I am always happy to support genuine local talent, especially when that local talent is someone whose music has really helped mne through some difficult times and inspired me to greater things.
The first time I ever heard the music of Sallie Campbell and her band Speed of Purple, I was mesemerized. A friend gave me a copy of her limited printed four track sampler and I just couldn’t get enough. I couldn’t wait to watch her play live. Then on Thursday night at the Troubadour, with a line-up which included three other acoustic style acts, I had the chance. A frequent entertainer of the Brisbane Riverside Market goers, it was good to see the band in a more congenial setting (if that’s what you could call the ever so kitch 70’s lounge bar atmosphere of the Troubadour – gotta love it!)
The first act up was a three-piece called Precious Lazy Day which was also the name of their opening track; a laid-back whimsical tune about those days we love to waste away doing nothing in particular. A combination of mellow acoustic guitar and the sublimely hypnotizing voice of singer Rozie Dizzey set the scene for a relaxed and warm evening. Guest performer Sallie Campbell added an extra dimension to the act with the emotive strings, keyboards and backing vocals.
Precious Lazy Day were followed by soloist Tyrone Wright, who in true Troubadour style, serenaded the crowd with his casual stand-up acoustic guitar and his sublime soulful voice sang sweet tunes that had this one lady in the audience fairly swooning! With a very Crowded House inspired sound and amazing musical ability and with lovely lyrics about “wanting you by my side ‘til the end of time” (sigh) Tyrone had me riveted to my seat in awe throughout his set.
Next up were my favourites, Speed of Purple, created by Sallie Campbell and including a variable line up of other brilliant goddesses. Tonight it was Sallie on keyboards, violin and vocals with Velvet on the drum and Danielle on Cello. Once these three began to play, a hush fell over the audience. To watch these three women as they play is like watching a fine ballet or some kind of ancient sacred ritual. The precision and delicacy as they create these ethereal sounds is like watching magic happen. Sallie is the brilliance behind the exquisite musical arrangements of Speed of Purple; incorporating layers of delicate strings and gorgeous piano melodies and catchy rythms that would leave Mozart blushing
They opened with my favourite of all their tracks, Some Words, that had me toe-tapping and singing along heartily. Sallie is truly a modern day poet with an ability to put into words and music such emotion and insight that I feel truly belssed just to have the chance to hear it. She followed with the beautiful song On the Horizon, then the playful track, Box of Wood, featuring some amazing keyboard playing. They played another one of my favourites, Puppet on a String, before finishing with guest Adam joining in on the violin for a couple of acoustic tracks to finish off the set. It was absoutely beautiful, a real pleasure to see and hear.
The last act of the night was a funky Rhythm and Blues (in the old sense of the word and not the Romp n Bump of the new RNB!) outfit by the name of Dangerbird featuring Danny Whitecombe on guitar to wind up the night with some good old fashioned toe-tapping rock n roll.
Altogether, a great night at the Troubadour and the chance to check out some of our local talented troubadours in action.
