PJ MORTON ‘GUMBO’ LAUNCH. BIRDS BASEMENT, MELBOURNE July 19, 2017
Review: Garry Chapman Photos: Jason Rosewarne
Gumbo is a food dish closely connected to the rich cultural traditions of the US state of Louisiana and the city of New Orleans. ‘Gumbo’ is also the title of the latest album release from New Orleans-born singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, music producer and sometime keyboard player for Maroon 5, P J Morton. Morton and his band are playing a five-night stint at Bird’s Basement in Melbourne, this week, where ‘Gumbo’ is to be officially launched.
Morton opened his set with a couple of numbers from ‘Gumbo’ – ‘Sticking to My Guns’ and ‘Religion’. From the first inviting piano notes of Morton’s funky New Orleans R&B groove, every patron in the intimate setting of Bird’s Basement must have sensed that same good, bubbly feeling that a steaming hot bowl of gumbo must surely provide.
Morton’s songs were at times sweet and soulful, and at other times jazzy and funky. There were nods to Stevie Wonder (‘one of my heroes,’ he told us) during the set, including ‘Only One’, a song from Morton’s last solo album ‘New Orleans’ (2013) on which the two Grammy-winners had featured together. The Bee Gees’ ‘How Deep is Your Love’ and Bob Marley’s ‘Is This Love?’ both found their way into the set, familiar tunes which brought smiles to a few faces, but it was Morton’s original songs that were the catalyst for the positive, warm vibe that filled the room. Just like that bowl of gumbo, the energy of the band and the groove of the music were just what the patrons needed on this chilly Melbourne winter evening.
It’s common to attend a concert and see the backing singers standing behind the instrumentalists and lead vocalist, but Morton’s two backing singers were cleverly positioned front and centre of stage, where they demanded attention and their perfect harmonies provided one of the many highlights of the performance.
Morton was upbeat throughout the show. The grin rarely left his face, and the message in his lyrics was constantly uplifting and full of hope. There were songs for lovers and songs where the audience felt compelled to join in – most notably ‘Everything’s Gonna Be Alright’, another gem from ‘Gumbo’. The other band members enjoyed the show too – you could see it on their faces. Music can make people feel good and this was living proof. The feet were tapping in the seats, and there were broad smiles everywhere on stage.
PJ Morton and his very fine band are playing at Bird’s Basement every evening from July 19 to July 24. If Melbourne’s chill has left your spirits in need of a lift, get along to see PJ and warm yourself up with some of his fantastic gumbo.
www.birdsbasement.com
www.pjmortononline.com
