Now we know we're a pop music blog, but long time readers of Internal Jukebox know how much we adore Aussie country artist Kasey Chambers, so when she was performing in Sydney last night - we had to go. And what a show, Kasey was exceptional - a true Aussie music icon.
This is the third time I've seen Kasey perform live. First time was at the Opera House for her Music Max session, second time was her "Bittersweet" album launch at the Northcote Social Club in Victoria and then again last night at Revesby. She really does get better each time. Her throat surgery must have been terrifying, but since then her voice has grown stronger and she is sounding flawless. Her new music is reflecting this, because she is really stretching herself on these new songs. We were treated to two new songs from her January released album and they were brilliant, can't wait for the album - it is going to be epic.
One of the best things about a Kasey Chambers gig is always her banter between songs. She is so warm, funny and genuinely inviting. She admits to suffering from verbal diarrhea and often just says what she's thinking and the results are usually hilarious. Sometimes when an artist keeps talking for ages you are thinking, "Just sing the bloody song", but not with Kasey - I really think I could listen to her talk all night!
If you were a Kasey fan, you would have loved the line up of songs last night - it was a like a Greatest Hits collection. Right from, "This Flower" all the way up to "Ain't No Little Girl", which was so damn impressive. "Pony" was a crowd favourite, as was the fun of "We're All Gonna Die Someday". Kasey said she sounds extra nasally in "Rattlin Bones", but that just makes it a true Kasey song. The "Bittersweet" songs were great too, the beauty of, "Is God Real?" and the powerhouse opener of "Wheelbarrow", that song has such great meat.
Highlights are always her two biggest songs. Honest moment, I am a 41 year old man and "The Captain" always makes me cry. Every time I have seen Kasey live, the song has squeezed out a few tears. It is truly beautiful, the lyrics are perfection and her voice soars so beautifully. Then you have to love, "Not Pretty Enough", the crowd always sings along. My own happy moment, Kasey smiled at me during the song and then told the audience afterwards that she always love seeing big, burly blokes singing along. I was told I was pretty enough and that I had made her night - my night, week, year, made!
A Kasey Chambers concert is always a family affair. Her Mum Di was manning the merch desk (and is always great to chat to), Dad Bill was on guitar (and seems just as funny as Kasey), daughter Poet was spotted in the wings dancing during a few songs and brilliantly, son Arlo, came on stage for the last song to play along to the great, "Barricades and Brickwalls" and showed how good he is at the harmonica - music genes certainly seem to be genetic! Wow, it was great to see three generations on stage at one time.
Special mention must be made to Kasey's band, who also featured the two young lads of Grizzly Train. What outstanding talents they are, their song they performed was amazing and I am definitely going to hit iTunes as soon as I finish writing this!
When you love so many songs from an artist, of course you want to hear more, but Kasey performed for over 90 minutes and any fan would have been happy - this was the kind of gig you remember fondly for a long time. Thanks Kasey for sharing your magic, I can't wait for the new album and the tour that follows. She is a true Australian legend!
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