Paul Kelly presents The Merri Soul Sessions, Hiatus Kaiyote @ Melbourne Zoo Twilight Series, Melbourne (08/02/2015)
The Merri Soul sessions is a project lead and curated by Paul Kelly. An opportunity for this legendary band leader to put together his favourite song writers and most admired singers to put together an album.
The project was inspired by Vika Bull's reinterpretation of Pauls Kellys classic “Sweet Girl” to “Sweet Guy”.
The Melbourne Zoo has put on a series of gigs in summer to create awareness of animal extinction and raise much needed funds for this cause. Arriving to the venue, I took advantage of the free time to explore and watch the playful monkeys before heading to the lawn to find a posse to watch the show… this proved the hardest part of the whole night, lots of people had come nice and early to snag their real estate- some had enough room to fit a |
two car garage and family sized pool, alas we snag a spot and was soon made aware that we were in a sea of non gig goers and that a lot of these ticket sales were generated from the Zoo database of animal lovers and those who recognize Paul Kelly's songs from his radio friendly hits.
Hiatus Kaiyote opened the night, the sun still shining, in the distance the hungry lions roaring, their gentle funk influence tunes were a lovely back drop for a wine and a chat for most of the crowd and although nationally and internationally recognised it seemed they were unknowns for this audience, who were pleasantly impressed.
As the sun set and the stars come out Paul Kelly lead his band on stage. Vika and Linda Bull, dressed in blue and looking classy as always took to Paul’s left, like they have for the past twenty years. Behind him was his band, whom many recognized as the “Rock Whiz” band and to his right three of the countries strongest soul singers, Kira Puru, Clairy Browne and Dan Sultan. The opening track 'What You Want' written by Kelly and Sultan and lead by Vika Bull showcased each singers talent and personality, Puru’s fierce image yet gentle voice, Browne’s diva style in sequins, Sultan rock’n’roll style with a hint of reckless and band leader Paul Kelly fit snug in the middle, in a simple maroon jacket, white shirt and trying hard not to draw attention to himself.
The set showcased all songs off the album The Merri Soul session, with the Kelly classics 'How To Make Gravy' and 'Dumb Things', initially the crowd seemed shocked that Kelly only took the lead vocals for four songs in the entire set, they left with a handful of new favourite acts and Paul has successfully done his job as he has done for the past thirty years, telling truthful stories that you and I can understand and relate to, making us all feel a little bit more real.
Cassie Walker
Hiatus Kaiyote opened the night, the sun still shining, in the distance the hungry lions roaring, their gentle funk influence tunes were a lovely back drop for a wine and a chat for most of the crowd and although nationally and internationally recognised it seemed they were unknowns for this audience, who were pleasantly impressed.
As the sun set and the stars come out Paul Kelly lead his band on stage. Vika and Linda Bull, dressed in blue and looking classy as always took to Paul’s left, like they have for the past twenty years. Behind him was his band, whom many recognized as the “Rock Whiz” band and to his right three of the countries strongest soul singers, Kira Puru, Clairy Browne and Dan Sultan. The opening track 'What You Want' written by Kelly and Sultan and lead by Vika Bull showcased each singers talent and personality, Puru’s fierce image yet gentle voice, Browne’s diva style in sequins, Sultan rock’n’roll style with a hint of reckless and band leader Paul Kelly fit snug in the middle, in a simple maroon jacket, white shirt and trying hard not to draw attention to himself.
The set showcased all songs off the album The Merri Soul session, with the Kelly classics 'How To Make Gravy' and 'Dumb Things', initially the crowd seemed shocked that Kelly only took the lead vocals for four songs in the entire set, they left with a handful of new favourite acts and Paul has successfully done his job as he has done for the past thirty years, telling truthful stories that you and I can understand and relate to, making us all feel a little bit more real.
Cassie Walker