19-TWENTY @ GERSHWIN ROOM THE ESPY – MELBOURNE – 28.03.2025
Review: Craig Eriksson. Photos: Jason Rosewarne
It had been a while since I’d been to a gig at one of our old stomping grounds, the Gershwin Room at the iconic Espy Hotel in St Kilda. Australian Musician’s photographer and lover of blues music, Jason Rosewarne had been talking up this gig all week saying it’s going to be an absolute ripper and he was spot on.
Hussy Hicks kick started the evening with the amazing and very talented Leesa Gentz (vocals, percussion) and Julz Parker (guitar/vocals/cajon). They are from Northern NSW and tonight it was just the two of them playing a duo set without the rest of their band. Jase had talked up how much he loved this band and I had a high level of expectation going into this gig, but in all honesty they were so much better than I had anticipated. They were delightful in so many ways with their blend of blues, soul, alt-country and a touch of jazz with Gentz’s fabulous vocals. They only played a short set and I wanted so much more and so did the rest of the audience that got there early to see them. Julz is a quality guitarist and Leesa’s killer vocals were next level and soared through the Gershwin reaching chilling heights. I noticed they were both barefoot and free-spirited and thoroughly enjoyed performing. I will definitely see them again at the upcoming 2025 Bluesfest in Byron Bay with their full band and also listen to their back catalogue of recordings.
It got quite hot in the bandroom as the crowd built up and eventually the Gersh was packed to the max. Hailing from central Victoria, Bill Barber & The Holding Cell came on next. We had already seen this band at the beginning of the year at the Cherry Bar and they played a killer show. I’ve seen them countless times over the years and first saw them on the magnificent Blues Train in Queenscliff about 10 years ago and was won over by them. It’s hard to express just how incredible Bill Barber’s vocals are and he is a talented singer, songwriter and lead guitarist. His band play so incredibly tight and they all look like they’re having so much fun on stage. Tommy ‘Back Beat’ Brown (drums), Jaspar Austin Gray (bass guitar), Shaun Klinger (lead/rhythm guitar). They are one of my favourite blues live acts going around and I encourage you to experience them live if you get the opportunity. They play a wonderful blend of blues, southern rock, Americana and bluegrass. Take a listen to their 2024 release – At Muscle Shoals which was recorded at the legendary FAME studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. A magnificent album that is on high rotation at my place.
19-Twenty headlined with their high energy show of blues rock and roots which felt like The Living End vs John Butler Trio. Their show was electric and everyone in the audience had so much fun. Kane Dennelly (lead vocals/guitars); Jeremy Berg (drums) and John Gwilliam (double bass) were also joined by Kane’s brother Heath Dennelly who played harmonica, saxophone and backing vocals and special guest and guitar virtuoso, Jeff Lang. The crowd absolutely loved them and it was very obvious that most had seen 19-Twenty before and knew their music and were in party-mode. Kane Dennelly is a charismatic frontman with great vocals and engages well with the audience. Gwilliam captivates the crowd swinging around and riding his double bass. Berg and Kane exchange friendly banter throughout the show and Berg stop starts drumming in some songs, controlling the tempo. This highlighted how tight this band play together. I managed to get hold of their Set List, but Kane said they had deviated from it. Jeff Lang played one of his own songs in the middle of the set with the band which showcased Lang’s incredible guitar playing.
Jeff Lang is an incredibly talented and acclaimed Australian guitarist, singer, songwriter and music producer from Geelong, Victoria. Lang has been playing for almost 40 years and the first time I saw him play was about 30 years ago. Lang plays a combination of genres ranging from blues, folk, rock and roll and he is well known as one of the best Australian Blues artists going around. Lang’s recent 2024 album More Life is a ripper and he collaborates with some other wonderful Australian artists such as Don Walker, William Crighton, Kerri Simpson, Suzannah Espie, Liz Stringer to name a few.
19-Twenty mix in short bits of covers versions into their own songs and they seem to improvise a lot, creating a special and exciting vibe which gets the crowd singing along throughout the show. These cover versions ranged from Staying Alive by The Bee Gees, Killing In The Name Of by Rage Against The Machine, You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) by Dead or Alive and they even played Cotton-Eyed Joe, showing their diversity. The crowd just loved it!
19-Twenty played What A Night from their new 2025 album Call It What You Want. They played songs from other albums and EPS such as Tramp Stamp, Big Love, Judge Judy, Wipeout and Hips. Jeff Lang and Heath joining them on stage for the last few songs. Kane asked the audience who has had a shitty day? Many laughed and put up their hands. This led into the Del Amitri song Driving With The Brakes On. This acoustic song was stunning! They came back out for a 1-song encore and sang crowd favourite 2 & 4 from their 2013 Zion album which sent the crowd into a frenzy and had everyone jumping about raising the temperature of the room to sauna level. 19-Twenty will also be playing at the 2025 Bluesfest which is 17 April-20 April in Byron Bay.
