceived in reaction to the ‘digital age’ of music, where live music is a case of the bigger, the better. It’s about breaking down the barrier between artist and audience and reclaiming the essence of music- no ego, no prejudice, just the freedom of musical expression and the joy that comes from sharing it, all in your own backyard.

The tunes were kicked off by quirky duo The Evergreen Trail singing original ditties- their voices melding beautifully. The pair met randomly in an impromptu busking session and they were the perfect melodic intro to the evening. Next up was Lissa, a Sydney based acoustic dream who had the crowd swooning. She had charm, humour, a wonder voice and delicious lyrics. Third act was Emma Davis, the London-born, Sydney singer/songwriter’s unique voice was perfection as the sun went down. Having worked with acclaimed muso guru Brian Campeau (Angus and Julia Stone +more), Davis has developed tunes that speak honestly and connect with a crowd.

Headlining The Smallest Gig was Matt Corby. Shattering any teen-pop-idol associations, Corby stood barefoot and fancy free in this tiny backyard, belting out tunes that could melt the world. He’s been compared to the legendary Jeff Buckley, which is a bit rich for a wee 20 year old, but never-the-less, this prodigy is bound for big things. He had every ear captivated as he sang into the night, loop pedals and audience creating an exquisite chorus beneath the stars.

The Smallest Gig, in the smallest yard was the biggest success with giant smiles all round. Bring on the next one.