The Superjesus may be back touring together, but Sarah McLeod hasn’t closed the door on her solo career. Fresh from her tour with her bandmates, she’s announced she’s bringing back her One Electric Lady shows, which see Sarah performing with a special dual-output guitar.
“I designed a guitar that could play bass and guitar at the same time, so when I add beats I sound like a three-piece band,” she explained. She also plays many songs on the piano, which she only learned on the 2021 tour. I hear those shows were amazing, but we can probably expect even better this time around.
With her one-woman show, Sarah can deliver more intimate, stripped-back arrangements of her solo material. And yes, there’s also be acoustic versions of your Superjesus favourites and some choice covers. Put these dates in your calendar friends!
1 June 2023 – Imperial Hotel, Kabi Kabi Country/Eumundi
2 June 2023 – Jindalee Hotel, Meeanjin/Brisbane
3 June 2023 – The Royal Hotel, Turrbul Country/Nundah
10 June 2023 – The Grace Emily, Tartanya/Adelaide
15 June 2023 – Sooki Lounge, Wurundjeri Country/Belgrave
16 June 2023 – The Workers Club, Ngár-go/Fitzroy
22 June 2023 – The Brass Monkey, Tharawal Country/Cronulla
23 June 2023 – The Vanguard, Eora/Sydney
24 June 2023 – The Heritage Hotel, Bulla/Bulli
25 June 2023 – Lizottes, Mulbinba/Newcastle
Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute
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
I’m not sure anything hurts quite like losing a pet. My 18-year-old family dog Charlie died a couple of years ago and I’m not even close to over it. So my heart goes out to Sarah McLeod, who recently lost her beloved pooch Chachi. He was a proper part of Sarah’s touring crew, and he will be so missed. I have no idea where she found the strength, but she’s managed to put her grief into a beautiful new song, “Chachi’s Theme.” All money raised by the single will benefit the RSPCA.
“Chachi has been my everything for 15 years, she came with me on almost every Australian tour and everyone loved her. She recently passed away and I’ve been trying to work out how to live without her. I found myself going a bit nuts, asking all the birds if they had a message from Chachi, then I thought instead of sitting waiting for a message from her, I’ll send her one from me,” Sarah explained.
“I read this poem about the rainbow bridge by Paul C Dahm that comforted me so much. They say that’s where animals who were especially close to their owners go after passing, it’s a beautiful utopia of love and sunshine and all the sick are healed. Here they wait for their special friends, and when it’s our time to pass, we meet them and cross the bridge to eternity together. I’ve taken great comfort in this poem and I wanted to make sure Chachi knew what to do. I figure if I’m singing this song night after night she will undoubtedly hear me and get the message. It was so hard to write because I did it the week she passed, it was all so raw and I cried all the way through it, but I had to push through because I knew I needed it to heal. Now, besides a piano covered in tears, I have this song, I have something solid I can connect with her through, forever, she will be with me always but especially when I sing this song. I wrote it to heal my heart and to let her know that everything is OK. Then I thought, it may heal other hearts in similar situations so I thought I should release it and donate the proceeds to the RSPCA.”
I’m warning you now, if you’re still grieving a pet, this one is likely to get to you. I couldn’t listen to it without ugly crying. Honestly, I’m still wiping tears away as I type this. Don’t say you didn’t have notice. But this piano ballad is a beautiful, cathartic piece, a fitting tribute to Chachi. How amazing to create something that can make other people feel so deeply.
Sarah was all set to play electric solo shows before COVID hit. She’s just announced details of her post-pandemic tour, but it’ll be a little bit different. The first set will be electric, but the second will be a more intimate piano-based one. Sarah learned how to play the instrument in lockdown and she’s keen to show off her new skills. Tickets are on sale now for the following shows.
25 February 2021 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave
26 February 2021 – Workers Club, Geelong
5 March 2021 – Ballina RSL, Ballina
6 March 2021 – The Lounge, Nundah
7 March 2021 – Wallaby Hotel, Mudgeeraba (FREE)
11 March 2021 – The Vanguard, Newtown
12 March 2021 – Royal Hotel, Queanbeyan
13 March 2021 – The Brass Monkey, Cronulla (Early and late shows)
19 March 2021 – Grace Emily Hotel, Adelaide
Live Rust, one of the world’s greatest albums, turns 40 this year. To celebrate its anniversary, a supergroup of Aussies and talent from across the ditch will come together to honour the music of Neil Young, playing the album in its entirety and other choice cuts from his time with Buffalo Springfield to Crazy Horse and everything in between.
The supergroup will feature Sarah McLeod, Jon Toogood, Bob Evans, and more. Phil Jamieson will even join them for the Sydney date.
All shows are all ages, so it’s a great opportunity for Neil Young fans to introduce this music to the next generation. Celebrating Neil Young’s Live Rust 40th Anniversary Concert will play Sydney’s State Theatre on May 7 and Melbourne’s Palais Theatre on May 9. Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster.
You can always count on the Melbourne Guitar Show to deliver a stellar line-up of talent, and this year’s event is no different. We’ve got local legends Ash Grunwald, Sarah McLeod, Stars (featuring Mal Eastick, Nick Charles, and Roger McLachlan, Dave Leslie, and Lloyd Spiegel along with American guns Keith Merrow and Dennis Jones, plus stacks more. And that’s all just in the first announcement!
In addition to performances from all these acts, attendees can browse the massive guitar gear expo, attend information seminars and demonstrations, and so much more. There are always some surprises too. Last year Harts, Darren Middleton, Bec Sandridge, and Dan Sultan made unannounced appearances. Getting some tickets is the only way to see what happens this year!
“It’s exciting to see the show develop each year and add value to the live music industry,” confirmed one of the show’s organiser, Rob Walker. “We are proud to present such a broad range and quality of guitars, amps and gear from the big brands to local artisans. And each year we get to put together a program of live music featuring the considerable talents of our guitar community. It’s a great weekend for anyone into music, particularly guitars.”
The Melbourne Guitar Show will rock Caulfield Racecourse on August 3 and 4. Tickets are on sale now via the show’s website. As it’s run by the not-for-profit Australian Music Association, any proceeds will help provide services to the Australian music industry.
After four decades in the business, it’s amazing to think John Waite’s current Australian tour is his first. But it was a tour worth the wait for the faithful who’ve flocked to intimate venues around the country to see this talented British singer-songwriter. Sarah McLeod was an inspired choice of opener. She’s such a warm, giving performer, with a killer voice that really shines in an acoustic setting. Her last album Rocky’s Diner was one of her finest in my opinion, a masterclass in songwriting with stripped back tracks telling some incredible stories. Songs from that release were showcased along with some surprising covers like “House of the Rising Sun” and a clever mash-up of Mahalia Jackson’s “Lord Don’t Move That Mountain,” George Gershwin’s “Summertime,” and Leadbelly’s “Where Did You Sleep Last Night?” Her version of Max Merritt and the Meteors’ “Slipping Away” had everyone singing along. By the time her set was done, my mum was singing her praises and declaring her one of the best new acts she’d seen. Something tells me she wasn’t the only one in that room “introduced” to her talents.
Firstly, I want to apologise for the quality of my John Waite photo, the best of a bad bunch. It seems my lesson on how to adjust the shutter speed on my camera came a day too late. After 40 years in the business though, I don’t think John would mind images being a little out of focus. He’s not aging badly, but like all of us the years are showing.
This was billed as an acoustic tour, but there were plenty of tracks delivered with a full band. The show started boldly with “Midnight Rendezvous,” from John’s time in The Babys, and “Change.” Two of my favourites, “Every Time I Think Of You” and “When I See You Smile,” came next, making me think John had better pace himself. You don’t want to show all your cards straight up!
I think they got the balance right, although the stripped back numbers were my favourites. They let me hear the lyrics of songs I wasn’t so familiar with, like “Bluebird Café” and “Downtown,” so clearly and give me a greater appreciation of his talents. They also gave John the opportunity to talk to the crowd about his life and experiences. After 40 years in the industry, there are some stories to tell. He also got the chance to tell us what this tour means to him and how much fun he’s having in this country.
I needn’t have worried about John running out of steam, because the back end of the show had us in raptures. “Missing You,” one of my favourite songs of all time,” was utter perfection. A cover of “All Along the Watchtower” let John’s band shine. “Isn’t It Time?” gave John the opportunity to bring back Sarah. Needless to say, we didn’t miss The Babettes who lent their vocals to the original recording. The set left no stone unturned, so I was sure there’s be no encore. Then nervous when I heard the opening strains of “Whole Lotta Love.” John’s voice had been superb all night, but surely he was nuts to take on Robert Plant! He proved me wrong, rocking just as hard with one of the greatest vocal performances I think I’ll ever witness.
It’s always a concern when someone tours here so long after their heyday that they will be past their prime. But age hasn’t wearied John Waite. His voice is so strong and his songs incredible. I went in only knowing a handful but left the venue determined to track down more. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a casual listener like me, the Wooden Heart tour is not to be missed. Tickets are still available for all remaining dates.
3 April 2018 – Astor Theatre, Perth
5 April 2018 – The Gov, Adelaide
6 April 2018 – Evan Theatre, Penrith
Female rock voices don’t come much stronger than Sarah McLeod’s. Even when she’s releasing ballads like her new single “Wild Hearts,” there’s a power to her vocals that’s undeniable.
This song has much more than powerhouse vocals on its side though. It also demonstrates Sarah’s knack for simple but powerful storytelling through her lyrics. The understated guitar lets you take in those words and the special way Sarah delivers them.
“Wild Hearts” comes from Sarah’s recently released, self-produced album Rocky’s Diner, her first solo effort in 12 years. As you can imagine, after such a long wait fans are keen to see Sarah doing her thing. So she’s extended her national tour with many more dates. Here are all the places you can see her play near the end of the year. Tickets to the new shows, the ones from November 5 onwards, go on sale through Oztix on September 21.
5 October 2017 – Sol Bar, Sunshine Coast
6 October 2017 – Spotted Cow, Toowoomba
7 October 2017 – Miami Shark Bar, Gold Coast
8 October 2017 – Byron Bay Brewery, Byron Bay
12 October 2017 – 48 Watt, Newcastle
13 October 2017 – The Baroque Room, Katoomba
15 October 2017 – Miranda Hotel, Miranda
25 October 2017 – Pelly Bar, Frankston
26 October 2017 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave
27 October 2017 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
3 November 2017 – Waratah Hotel, Hobart
4 November 2017 – Club 54, Launceston
5 November 2017 – Jive, Adelaide
29 November 2017 – The Curtin, Melbourne
30 November 2017 – The Basement, Canberra
2 December 2017 – The Foundry, Brisbane
7 December 2017 – The Hen House @ Badlands Bar, Perth
8 December 2017 – The Odd Fellow, Fremantle
9 December 2017 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury
15 December 2017 – Heritage Hotel, Bulli
16 December 2017 – The Lansdowne, Sydney
Until Christmas Day Sarah will donate the proceeds of each download to Father Chris Riley’s Youth Off the Streets charity. This group does such important work, giving meals, beds, and education to young people that need it most. Ministry of Sound and VDG will also match Sarah’s donations, so your $1.69 will make a much bigger difference.
I know it’s Christmas and money’s tight, but most of us wouldn’t miss $1.69. And you’ll get an amazing tune in the bargain. Click here to download the song from iTunes and make sure disadvantaged kids get a better Christmas.
Sarah McLeod has put her unmistakable stamp on a Bruce Springsteen classic with her new single “Dancing in the Dark.” The track comes from her forthcoming album Madness, which is part one of an ambitious trilogy.
I’m still not sure how I feel about Australia’s rock girl experimenting with so many dance and electro sounds of late, so I was thrilled to see this song takes things back to basics. It’s a very different treatment to be sure, but there’s also a lovely organic quality to it that I’m really warming to.
Given the nostalgia attached to the original I’m expecting this cover to polarise audiences. What do you think of it?
Sarah McLeod surprised us all last year with the release of her dance-pop single “Tell Your Story Walking.” Now she’s showing us more of her dance chops with the release of a brand new single “Double R.”
I was shown some of the remixes today and again, this isn’t at all what I expect from Sarah McLeod. She’s proving herself to be the mistress of reinvention. While I didn’t really warm to the song, I’ll try to reserve my judgement until I hear the single version. It’s just a little too electronic and processed for my tastes. In the mean time, I’m sure the kids in the club will lap up this Grand Theft remix. What do you think?
