It’s amazing to think that A Day on the Green has staged its acclaimed winery shows for more than seven years. I remember attending the very first one in the Hunter Valley, an all Australian line-up featuring Richard Clapton, Mark Seymour, Renee Geyer, and Paul Kelly.
Since then A Day on the Green has gone from strength to strength, attracting more international artists and more fans, yet staying true to its core desire to provide a laidback concert experience for the over 40s set. I’m not there yet, but I definitely appreciate shows that allow me to indulge in a good wine and a cheese platter while enjoying great music.
To celebrate its success, the mob from A Day on the Green has released a special three-disc set entitled The Vintage Years 2001-2008. Each disc takes us on a different journey: one “stripped back” and acoustic, the “new blend” showcasing the best young talent, while disc three is “vintage” all the way.
The vintage is perhaps the most eclectic, with the dance flavours of Lionel Richie and Leo Sayer sitting alongside Aussie rockers Jimmy Barnes and Richard Clapton and the soulful strains of George Benson and Simply Red. Thankfully my own music taste is pretty diverse, so I appreciate the variety. I’ve been alternating the discs in my car according to my mood.
International headliners Jackson Browne, Steely Dan, Chris Isaak, and John Fogerty are notable absences. But so many people have graced the Day on the Green stages, I suppose some harsh decisions had to be made. The abundance of Australian talent, from icons like James Reyne and Ian Moss to new kids Clare Bowditch and Lior, should please local audiences.
My only disappointment is that we’re left with studio versions rather than live ones. The songs are flawless, but they lack the energy I experienced at the shows. Perhaps some recordings from those concerts could make up the next three-disc set!
Image source: JB Hi-Fi website