Last night I headed out to my favourite venue, Lizotte’s, to see one of my favourite performers, James Reyne. The reasons why I love both venue and performer so much are similar: they deliver exceptional quality each and every time.
So I was in a good mood long before James took to the stage. It might have had something to do with the exquisite barramundi spring rolls and herbed rack of lamb I devoured, or the good company of my husband and parents, or the delicious pinot grigio we were all drinking. Nevertheless, when the support act Lianna Rose stepped out we were ready to have a good time.
Lianna was excellent, a storyteller with a rock rasp. She reminded me a little of Sheryl Crow with her knowing way and earnest performance. Her cover version of “Time After Time” was a highlight for me, but I also adored her originals. It’s just a shame that the folks sitting at the tables surrounding us didn’t make the effort to listen to her. Trying to hear her over their chatter was a little frustrating.
Thankfully they gave more attention to Mr Reyne. It’s been years since I’ve seen him perform with a full band, and Lizotte’s is the perfect setting for that acoustic mode he favours. Stripped back with two backup singers and a handful of acoustic guitars, these classic songs and their words become the focus.
And what classics they are. We joined James on tracks like “Slave,” “One More River,” “Way Out West,” “Hammerhead,” “Errol,” “Fall Of Rome” and “Reckless.” It’s impossible not to have a wonderful time with a soundtrack like that. James is one of those performers who loves to sing the songs we love to hear, which is why I keep coming back time and time again.
Image source: Mandy Hall @ Wikimedia Commons
I did lizottes with my wife in 2010. James was amazing with Brett and Tracy Kingsley .Had the pleasure of going downstairs for autographs allowed by the awesome Brian Lizotte himself.
James always delivers.
He definitely does! It sounds like you had an awesome night Darin!