Jose Gonzalez @ Athenaeum

It's taken me a while to get this down on paper, but I wanted to write a short review about the gig I saw a few weeks ago. I've been a fan of Jose for quite some time now, so it was lovely to finally get to see him live and bring someone with me who was new to his music. What really stood out was his musicianship, the intricate sounds Jose was getting from his guitar were just beautiful. His lyrics are so unique and his voice so special. He seems like a really genuine, humble guy too -he mentioned the smoke from the recent fires and said that we were in his thoughts. His set was finished with a cover of 'Hand on your heart' by Kylie Minogue - I was surprised just how non cheesy and sentimental he made it sound - so far from the original! What an amazing artist and a wonderful gig!

Icelandic Magic

Emiliana Torrini @ the forum last night was incredible. I am so glad that we got front row to appreciate it all. She was so cute and sang with a hell of a lot of conviction. It was very inspiring!!
She said that playing at the forum was the most people she had ever performed to (which I find a little hard to believe considering her talent and the length of time she has been around) but maybe she meant in Australia. Emiliana has such a cheeky sense of humor, and some things go a little lost in translation so it was very endearing!! I am definitely going to have to get her new album!! I got to use my new camera with a couple of pics, check them out.

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A setlist of magic..

Last night I found myself at The Elwood Lounge, a local I had avoided for some time now for no real reason. The man who finally drew me back there? Simon Phillips. There has been a lot of talk on my blog about this guy. The issues have raised a lot of discussion and internal dialogue many times. I'm so glad that I held on to a little bit of faith and relented. It was so worth it.

Now, I have been a fan for many years. I have seen Simon play small venues with just his flamenco guitar and I have seen him take to the stage in other venues with a full band. I have been inspired constantly and touched and moved and every other joyous word that true music can bring you. I have admired his humbleness, conviction and talent. Those facts will never change.

I dont want to go into every magical detail of the gig... well maybe I do. But I wont. I'm content to just say that after a chat he took the small setlist I gave him, told me it was an honour and proceeded to play every song that I had written down (granted there were only 4, I'm not that greedy). And although the many drunk patrons threatened, on occasion, to ruin the atmosphere, I must say again that real musicians like Simon Phillips are just magic to watch.

Time and time again.

Well... basically..

If you want to go see a great band then head down to the evelyn, where The Basics are playing a residency for the next 3 weeks. Last night was pretty cool. They always rock out and they always make me laugh (and dance). Cant ask for much more really...

And after officially hitting 12 gigs, I think I can now say that you can take my word for it. Infact, I would go so far as to talk about it some more but I just dont have the time.

"Karolina!!!!!!! It's good to see ya!!!!! So nice to meet YA!!!!! Karolina"