The 5th and penultimate session this year for the Adelaide Music Collective once again proves its worth as a powerhouse of Adelaide talent, with the likes of Glenn Shorrock, Chris Finnen, and members of Fraternity performing to a sell out crowd as well as being inducted into the SA Music Hall of Fame.
The sessions, which follow a proven template of showcasing emerging acts, Hall of Fame inductions, and performances by seasoned veterans has had an amazing first year and looks set to be a key fixture in the SA Music industry for years to come.
Speaking earlier in the night before things commenced, blues great Chris Finnen spoke of the obligation for seasoned musicians to pass knowledge and experience onto younger artists, something that AMC has successfully done since its inception this year. “If you don’t share your knowledge, then it won’t be reinvented by others. Music is meant to be shared with people, that’s the principle I live by”, says Finnen.
The opening act, The Beggars, consisting of Renee Donaghey, Stuart Day, and Quinton Dunne were every bit harmonic with their folk/country/bluegrass roots showing off their songs with an Australiana and storytelling slant. All members have extensive training and experience, evident in their performance, which was fantastic.
Sam Brittain followed with an emotionally stirring acoustic solo set that evoked passion in his music and singing. Playing songs from his latest release ‘Live Simply’ (May 2014), Brittain enchanted the audience with such a connection that it is impossible not to love this guy!
Brillig, a 3-piece alternative folk/country group were haunting, as they delivered a series of ‘murder ballads come sea shanties’ complete with piano accordion and auto harp. They’re visually stunning, with an air of mystery, eccentricity and intrigue and would be great in a cabaret setting.
The inductions saw Glenn Shorrock (Twilights, Axiom, LRB), Chris Finnen (blues great), and members of 70’s super group Fraternity (Bruce Howe, John Freeman & Mauri Berg) joining the SA Music Hall Of Fame. There were anecdotes of former glory days, laughs aplenty, and messages of support from the likes of Daryl Braithwaite, Brian Cadd, and Doug Parkinson who themselves are music legends. This section of the evening is ritually hosted by none other than media identity and SA legend David ’Daisy’ Day, who also founded the Hall Of Fame and has been battling with health issues for several years. In what was an unexpected and emotionally charged event, AMC founder Enrico Morena surprised the crowd by inducting ‘Daisy’ into the Hall Of Fame. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house, and the standing ovation was affirmation that this was a well-deserved award for someone who has done so much for the industry. It was one of those moments that will forever stand out for it’s pure beauty and significance.
After a break, Chris Finnen let fly with a red-hot set of the coolest blues with John Freeman on drums. The Blues Master’s high vocals and huge sound rolled through the Goodwoood Institute like a steam train carrying moonshine, and in true blues style, Finnen jumped off the stage, laid his guitar on it and played it like a slide guitar. If you’ve never seen Finnen play, the man is off the chain once he straps on his guitar and lets loose.
Finally Glenn Shorrock came on and dazzled the audience with his distinct voice and stage presence, which made him the success he was being celebrated for. With songs from The Beatles (We Can Work It Out), Manfred Mann (Flamingo), The Twilights, (Needle In A Haystack) Axiom (Little Ray Of Sunshine), Little River Band (Help Is On Its Way) & Rod Stewart, Shorrock was still up to the task of being the consummate performer, and came back to sing ‘Cool Change’ as his encore.
These sessions are not only a showcase of musical talent past and present, but are a historical preservation of the legacy of the South Australian music industry contribution. There can be no denying that this is a necessary and valuable medium to provide a mentoring and networking platform for artists, as well as unifying industry members in a spirit of egalitarianism.
Having experienced all but the first session, it is a privilege to be witnessing history in the making and to be in the company of such gifted, exceptional South Australians.
The final session for the year will be on Friday 21 November, with Evan & Idris Jones (“Push Bike Song”) Peter Combe, Bev Harrell, and Mick Wordley being inducted. Acts will include The Baker Suite & Laura Hill.
Don’t miss out, these sell out ever so quickly so book well ahead.
Tickets Here:http://www.trybooking.com/107774. Adults: $35. Conc. $30
Where: The Goodwood Institute
166a Goodwood Rd
Goodwood, S.A. 5034
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/AdelaideMusicCollective?fref=ts
Reviewed by Darren Hassan
Twitter: @DazzHassan
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