Jimmy Barnes was the first performer I ever saw live. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve seen him since his Soul Deep tour in the early ‘90s, but it’s a lot. However, I’ve never seen a show quite like the one I watched on Friday night with the Jane Barnes Band.
Bek Jensen opened the show, as she did for close personal friend and Jane Barnes Band member Mahalia Barnes a couple of months ago. It was a shorter set this time and one that was over all too soon. She has such a beautiful, commanding voice and an incredible collection of song. Captivating an audience with originals as an emerging artist is no mean feat. She already had us mesmerised, but when Mahalia and the sublimely talented Karen Lee Andrews joined Bec near the end of the set we were in raptures. The combination of those three incredible voices in harmony was spectacular. Bec was also joined by her mum, Shauna Jensen, a legend in her own right. Watching them perform a song that they wrote together remotely during the pandemic lockdowns so close to Mother’s Day brought a little tear to my eye.
The Jane Barnes Band continued that celebration of family. Rest assured, this wasn’t a Jimmy Barnes show. All the members of the family took a turn at lead. Jane took some coaxing every time, but it was so sweet watching Jimmy’s encouragement. What a beautiful, supportive relationship they have. After watching Jackie take his turn at the mic, my mum whispered to me her surprise at the quality of his voice. Maybe we shouldn’t be so surprised given his genes, but I’d love to hear him sing a bit more. Mahalia is always flawless, and there’s a reason Jimmy is one of the most beloved singers in this country.
The thread of family ran through the songs that made up the setlist. Jimmy told us that Jane picked most of them, assuring us that he wouldn’t be singing songs by artists like The Carpenters otherwise. But that’s exactly what made this concert so fantastic. The song was peppered with a sprinkling of Jimmy’s hits. “Flesh and Blood” resonated just that little bit more after watching Jimmy with the people he loves most in this world. Watching Jimmy share lead vocals on “When Something is Wrong (With My Baby)” with Shauna Jensen, his former backing singer was so special. And I’ll never get tired of “Flame Trees.” But it was the songs I’ve never heard Jimmy tackle that really made this night so memorable. Tracks like “Bad Moon Rising,” “First Cut is the Deepest”, and “The Rose” (really!) were incredible. We even had a special guest bagpiper! Speaking of bagpipes, I had to take the tissues out again for “The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond,” which Jimmy dedicated to his dearly departed friend, Jock Zonfrillo. Just beautiful.
Wyong was the first stop for the Jane Barnes Band and it was one hell of a debut. They insist things will probably go more smoothly as the tour progresses, but I can’t imagine this family ironing out all of the rough edges. That’s a very good thing. These shows let you spend time with an Aussie icon and his loved ones. They’re unfiltered and a whole lot of fun, along with being immensely talented. Here are the remaining dates on this run, but don’t worry if your city isn’t included. The fam is already talking about travelling around the country if these shows go well. If Wyong is any indication, we won’t have to wait too long for a national run.
20 May 2023 – Milton Theatre, Murramarang Country/Milton
21 May 2023 – Milton Theatre, Murramarang Country/Milton
28 May 2023 – Bowral Bowling Club, Gundungurra Country/Bowral
29 May 2023 – Bowral Bowling Club, Gundungurra Country/Bowral
1 June 2023 – Lizotte’s, Mulubinba/Lambton
2 June 2023 – Lizotte’s, Mulubinba/Lambton
10 June 2023 – Tallagandra Hill Winery, Ngunnawal and Wiradjuri Country/Gundaroo
11 June 2023 – Tallagandra Hill Winery, Ngunnawal and Wiradjuri Country/Gundaroo
18 June 2023 – Joan Theatre, Darug Country/Penrith