Review: Greg Phillips. Photos: Jason Rosewarne.
There’s been quite a buzz about South Australian-based guitarist, singer, songwriter Stefan Hauk for some time. In a seemingly short period of time he has developed a significant following, not just here in Australia but also in Europe. We were lucky enough to catch up with Stefan last month to chat about his career and fabulous new album Before The Dawn (Watch interview HERE) and last night at Memo Music Hall we finally had the opportunity to experience the man and band live on stage.
But first up, local guitar legend Geoff Achison was chosen as the warm up act, and warm the crowd he did indeed. Playing solo with just his Gibson EC-30 acoustic guitar, Achison proceeded to mesmerise the audience with his stylish touch, technique and amiable nature. Opening with the beautiful Sovereign Town from the album of the same name, Geoff’s amazing fingerpicking skills quickly became apparent, as did his world-class talent for penning a heartfelt tune. Following up with Ben Harper’s Walk Away proved that years of performing have taught Geoff a thing or two about show dynamics. In a poignant moment, the delightful Adam and Eve came next and was dedicated to the late, great bass man and longtime member of Geoff’s band The Souldiggers Roger McLachlan, who would have turned 72 on the day. However it was Geoff’s epic version of the Allman Brothers’ Whipping Post that really blew the audience away. I always thought that I’d never see a live acoustic guitar performance to rival John Butler’s Ocean but Geoff’s Whipping Post was right up there for its level of grandeur. Absolute magic.
After a short intermission and without fanfare, Stefan Hauk walked onto the stage followed by bass player Milush Piochaud and Melbourne drum sensation Gerry Pantazis (who also happens to be the drummer for Geoff’s Souldiggers) and launched straight into the funky Butterfly Tattoo from the new album, as the band immediately hit upon an infectious groove. Offering to play some “straight-up blues” the band eased into a ripping version of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Empty Arms, with Stefan demonstrating his slick fretboard skills. As always at Memo, the sound was pristine (thanks to Tom at the desk) and with such amazing tones coming out of Hauk’s new signature Redseven amp (which he will be personally launching next week at the NAMM Show in LA), the band was able to build a cracking level of excitement for the crowd. To begin with Stefan favoured his custom-built Telecaster-style guitar until he broke one of his “wimpy gauge” strings and settled for most of the night on the Custom Shop Goldtop Les Paul. A gorgeous ES 330 style semi hollow body guitar also made an appearance. Hauk continued to focus on the wonderful tracks from his new Before The Dawn record, including a passionate version of Can’t Help Myself, which to me features a Winwood/Clapton/Blind Faith vibe. Top of the Shelf is one of the most soulful tunes from the album and Stefan delivered a stunning version for the Memo Music Hall audience.
Run from the new album displayed a heavier, rock side to Stefan’s playing, reflecting his childhood influences of Deep Purple and Free. Before The Dawn, the album title track is such a haunting piece and indicates a fair degree of versatility in Stefan’s songwriting. Asking if there were any “Jimi” fans in the crowd, several Melbourne-centric audience members heckled back with “Jimi Hocking?” before the band burst into a Hendrix classic. After a powerful Blow by Blow from the new disc, Stefan then called Geoff Achison back on stage to join him. Acho took the lead vocals on Muddy Waters Sugar Sweet, as he and Hauk met in the middle to begin a half hour of intoxicating guitar jammin’. The rhythm section of Piochaud and Pantazis also came to the fore as the level of show dynamics leapt a notch. It was a fantastic display of world-class musicianship from all four Australian players on stage. Matt Taylor’s I Remember When I Was Young was a surprising but thrilling inclusion next, with the band locking so tight into a groove that they could have burst at the seams. In the end, the last licks were left to the man of the moment, Stefan Hauk as he powered through a smokin’ version of Jimi’s Red House, showcasing his substantial feel and dexterity, finishing up an extraordinary night of top shelf, world-class, blues rock and musicianship.
https://www.memomusichall.com.au/
