Tag: Mahalia Barnes

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jesus Christ Superstar @ Capitol Theatre, Eora/Sydney – 4 December 2024

I’m easing myself back into work thanks to the wonders of speech-to-text technology. First on my to-do list was sharing my thoughts on the wonderful production of Jesus Christ Superstar playing in Eora/Sydney at the moment. I had tickets to the show the day after my car accident, so I was a bit sore and sorry as I bundled myself onto the train, but I’m so glad I pushed through the pain. I’ve seen three or four productions of Superstar over the years, and this was definitely among the best.

I felt excitement bubbling up as the familiar “Overture” began. Then with “Heaven on Their Minds” we were introduced to the incredible Javon King as Judas. What a great voice he has. What a presence. I didn’t know him before this production, but I will watch his career closely from now on. The entire cast was sensational. The casting of Mahalia Barnes as Mary was one of the key draw cards for me, and she did not disappoint. She brought such a beautiful warmth and heart to the role, and what a voice she has. I was also really excited to see Reuben Kaye playing Herod. He was brilliant. Honestly he may be my favourite Herod ever. He had just the right blend of humour and malice. My parents weren’t familiar with him but they walked away fans. I was also really impressed by Peter Murphy’s Pilate. Unfortunately Michael Paynter didn’t appear in our matinee. While the understudy was great, I was really looking forward to his Jesus. I also wonder whether Michael’s voice may have contrasted better with Javon’s. JC simply works better when you can hear the difference between Jesus and Judas.

This production feels so new and fresh. The music doesn’t seem to age. The energy of the cast is palpable. I also really liked artistic choices like bringing the microphones into the scenes and having the crucifix as a key part of the set. The use of glitter was very effective in places, although I’m not sure it was as powerful as it should have been while Jesus received his lashes. Overall, I think the team behind this version of JC has done an incredible job. Whether you’re a long-time fan like many or new to the musical, make sure you don’t miss it.

Jesus Christ Superstar will play at the Capitol Theatre until January 26. It’ll then head to Boorloo/Perth in February and play Naarm/Melbourne in March before travelling to Meeanjin/Brisbane in June.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jane Barnes Band @ The Art House, Darkinjung Country/Wyong – 12 May 2023

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mahalia Barnes + The Soul Mates @ Avoca Picture Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach – 23 February 2023

I’ve always felt pretty lucky to have Avoca Beach Picture Theatre in my local area. It’s the kind of movie theatre that has just one screen and favours independent films of quality to the big blockbusters. You can buy wine and local arts and crafts in the foyer, and at one point a cat would wander around the cinema and sit on the lap of chosen guests. It’s the kind of place that is becoming all too rare. But now that they’re welcoming some of Australia’s best musicians to their intimate space, I’m even more thrilled. You might remember me catching The Whitlams Black Stump Band there recently, and last night I was back again for Mahalia Barnes.

To say her pal Bek Jensen warmed up the stage would be an understatement. Her voice is red hot, bluesy and soulful. She’s got a real warmth about her that draws you in. Captivating an audience for a set of originals isn’t easy, but she made it look effortless. Apparently, she’s recently moved to the coast, so I look forward to seeing a lot more of her. Incredible.

I’ve seen Mahalia Barnes a few times before, but I’ve never seen a set quite like this. She let us know this was a by-request show, with heckling encouraged, with a big smile on her face. Without a set list, this show had a real spontaneity which made it so much fun. Mahalia was also surrounded by her “chosen family,” long-term band members The Soul Mates and gal pals Bek and Karen Lee Andrews (who you might remember as Miss Murphy from The Voice). Supported by musicians and vocalists she trusted, she told us they could do anything so long as one or two of them knew the song. That certainly seemed to be the case. Mahalia’s admiration over Bec’s whistling in her supporting slot naturally led to an impromptu cover of “(Sittin’ On) the Dock of the Bay.” A throwaway line to Karen as she exited the stage was an easy segue into “I Will Survive”. Mahalia insisted she wouldn’t do it, but couldn’t refuse as the band carried her away.

The audience was kind, mostly suggesting soulful hits like “Proud Mary” and “Midnight Train to Georgia.” Not like Bowral, who apparently insisted she try out a little Metallica! Of course, there were the inevitable requests for music from her famous dad’s back catalogue, but her takes on “When Something is Wrong With My Baby” and “Flame Trees” showed she was up to the challenge. Her version of “Heading in the Right Direction,” a tribute to the late great Renee Geyer, who Mahalia credited for paving the way for artists like herself, was another real highlight.

I’ve always enjoyed Mahalia’s original material so I was glad that some of those songs bookended this set. However, watching her play with originals so joyfully was a real treat. Her voice is one of the best in the business, and she has such a presence on stage. I’d be remiss if I didn’t shout out to her incredible band too. Watching Lachy Doley attack the keys, Franco Raggatt deliver blistering guitar solos, and Mahalia and crew so wrapped up in appreciating their contributions, was magic. I love a good jam, and this show really delivered on that score.

Mahalia insisted she’d be back, and I hope she’ll stay true to her word. To see an artist of her calibre, backed by such a quality band, in an intimate venue like Avoca Beach Picture Theatre, is too good to pass up. Mahalia has a few more of these shows to go. If you’re local, you don’t want to miss them:

24 February 2023 – The Great Club, Bulanaming/Marrickville
25 February 2023 – Centro, Woolyungah/Wollongong
5 March 2023 – Tallagandra Hill Winery, Gundungurra Country/Southern Highlands
12 March 2023 – Brighter Days Festival, Dhudhuroa, Taungurung, Waywurru, Gunaikurnai and Jaithmathang Country/Bright

Image used with permission from Ferries Davies PRM

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mahalia Barnes and The Soulmates Play Intimate Aussie Shows

I don’t know about you, but my concert calendar in the next couple of months is becoming pretty crowded. But when I saw Mahalia Barnes and The Soulmates were stopping by a little movie theatre just 15 minutes from my house, I had to add another gig to my schedule. It’s just one of the many intimate venues they’ll play in the coming months.

If you’ve only ever seen Mahalia on The Voice or providing backing vocals for her famous dad Jimmy Barnes, you’ve only seen the tip of her iceberg-sized talent. The Soulmates’ album Hard Expectations was one of my favourite releases of 2018. She stole the show at the Chant du Vin gigs in 2021. I can’t wait to see her play again. These shows should be pretty special, with band members changing from show to show and special surprise vocal appearances from her mates including Prinnie Stevens and Karen Lee Andrews. Tickets for all these shows are available now. I recommend nabbing some before you read my concert review next month and wish that you did!

2 February 2023 – Birds Basement, Naarm/Melbourne
3 February 2023 – Birds Basement, Naarm/Melbourne
4 February 2023 – Royal Hotel, Wadawurrung Country/Meredith
6 February 2023 – Bowral Bowling Club, Tharawal Country/Bowral
10 February 2023 – Trinity Sessions, Tarntanya/Adelaide
11 February 2023 – Twilight Sounds @ Heidelberg Park Oval, Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country/Banyule
16 February 2023 – Caloundra RSL, Kabi Kabi and the Jinibara Country/Caloundra
17 February 2023 – Burleigh Town Hotel, Jellurgal/Burleigh Heads (FREE)
18 February 2023 – Doo-Bop Bar, Meeanjin/Brisbane
23 February 2023 – Avoca Beach Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach
24 February 2023 – The Great Club, Bulanaming/Marrickville
25 February 2023 – Centro, Woolyungah/Wollongong
5 March 2023 – Tallagandra Hill Winery, Gundungurra Country/Southern Highlands
12 March 2023 – Brighter Days Festival, Dhudhuroa, Taungurung, Waywurru, Gunaikurnai and Jaithmathang Country/Bright

Image used with permission from Ferries Davies PRM

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Chant du Vin @ Brokenwood Wines, Pokolbin – 1 May 2021

I’ve been thrilled there are more gigs on the concert calendar lately, but I’m also pretty selective about what I’m seeing. Rising hotel quarantine cases mean I can’t quite breathe easy, and the cooler weather makes hermitting so easy. However, I found myself venturing out on Saturday night, and I’m so glad I did. Chant du Vin is a new concert series, but hopefully it’ll be around for some time.

If like me you love the laidback vibes of winery shows but aren’t quite ready to sit among a massive crowd, Chant du Vin’s concerts are for you. Chant du Vin plays several shows in each wine region, choosing small wineries for their venues rather than the massive vineyards that host the Day on the Green events. There couldn’t have been more than 150 of us at Brokenwood Wines on Saturday night, one of four Hunter Valley shows for the event. Those of us with general admission tickets relaxed on our own picnic rugs and the chairs and beanbags organisers had thoughtfully left while the VIP ticket holders looked down from the event’s double-decker bus. A quality menu of food options and top-notch wines added to the atmosphere. Can I just say what a welcome change it is to be able to buy a bottle at any time during a winery show? Heaven!

It was like the organisers looked at my own personal wish list before booking acts for this all-acoustic night of entertainment. It’s been too long since I’ve seen Mahalia Barnes shining in the spotlight. She’s always stellar providing backing vocals for her dad, Jimmy Barnes, but I relished the opportunity to see her playing her own set. Hard Expectations was one of my favourite albums of 2018, so I was thrilled to see some of its tracks making the set. She peppered the originals with singalong classics including “I Am Woman” and “Heading in the Right Direction,” a beautiful way to pay tribute to some of the female pioneers of the Aussie music scene.

Mahalia reminisced about falling in love with Jack Jones’ music when she was just 8. I marvelled that I was only a couple of years older. Surely that makes the music of Southern Sons some of the first I fell in love with independent of my parents’ influence. The funny thing is, when he plays it doesn’t seem like more than 30 years have passed. Songs like “You Were There,” “Lead Me to Water,” and “Heart in Danger” still stand up. Jack’s voice hasn’t wearied at all over the years. When you play acoustic, there’s nowhere to hide, yet it rang out clear as a bell. He might have dismissed them as perfect toilet breaks songs, but for this fan hearing some new tracks was a real thrill.

If it was meant to be a mellow night of music, Sarah McLeod didn’t get the memo. She might have played an acoustic guitar, but her irresistible energy brought the night home strong. It was an eclectic and slightly unhinged set, featuring everything from Gershwin and Mahalia Jackson standards to solo songs and Superjesus tracks. After seeing Sarah supporting John Waite a few years ago, I had an inkling what to expect and knew just to hang on and enjoy the ride. And what a ride. She’s brilliant.

The Chant du Vin website suggested the show would finish around 9 but the artists were having none of it. They joined forces for some singalong tracks, making the show feel even more like we were just hanging with friends. I can’t remember how long it’s been since I was at an event and encouraged to sing, but gee it felt good to join in for songs like “Slipping Away” and “Proud Mary.”

As I walked back to the car at around 10, I marvelled that this show was the most relaxed I’ve felt in public since the pandemic began. We all had our own space, yet still felt like we were sharing something with the musicians and other concert-goers. I didn’t feel like reaching for my mask. I chatted happily with the people beside me. It all felt so normal and so wonderful. If you want to get in on some of that, check out Chant du Vin at one of the remaining shows. Limited tickets are still available.

6 May 2021 – Ross Hill Wines, Orange
7 May 2021 – Stockman’s Ridge Wines, Orange
8 May 2021 – Tamburlaine Wines, Borenore
9 May 2021 – JS Wines, Nashdale
13 May 2021 – Calabria Family Wines, Griffith
14 May 2021 – Lillypilly Wines, Leeton
15 May 2021 – De Bortoli Wines, Bilbul
16 May 2021 – Casella Family Wines, Yenda
20 & 21 May 2021 – Lake George Winery, Lake George
22 & 23 May 2021 – The Vintner’s Daughter, Murrumbateman

Image source: own photos

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mahalia Barnes Adds Soul to New Palace of the King Single

Mahalia Barnes has one of the most soulful voices in the country. So I was pretty sure that when she lent her vocals to “Black Cloud,” the new single from Palace of the King, I was going to love it.

This track is so funky, an irresistible combination of blues, soul, and straight-up rock and roll. It comes from Palace of the King’s sophomore album Valles Marineris.

Fresh from supporting the Baby Animals, Palace of the King will play shows around the country kicking off in Young tonight. Once these dates wrap up, the band will head to Los Angeles to showcase at MUSEXPO.

24 March 2017 – Young Services Club, Young (with The Angels)
25 March 2017 – Home Tavern Wagga Wagga (with The Angels)
29 March 2017 – Cherry Bar, Melbourne (with Nik Oliveri)
30 March 2017 – Peli Bar, Frankston (with Nik Oliveri)
31 March 2017 – Villa Noosa Hotel, Sunshine Coast (with The Angels)
1 April 2017 – Racehourse Hotel, Ipswich (with The Angels)
6 April 2017 – Frankies Pizza, Sydney
7 April 2017 – York on Lilydale, Melbourne (with The Angels)
8 April 2017 – Gateway Hotel, Geelong (with The Angels)
13 April 2017 – Bendigo Hotel, Melbourne
15 April 2017 – Baha, Rye
16 April 2017 – Barwon Club, Geelong (with Endless Boogie)
21 April 2017 – Crown & Anchor, Adelaide
22 April 2017 – Whalers, Warrnambool

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Those Shock “The Voice” Eliminations

Regular readers may have noted that I haven’t reported on The Voice as I have other reality music franchises. It’s been a deliberate exile to be honest. While I’m tuning in I want to experience this one rather than feeling that pressure to type away each evening. Besides, no one needs to read what I’m writing around those late 10 pm finishes.

But I felt like weighing in now in the face of some shock eliminations. Having watched the first American series I knew what we were in for. I was so excited by the talent I saw, although I was nervous knowing the battle rounds were to come. These are tough, with singers paired up, forced to sing songs that may play to their competition’s strengths more than their own, forced to compete directly against other major players. It’s cutthroat stuff. I can’t say I was happy with every decision made last night, but it’s the nature of a format designed to keep the pace moving.

Much has been made of Mahalia Barnes elimination. Her battle with Prinnie Stevens divided us in the lounge room. I understood why Joel paired them as they were bound to split votes, but it would have been a loss whichever way it fell. For what it’s worth I would have backed Mahalia, but I wonder whether that’s because I’ve seen her live many times before.

Honestly I was most disappointed by the matchup of Adam Hoek and Rachael Leahcar. It was only ever going to go one way, and Adam ended up feeling like a sacrificial lamb. I think the competition will be a lot poorer without him. With a different song and a different partner it could have been so different.

The Mitchell Thompson and Fatai Veamatahau battle also divided us. Frankly the performance was so searing neither of them deserved to depart. But it’s the nature of the beast, and again we lost another talent far too soon.

The Voice is far from an even playing field. I expect more shocks as I watch this evening. But I prefer this cutthroat fast-paced show over those drawn out reality TV shows any day, don’t you?

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mahalia Barnes’ Star-Studded Debut

Mahalia Barnes’ musical pedigree is impeccable. So as you’d expect, some of Australia’s biggest names appear on her debut album, Mahalia Barnes + The Soul Mates.

There’s her uncle Mark Lizotte, band buddy Mr Percival, pals Jade McRae and Daniel Mifsud, and that’s just for starters.

“They are my dear friends, but they are also my musical inspiration,” Mahalia told The Sunday Telegraph. “They are also great teachers and friends.”

Her dad Jimmy Barnes even pops up to show he can play some mean percussion.

“He taught me everything and it just so happens that he is the bet tambourine player I know, so it was really great to have him involved,” she said.

Mahalia Barnes + The Soul Mates hit stores on June 21.