A night at Lizotte’s always feels like coming home. I don’t get to visit as often as I’d liked, since the Central Coast arm folded, but it’s a venue worth making the trip up the Pacific Highway for. The musicians are always first-class, but many venues can claim that. Add in delicious food, friendly and attentive waitstaff, and quality beverages though, and you’ll start understanding why Lizotte’s has a special atmosphere that’s all its own. Music fans love being here, and musicians love playing here. If you’ve ever caught one of the live streaming videos the venue posts on Facebook, you’d understand that all those good vibes help magic happen at Lizotte’s. So not even the thunderstorms could dampen my enthusiasm for a road trip to Newie for Kav Temperley’s Lizotte’s show on Saturday night.
Kruger James played violin on Kav’s new solo record, All Your Devotion, but he got the chance to step into the spotlight in his support slot. I’m sure his blend of rapping and electric violin wasn’t to everyone’s tastes, but I was transfixed. His tracks were soulful, with clever rhymes and positive vibes. I would have loved to hear him with a band rather than a backing track, but I understand support acts have budget constraints. His own electric violin really elevated his work. A freestyle rap referencing the desserts people were enjoying near the stage, the fantastic venue, and his music got everyone on side. Even if rap isn’t your genre of choice, it’s impossible to be unimpressed by such clever spontaneous rhymes.
Kav was the man we all came to see, and he appeared every bit the star as he stepped on stage in his leather jacket, with an acoustic guitar strapped on. He might have been on tour to promote his new album All Your Devotion, but he wasn’t going to ignore the fans who’d been with him throughout his musical journey. Opening tracks “From the Sea” and “Older Than You” made me wonder why I’d left it so long to catch him live. The stripped-back performances helped me appreciate these radio-friendly hits just a little more.
After a little trip down memory lane, it was time to celebrate Kav’s new solo record. I absolutely love this album. While I always enjoyed Eskimo Joe music, this album has converted me from casual listener to real fan. So I was thrilled to hear those songs and the stories behind them. Since he played on the record, it was only fitting that Kruger joined Kav for a few numbers, including one of the night’s standouts, “Queen of My Heart.” I’d questioned the inclusion of “Christmas Lights,” feeling a festive song was a little out of place on this album of songs about love lost and found. However, being involved in the call-and-response chorus of this modern Christmas song, it made total sense. Even in October. What great fun.
Stepping out solo when you’re part of such a well-loved Australian band must be daunting. There’s no one else to hide behind, and since you’re the only one making the music, it often comes from a more intimate, personal place. But if there were any nerves, Kav Temperley didn’t show them. His set at Lizotte’s was wonderful, a celebration of this fantastic new collection of songs he’s created which didn’t forget the music that thrust him into the spotlight. There are just a few dates left on the All Your Devotion tour. If you’re near one of these Western Australian venues, trust me: get yourself a ticket. Just like the album they’re promoting, these shows are sure to be something special.
27 October 2018 – Mojos, Fremantle
2 November 2018 – River Hotel, Margaret River
3 November 2018 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury
Image source: own photos
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