THE LACHY DOLEY GROUP – GERSHWIN ROOM, ESPY HOTEL 8th February 2025
Review and photos by Jason Rosewarne
On Saturday night, Melbourne’s legendary Gershwin Room at the Espy Hotel played host to the highly anticipated return of The Lachy Doley Group, who were in town to celebrate the launch of their latest album *Live in Paris*. It had been over 18 months since the band last graced the Melbourne stage, and the crowd was eager to welcome them back and enjoy their signature blend of funky blues.
The band, featuring Lachy Doley on the Hammond organ and whammy clavinet, Jackie Barnes on drums and backing vocals, and Joel Burton on bass guitar, was the same lineup that recorded the album at Paris’ iconic New Morning venue during their European tour last year. Their performance was a stunning showcase of the group’s chemistry, which shone through during the two-and-a-half-hour set.
Throughout the night, the audience was treated to some special guest appearances from local talent. Nardia, fresh off her finalist performance at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, brought her powerful presence to the stage, along with guitarist Justin Yap from Rambal and Kathleen Halloran, who had just launched her solo career with the release of *Free With Me* in December. Each guest added their unique flair, enhancing the already electrifying atmosphere.
Despite a few minor technical glitches, the show was a masterclass in world-class musicianship, with each performer delivering a remarkable display of skill and passion. The crowd, full of dedicated music lovers, were captivated by the performance, which undoubtedly left a lasting impression on everyone in the room. The Lachy Doley Group’s return to Melbourne was a triumphant one, reaffirming their place as one of the most exciting acts on the blues and funk scene.
