Tag: Southern Sons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jack Jones @ Avoca Beach Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach

Saturday night saw me back at my musical happy place, Avoca Beach Theatre. Here in Darkinjung Country/Central Coast we are so blessed to have this intimate “barn,” as co-owner Beth Hunter calls it, where some of the country’s best and brightest play. And it shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, things seem to be ramping up. I visited on Saturday night to see Jack Jones, but what I got was a whole lot more.

For the first time our evening started outside the theatre, where the venue is hosting summer sessions before the main gig. They’re free events that welcome all members of the community, including non-ticket holders and their furry friends. I’ve often enjoyed a glass of wine before the show in this lovely courtyard area, but adding live music to the mix takes the experience up a notch. It’s also such a great platform for emerging artists like the lovely folk singer who entertained us with her mix of original songs and classic covers. I just wish the artist was better advertised. A little sign saying her name or a reminder from the artist herself every now and again would have helped us all remember to support her in future.

The talent kept coming inside when Piper Butcher warmed up the stage. I’ve appreciated her music for a long time, but my admiration has gone up a notch after seeing her live. She has such a beautiful, warm personality that’s incredibly endearing. I loved hearing her stories about her career and where it might go next as she prepares to head to the United States for a month. Her music was also incredible. It takes a special something to capture an audience with predominantly original tracks they don’t know, but she held us all captivated. The only cover in her set – a bluesy take on Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love” – hinted at what could have been had she stayed longer in the Australian Idol competition. Piper also treated us to a few yet-to-be-released songs she recorded with Australian country royalty, Kasey Chambers. If there’s any justice, they may just be the tracks to give her the mainstream attention she deserves.

I’ve seen Jack Jones perform solo a few times now, and I keep coming back because he always impresses. His voice is flawless and his songs bring back such beautiful memories. It’s hard to believe I was 10 years old when his band Southern Sons released their first album. It gave us so many smash singles Including the beautiful “Hold Me in Your Arms” which Jack opened the show with. It takes such confidence to play such a beloved song so early, but this beautiful number set the tone for this special night. I loved hearing it and watching Jack’s face light up as we sang a chorus for him so sweetly. I only wish our singing was as good on “Always and Ever.” It seems like less than half of us knew the words, and try as I might I couldn’t quite make up for those who had faded away.

The show wasn’t all about the hits though. I loved hearing favourite album tracks like “Something More” and “Wildest Love,” who he dedicated to his partner in the audience. He also treated us to some music from his time performing under his birth name, Irwin Thomas. I remember seeing him at that time supporting Matchbox Twenty and it wasn’t my thing. Hearing these songs stripped back though has helped me appreciate them all these years later. There were new songs too from an EP or album to come. That’s right readers; Jack Jones isn’t done creating music.

As with the last time I saw Jack, he regaled us with generous stories with many tangents. We heard all about his lock down experiences and the recent losses in his life which still bring tears to his eyes. He joked that chatting to us was like therapy; his walls were certainly down. I love when an artist lets us in like that and we get to see the human behind the music.

This was one of the longer concerts I’ve attended at Avoca Picture Theatre. Jack was so chatty that he had to ask whether there was a curfew because he understood his stories had taken up a lot of time. Thankfully there wasn’t and none of us had a better place to be. And so we all took our time, and yet it still felt like it wasn’t enough when Jack hit the opening notes of “Heart in Danger.” And yes, we all sang along.

Later this month Jack will start celebrating the 35th anniversary of Southern Sons with a string of shows around the country. Check back here for a review of the Darkinjung Country/Wyong gig after it happens. Tickets are limited so make sure you snap up yours soon.

31 January 2025 – Kings Theatre @ Event Centre, Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country/Caloundra
1 February 2025 – Twin Towns Showroom, Bundjalung Country/Tweed Heads
7 February 2025 – The Wedge, Wayput/Sale
8 February 2025 – Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre, Boonwurrung Country/Wonthaggi
21 February 2025 – Lighthouse Theatre, Gunditjmara Country/Warrnambool
22 February 2025 – Wendouree Performing Arts Centre, Ballaarat/Ballarat
28 February 2025 – The Art House Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Wyong
1 March 2025 – Anita’s Theatre, Thurrural/Thirroul
7 March 2025 – Yan Yean Theatre, Wurundjeri Balug and Wurundjeri Willam Country/South Morang
8 March 2025 – Arts Centre, Monmar/Frankston
14 March 2025 – West Gippsland Arts Centre, Darug Country/Warragul
15 March 2025 – Ulumbarra Theatre, Dja Dja Wurrung/Bendigo
21 March 2025 – Country Club Showroom, Kanamaluka/Launceston
22 March 2025 – West Point Showroom, Nipaluna/Hobart
12 April 2025 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth
2 May 2025 – Alpine MDF Theatre WPACC, Bpangerang/Wangaratta
3 May 2025 – Palms at Crown, Naarm/Melbourne
19–26 October 2025 – Rock the Boat, leaving from Eora/Sydney

Photo credit: Lyn Foreman and Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

One Electric Day @ Cockatoo Island, Sydney – 9 November 2019

After six successful Victorian events, One Electric Day decided to share the love and go national. Sydney responded, snapping up so many tickets organisers moved the show to the picturesque Cockatoo Island. While arriving for that early morning ferry meant this Central Coast girl set off around 8am, the beautiful trip down the harbour helped me get into the spirit. What a magic spot Cockatoo Island is. It didn’t hurt that we were blessed with the kind of weather I rarely experience during outdoor concerts, with beautiful blue skies and mild temperatures. Absolutely perfect.

After playing MC, Taylor Sheridan strapped on his acoustic guitar for the first set of the day. I’ve seen talented singer-songwriter play at several Red Hot Summer shows and he always impresses. He played some stellar originals and just enough covers to keep the punters on side, although that was a real challenge when his set was broken into two parts. I’m not sure who thought it would be a good idea for him to play two sets, but as his second act wore on I could sense most of us were ready for the bigger names. It’s a shame, because he really is a talent.

No doubt some of my restlessness can be attributed to my excitement about seeing Southern Sons. I was just 14 when the Melbourne outfit disbanded, too young to go to the shows. Hearing they would play together again was all the incentive I needed to snap up tickets. After waiting a quarter of a century for this set, you can bet my expectations were high. Southern Sons did not let me down though. I knew Jack Jones was still in fine form, after catching him solo a few months back, but the chemistry he has with his band mates really elevated this set to the next level. What a treat to hear not just the singles but album cuts as well. Watching the gratitude on Jack’s face as he led us in a singalong of “Hold Me in Your Arms” was a highlight amongst a really special set. Can I put in an early request for a tour? The Southern Sons story doesn’t feel done.

Vanessa Amorosi also took me back to my youth, opening up with an abridged version of “Absolutely Everybody” before bringing us all the attitude of “Have a Look.” She doesn’t look or move like she’s aged a day. I marvelled at the way she could jump down off the speakers, mix with the crowd, then jump back up to continue her set. I tried to get up on my kitchen bench to clean my aircon recently and failed miserably. But I digress. Needless to say, Vanessa puts us all to shame. She might look like she’s still in her teens and she certainly doesn’t mind bringing us the hits, but her set wasn’t just about that early nostalgia. As I watched her perform, I realised just how many smashing singles she’s had over the years. She introduced us to a handful of new tracks from her recently released album Back to Love as well, proving that her best music may be yet to come.

I’ve got to admit, by the time Jon Stevens was ready to grace the stage, I felt spent. The early morning and time on my feet caught up with me and I retired to my chair. I might have left the party early though, because Jon Stevens’ set was the highlight for many. Delivering Noiseworks and INXS hits was always going to go down a treat with this crowd, who were soon spilling out over the standing room zone. He’s such a rock star too, with all the moves to keep an audience in the palm of his hand. A surprise appearance from former bandmate Steve Balbi was the icing on the top of a tasty musical cake.

Every time I see James Reyne perform I remember just how much I love him. His songs are absolutely flawless. He’s a really cool dude that does his thing with such professionalism and heart, without any real fuss or fanfare. He always treats us to a greatest hits set, yet it never feels forced or formulaic. It’s easy to forget he’s sung these songs countless times because he puts so much of himself in them. And what songs they are too. “Reckless,” “Errol,” “Hammerhead,” “Beautiful People,” “Slave,” I could go on. Every one an absolute winner.

Speaking of greatest hits, John Farnham closed the show the only way he can. With those songs and that voice that are exactly what people come to see. The love for one of Australia’s most iconic singers is palpable, and he gives it right back to the audience. The hits come thick and fast, keeping the energy at 11. He doesn’t even seem to mind playing “Sadie” these days. Personally I’d love to see him shake up the sets because after a few shows in recent years I’m starting to anticipate what he’ll do when and how. Still, predictability isn’t the worst thing in the world when what you do gets so much love. Nothing beats that singalong to “You’re The Voice” either!

Shuffling back onto the ferries to start the long journey back to the coast I felt exhausted; I’d been on the go for more than 14 hours at that point and knew I was still around three from getting to my front door. However, I also felt buoyed by the local talents I’d witnessed that day. I might have been there for one of the earliest bands, but there were no weak links. You’re coming back next year One Electric Day, right?

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jack Jones @ Lizotte’s, Newcastle – 9 June 2019

Jack Jones insists he isn’t a nostalgic person. But on the 30-year anniversary of the reformation of his breakthrough band Southern Sons, he admits he’s looking back on their body of work with fondness. That affection he has for his early work and so much great music of the past made Sunday’s show at Lizotte’s a celebration of what could only be called nostalgia.

Decades have passed since the Southern Sons hey-day, yet the rapturous reception to the opening strains of “Always and Ever” are a testament to the place those songs still have in the hearts of the packed-out Newcastle venue. Stripped back and acoustic, Jack’s incredible voice really came to the fore. He’s lost nothing over the years. It wasn’t just the big hits that earned applause though. Album tracks like “Something More” and “Wildest Love” were received just as rapturously. I marvelled at the way the human mind works. These songs aren’t on Spotify and my cassettes have long since given up the ghost, so at least 20 years must have passed since I heard these songs. Yet I still found myself singing along to every word without missing a beat. I guess the music you listen to in your formative years really doesn’t leave you.

Jack punctuated the songs with tales of his own formative years in music and caught us up on his what he’s been doing since the band parted ways. He joked that there’s never a quick story where he’s concerned, and I sensed some of the crowd getting restless as he reminisced, but I hung on his every word. I’ve always felt like if you simply want to hear the music, you could stay home with a CD. Lizotte’s has always given audiences a little more than that, and I relished the opportunity to learn more than those Smash Hits magazines of my youth ever taught me.

While Southern Sons’ music was the focus, Jack also took time to celebrate the classics. “Norwegian Wood” and “Blackbird” were a nod to his recent Beatles tribute shows. Covers of over iconic songs including “Stairway to Heaven,” “Dear Prudence,” and “Satisfied Mind” were less predictable and greatly received.

I was just 10 when Southern Sons released their debut album, so I was too young to join in when they played the pubs and clubs in the ‘90s. This show gave me a chance to experience the music I loved, and then some, as I couldn’t before. Thankfully, I’m not done. When Southern Sons announced their reformation for the upcoming One Electric Day shows, I snapped up tickets for Sydney in the presale. Seeing Jack at Lizotte’s on Sunday put on such an amazing show has made me only more excited for the band’s return.

Image source: own photo

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Southern Sons Gets a Rerelease

In news that’s a little out of left field, Sony Music has decided Southern Sons‘ debut self-titled disc is worthy of a re-release!

The 1990 album launched the band, which consisted of Jack Jones (aka Irwin Thomas), Virgil Donati, Phil Buckle, Geoff Cain, and Peter Bowman. It featured the hits “Heart in Danger,” “Always and Ever,” and the tearjerker “Hold Me In Your Arms.”

The band released two more albums before breaking up in 1995. They seem to have well and truly moved on, with Irwin Thomas now playing in the rock outfit Electric Mary. They’ll support Alice Cooper on his August tour, a gig that couldn’t be more different than the Southern Sons shows of the 90s.

If, like me, you preferred the big haired heart-throb to the edgy new image, you can pick up the Southern Sons CD from June 22. Just thinking about it I had to fire up YouTube and see what I could see. I unearthed this old performance of “Hold Me In Your Arms” on Steve Vizard’s show. I think I just fell in love all over again!