Thursday, 2nd February 2017.
If there was any doubt that Passenger was going to take the crowd for a ride at the Thebby on Thursday night, then the show proved just that in what was an incredible music journey.
Support act The Paper Kites kicked proceedings off in an ambient fashion. Lead vocalist Sam Bentley has a voice that goes straight through your body, pulling you into a space that is both romantic and heartbreaking all at once. Their Indie/ Folk sound pulls you in and will captivate you. Formed in 2010, they have started to take flight. Touring with big names such as ‘Josh Pyke’ and ‘City and Colour’ the future is definitely looking bright for the Melbourne five piece. Their performance was enchanting. Their song Electric Indigo is, in a word, genius – take a listen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWF5_wdqQj0
All aboard as Passenger takes to the stage. Passenger, aka Michael David Rosenberg has stated that music to him is about “harnessing an idea, and delivering it with honesty”. People understand his music better with just a guitar and vocals. It’s honest, no smoke and mirrors or bullshit. We the audience embarked on a journey, guided by a true story teller with a message of beauty that we all need to hear. And no one delivers it better than Michael. With his acoustic guitar in one hand, and an honest love in his heart, the night was filled with passion, laughter and joy. With a true love of his gypsy lifestyle, it’s apparent that Michael is a man of experience. He takes stock of things, reflects and is possibly the most positive man you will ever meet. You cannot be in his presence without it rubbing off onto you. Michael’s philosophy is, simply, to ‘enjoy the simple things’. A light hearted character, there was nothing “light hearted” about his positive energy, performance and desire for what he does. Playing songs from his latest album – ‘Young As The Morning Old As The Sea’, and old favourites, Michael delivers a performance that, if you have a pulse, you will enjoy.
Michael explains that being a part of the singer/ songwriter genre, you need to be vulnerable, honest and open if you want to make a connection. He was engaging from the get go. Taking plenty of opportunities to stop and chat to his audience, as if in the presence of an old friend. He is a man with a message. A man who has captured many of life’s myriad of experiences, sharing them with us through song. Michael’s exceptional song writing capabilities truly enable him to connect with the listener.
One could say you wait your whole life to watch a performer such as Passenger. Famous for his song ’Let Her Go’, Passenger has proved he is more than just a one trick pony. His latest album, ‘Young As The Morning Old As The Sea’ released in 2016 went to number one in Australia. With another six albums under his belt, it’s clear to see Passenger is here to stay. Humbly thanking his Australian supporters, Passenger gave his Adelaide audience a truly moving and surreal show.
Mr Rosenberg, you were ‘sunny and bright as a sunrise’ and left your audience feeling ‘happy and full as the moon’. Thank you for a truly moving show, one that I certainly will never forget.
By Kathryn Yeend
Pics: Melissa Donato
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