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. |
