Karise Eden @ Wests Leagues Club, Newcastle – 6 March 2019

Karise Eden enjoyed a meteoric rise to fame when she took home The Voice crown in 2012. She was just 19 then, although I imagine such exposure would be difficult at any age. She released the obligatory winner’s journey album, which went straight to number one, but then she seemed to disappear from the spotlight. There was little fanfare on the release of her first album of originals Things I’ve Done two years later. It peaked at number 65. It’s taken five more years for Karise to release another album. She was in Newcastle last week to promote that release, Born to Fight.

Local singer-songwriter Megan Core warmed up the crowd, gushing to us how she’d admired Karise since she was a teen and was so thrilled to support her. If she had any nerves surrounding the honour, they didn’t show. It’s brave to play so many originals as a newcomer, but Megan seized the opportunity to introduce us to her songs. Personally I loved her folky ditties. With just an acoustic guitar as accompaniment, I found myself really taking in her lyrics. I’ll jump at the chance to see her again. What a talent.

Karise’s set was a similarly low-key affair. Her band was small, just a keyboardist and a guitarist, but she’s not one who needs a lot of support. The stripped back instrumentation put her voice front and centre. And what a voice it is. It’s what got me and so many other Australians excited when Karise was on The Voice. After recent weight loss, Karise thinks its stronger than ever. Having witnessed it myself, I’m not about to argue with her. Countless times I found myself with goosebumps. It’s just that good.

This concert was really a showcase of the work from her new album Born to Fight. I’m such a fan of that release that I was thrilled to hear so many of my favourite new songs. My parents hadn’t heard the new album, but they didn’t feel slighted by her song selections in the least. In fact, Mum has asked me to pick her up a copy next time I’m shopping! When you can not just get people interested in your new material, but make them want to spend money on it, you know you’re on the right track. There was the occasional track from the first album and some choice covers. “Landslide” was just as beautiful as it was on The Voice. She’s long been compared to Amy Winehouse, and her cover of one of the late British singer’s tracks shows she’s every bit as good. Her take on “Hallelujah” was a breathtaking closer.

The songs only tell half the story of any concert experience though. When we first met Karise she seemed uncomfortable with the glare of the spotlight, a nervous teenager. The years have seen Karise blossom into a confident woman. She was relaxed, funny, and open. There was a great natural charm about her that brought the audience on side instantly.

It’s just a shame there wasn’t more of us. My mum remarked that she should have sold out the venue, because she’s every bit as good as singers she’s compared to like Amy Winehouse and Janis Joplin. In fact, mum said she should be playing much bigger venues. I don’t disagree. However, I love an intimate gig. What a thrill to witness a world-class performer in a place so small. If there’s any justice, Australia will remember why they fell in love with Karise and start turning up in their droves to see her. Until then, I’ll enjoy the intimacy that comes with small gigs like this.

There are a couple of dates left on Karise’s Born to Fight tour. If you can, make sure you go see her. She’s incredible.

23 March 2019 – York Theatre @ Seymour Centre, Sydney
24 March 2019 – Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
31 March 2019 – The Gov, Adelaide

Image source: own photos

Tony Hadley and Paul Young @ Wests Leagues Club, Newcastle – 22 October 2008

Last night I achieved a childhood dream. I saw Tony Hadley and Paul Young in concert.

Some of my younger readers might be asking “Who?” For their benefit, here’s a history lesson. I was lucky enough to be born in the 1980s. In this glorious decade Paul Young and Tony Hadley topped the charts, Paul with his solo career and Tony as lead singer of Spandau Ballet. These days they’re a bit older, a little heavier, but Paul and Tony are still delivering those hits to their faithful fans.

The show opened with both 80s icons taking the stage for a surprise duet of the Don Henley classic “Boys of Summer.” I was so overwhelmed with seeing both men on stage at once I immediately dug my camera out of my bag. Apparently it didn’t realise what a significant musical moment this was, because it refused to play. I couldn’t believe it. I would love to have a photo to show you, but it just wasn’t to be.

My despair at the camera situation faded though once Tony left the stage to allow Paul to shine in the spotlight. He took us down memory lane early with “Love of the Common People.” Poor Paul’s voice isn’t a patch on what it used to be, but we were happy to sing along loudly and make up for his vocal flaws. He was certainly energetic though, and no one could accuse him of failing to entertain.

After a few solo moments Tony returned to join Paul in his smash hit “Senza Uno Donna.” Then it was Paul’s time to rest while Tony belted out some Spandau Ballet classics. Unlike Paul, Tony was in fine voice. When I was busy swooning over him as a girl I don’t think I realised exactly how well he sings. And for the record, despite the extra kilos he’s gained, Tony Hadley still makes me swoon!

The night continued in much the same vein, with solo hits interspersed with some memorable covers and duets. It was an inspired format which kept the energy levels up and everyone in the room engaged. These guys know they are able to tour today because they had some massive hits twenty years ago. They’re appreciative of their fans’ loyalty, so they’re happy to play the classics the supporters love.

The 80s wasn’t about particularly deep music, but what it lacked in messages it made up for in fun. I had a ball dancing with the other adoring girls up the front, singing along to every word of songs like “Come Back and Stay” and “Gold.”

But what I will remember most about last night is that I heard my favorite song in the world live. That song is “True.” Yes it’s overplayed and overblown, but seeing Tony perform it right there in front of me was something I’ll never forget.

After the show Tony and Paul decided to again thank the fans for their devotion by sticking around for autographs and photos. Again, I cursed my petulant camera. So I don’t have the photo to prove I met my childhood heroes, but I do have this concert ticket. And I have the memory of Tony wrapping me up in a cuddle and kissing me on the cheek!

Tomorrow I will go back to being a serious music journalist. But right now I’m happy to just be a gushing 80s music fan.

Image source: own photo