On Friday night I enjoyed one of the best nights of live music I have in some time at The Standard. American singer-songwriter Howie Day drew me in, but some exemplary supports made the night something truly special.
I fell in love at first note with Patrick James, a sweet young acoustic guitar-playing troubadour from Port Macquarie. He was a cutie, but his modest personality and superb lyrics really won me. Despite being a support act the crowd around me was so respectful that I could really take in the words he sang. Just when I thought his set couldn’t get any better he was joined by his banjo-playing pal. Together they created the perfect indie folk tunes to set the stage for the evening ahead.
I must admit, I was flagging after Patrick. Pub gigs always get so late for this middle-aged music lover! I whispered to my husband that I wished there wasn’t another support act; I wanted to hear Howie and head on home! But there was Brendan Maclean, a magnificent musician who turned my fatigue around. He made a big impression with his colourful jacket and Dwayne Wayne style sunglasses, but as his first impassioned piano driven song unfolded it was clear this guy wasn’t just about looks. His set flew by with quirky originals and cover versions of songs by Leonard Cohen and Lady Gaga. You’re not going to find that combination very often folks! Whether on piano or his beloved ukulele Murphy Brown, Brendan wowed me.
And then there was Howie Day. He’s still largely unknown in this country but I’ve been following his career for the past decade. In fact, my husband and I realised as we sat waiting for him to appear that we’d seen him first eight years ago in New York City. It was the first show we ever saw together, something I was thrilled to tell the man himself once his set wrapped up. But before I reverted to teenage fangirl it was time to soak up his brilliance. His set drew from his three albums and the brand new EP Ceasefire, something that pleased a long-time fan like me greatly. The simplicity of his lone acoustic guitar and plaintive vocals was matched perfectly by his tech wizardry. What that man does with looped recordings blows my mind each time I witness it. It’s such a neat trick that he uses like a pro, making the right songs feel bigger and more lush. However in the more intimate tunes like “She Says” and “No Longer What You Require” he does away with the trickery and lets his guitar and voice speak for themselves. It’s just magic.
I didn’t leave The Standard until around midnight. By that time I’m usually long tucked up in bed. I was exhausted, but so thrilled to have seen such a brilliant set from one of my most beloved musicians along with two more from new favourites. It doesn’t get any better than that!
Images source: own photos
That was a lovely review 🙂 I saw him in Melbourne – and feel like you. I have been following his music since 2002 but this was the first time that I was able to see him live.
I’m so glad you finally got to catch him live Gugs. He really is something special. I wish more people in this country knew about him, but until then at least we get shows in lovely intimate venues! Thanks for stopping by :-).
Howie put on an amazing show, though I was a little disappointed by the amount of people there. He played in front of a pretty big crowd at the Annandale 3 years ago (though not a big venue either). A guy with so much talent deserves much more love from Sydney. Regardless, his performance was superior once again.
I completely agree with you. I don’t really understand why some artists rise to the top here and others get this underground following, and I don’t get why so many people have dropped off between the last show and this one. he does deserve much more love!
I think in part because they did not, as far as I know, go out of their way to promote it. I only found out about it because I signed myself up to a service that emails me when someone on my artist lists announces a tour in my city. Then again, someone of my greatest concert moments have been intimate venues like this. Maroon 5 with less than 500 people, Jason Mraz with less than 1000.
Howie was really sick at the Melbourne concert though – and the crowd didnt really seem that much into it. He kept on apologizing but seemed better off in bed than in front of everyone (although I loved it anyway). I was looking at other youtube videos and have noticed his voice/range changing over time.
That is a similar issue with Matt Nathanson and a few other singer/songwriter types who all came up around the same time (in the early 2000’s). For whatever reason they can’t seem to cross over to the mainstream, although they have a small but hardcore following.
Yes, I’m still waiting for a Matt Nathanson tour. I guess at least we’re lucky enough to have Howie here finally (although it took so long for that first tour!). And he seems to have so much fun with local audiences that hopefully we’ll continue to see him, no matter how many folks show.
I thought I would come back and tell you I just got an email that said Matt Nathanson would be playing in Australia during June (speak of the devil!!). He is supporting Train. I dont know if he will have stand alone concerts or will only play as warm up.
Oooh Gugs that’s very tempting! I just wish there wasn’t so much on! I think I might cross my fingers for a Matt Nathanson sideshow 🙂