The Black Sorrows – Live @ Lizotte’s Sun 4th Oct 2009
Review by Frances Kay
I have experienced a number of Black Sorrows gigs in the past,
so I anticipated a great show – and Joe Camilleri and the boys
did not disappoint. The four piece band was arranged very cosily
on what is affectionately known as the ‘postage stamp’ stage at
Lizotte’s restaurant. Appearing before a sell-out crowd, The Black
Sorrows rocked the room from the count in of the opening song,
till the final hammer of the drums in an encore performance. The
set list included a myriad of old favourites mixed with newer
material, all of which had the crowd clapping and dancing in the
aisles. Brian Lizotte delighted the audience when he jumped up
on stage, trombone in hand, to join Joe and his saxophone for
an impromptu performance. The boys were buzzing and it was apparent
that they were enjoying every moment.
Joe Camilleri is a true Australian legend of music, who entertains
the audience not only through his songs, but with his charisma
and style. Collectively, The Sorrows’ create an energetic vibe
in the room, which is unavoidably contagious. Look out for the
next Black Sorrows’ gig at Lizotte’s; you’ll be guaranteed a great
night of entertainment and fine dining.
|
Abby Dobson – Live @ Lizotte’s Sat 3rd Oct 2009 Review
by Frances Kay
Dining at Lizotte’s is always a pleasure. After enjoying a mouth-watering
meal, the lights dimmed, highlighting the flicker of candles that
bejewelled the stage, creating a unique and soft ambience. I had
not seen Abby Dobson perform live before, nor was I familiar with
her solo music. Positioned well at table 20, I felt the flutter
of excited anticipation that experiencing live music always brings
me. From a side stage door, Abby gracefully emerged with her acoustic
guitar. She greeted the audience warmly and unpretentiously and
introduced her accompaniment Eden Altman on electric guitar. As
Abby began to sing, her stage presence immediately captivated
the room. The resonance was amazing and every angelic word Abby
sang was crisp and defined. Listening to the words of each song,
I was taken on a journey of love, loss, pain, clouds, stars and
dreaming. Abby’s songs and voice have a childlike innocence; however,
her lyrics include a depth that explores life’s fragility in a
way that touched every listener.
Upon introducing each song, Abby shared some insight into their
background, enchanting the audience with her often quaint and
quirky anecdotes. She complimented the hospitality shown to her
by Brian, Jo and the staff, and remarked how she always looks
forward to playing at Lizotte’s.
Abby’s own delight of performing radiated through her smile
as she sang. She carried some amazingly strong and flawlessly
extended notes, which few artists can deliver authentically and
indisputably during a live performance. The final encore concluded
with ‘Even When I’m Sleeping’ from Abby’s days with Leonardo’s
Bride, which left the audience breathless.
Abby graciously signed CD’s and chatted candidly with guests
after the show. I found her to be unassumingly confident and sensitive,
yet totally unaffected by her own success or impact on people.
My signed copy of ‘Abby Dobson live at The Famous Spiegeltent’
has become my new found treasure, repeatedly engaging me with
Abby’s beautifully crafted lyrics and inimitable sound and style.
I would thoroughly recommend experiencing her live in concert.
Doubled with Lizotte’s intimate atmosphere; you can’t help but
fall in love with Abby Dobson. |
