AMERICA supported by RUSSELL MORRIS
Hamer Hall, July 26, 2017
Words by Greg Phillips. Photos by Jason Rosewarne
The Russell Morris story is a tale in two parts. You have the platinum-selling, once king of pop who had hit after classic hit in the 60s and 70s. You then have the modern day country-blues troubadour, relating fascinating stories of Australia’s character-filled past. Both were on display last night at Hamer Hall and Morris has been able to perfectly meld those eras together into one consummate show. Russell kicked off his support spot feeling blue … Black Dog Blues, It’s All Over Now Baby Blue and Walking The Blues Away before presenting Sharkmouth, the catalyst for the rebirth of his career. It was evident quite early in the set that Russell has lost none of his vocal power, a fact which became even more obvious during the performance of his earlier material. Mention must also be made of guitarist Pete Robinson, who is such an integral part of the Russell Morris band. Not only is his guitar tone superb, the expression and control of his instrument is second to none. Wings of an Eagle signalled the beginning of a string of classic Morris songs which included Rachel, The Real Thing and Sweet, Sweet Love, resulting in thunderous applause from the crowd as he left the stage.
Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell (not forgetting Dan Peek in the band’s formative years) have captured imaginations and shared their brand of Californian sunshine with music fans all over the world for the last 47 years. Achieving album sales in the millions, their records featured numerous hit singles which became the soundtrack to so many people’s lives. From the moment the band hit the stage, the nostalgia juice was flowing. Opening with Tin Man from 1974’s Holiday album, the audience was immediately transported back in time, with the huge backdrop screen displaying memories of the generation.
Skipping a decade, “You Can Do Magic ” followed, showcasing the band’s tightness and energy. Lead guitarist Andy Barr emerged from the shadows of the back row to take up main vocal duties on Don’t Cross The River and for the remainder of the night proved to be a vital cog in the band’s wheel, as to was bassist Rich Campbell. Seated at the keyboard, Beckley launched into the beautiful ballad Daisy Jane, revealing that time has not been as kind to his vocal chords as Bunnell’s, yet there was still plenty of collective harmony power to recreate that unmistakable America sound. The band dug deep into the catalogue, presenting much-appreciated obscurities as well as timeless classics such as Ventura Highway. Is there a song which defines the 70s west coast era more than that one? You could argue a number of Eagles’ songs but the amount of film soundtracks featuring that Dewey Bunnell masterpiece seals the deal in my opinion.
The song Driving, off 2015’s Lost and Found, an album of archived material proved to be a rockin’ exchange between the accomplished musicians on stage, leading Beckley to comment that they’d come “Dangerously close to a jam”. A lush version of Eleanor Rigby paid tribute to the seven albums in a row George Martin produced for them. This gig wasn’t just a celebration of one of the greatest song catalogues in popular music, it was the acknowledgement of a period in time when life was a little less complicated. Romantic visions of a Hollywood which doesn’t exist anymore accompanied their song which took the town’s name. A gorgeous version of California Dreamin’ further fuelled the sentiment. Beckley and Bunnell have more or less been doing a similar set for most of their career but the packaging of songs into brackets as they did on this tour, partnered with the relevant projections added gravitas to the concept.
At the pointy end of proceedings, the chart toppers came thick and fast. Lonely People, a song of hope was as poignant as ever. The guitar-heavy treatment of Sandman gave the song a fresh coat of paint which the crowd relished and Sister Golden Hair put the result beyond doubt. Russell Morris and a couple of the band’s friends were summoned to the stage for the all-singing finale, the band’s signature tune Horse With No Name. America is not the kind of band that offers the usual ‘toilet break’ songs, the new tunes which are slipped into a set bookended by their hits. What you get is to be transported back to a time when the song was king, harmonies were perfect and all was right with the world.
Remaining tour dates:
FRIDAY, 28 JULY 2017 – SYDNEY, NSW
DARLING HARBOUR THEATRE at ICC SYDNEY
Book at ticketek 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au
SATURDAY, 29 JULY 2017 – CALOUNDRA, Qld
THE EVENTS CENTRE
Book at 07 5491 4240 or www.theeventscentre.com.au
SUNDAY, 30 JULY 2017 – GOLD COAST, Qld
BROADBEACH MUSIC FESTIVAL
* FREE SHOW *
WEDNESDAY, 2 AUGUST 2017 – WOLLONGONG, NSW
WIN ENTERTAINENT CENTRE
Book at Ticketmaster 136 100 or www.ticketmaster.com.au
THURSDAY, 3 AUGUST 2017 – CANBERRA, ACT
ROYAL THEATRE
Book at Ticketek 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au
#tourwithnoname
www.venturahighway.com
