He was introduced as ‘the incomparable Jeff Lang,’ which seemed appropriate. Lang’s
eye-popping slide guitar work and folk/blues/roots influences could
place him in the same category as John Butler or Xavier Rudd, but that
doesn’t quite fit for this particular guitar wizard. His light vocals,
casual stage presence and free-flowing sets signal that this is an
artist who has something different to offer. Lang’s relaxed
attitude only adds to the effect when he unleashes one of his guitar
solos, displaying power and accuracy more reminiscent of a classical
virtuoso than a laid-back folk singer.
Before Lang stepped on stage at the Street Theatre, we were treated to the talents of Kara Grainger, an Australian-born singer-songwriter whose debut album, ‘Grand and Green River,’ was released last week. Grainger’s
vocals have a fresh, effortless quality, yet her range and precision
hint at years of experience. Her guitar work, while occasionally
slipping below the standard of her singing, also won over many in the
crowd.
With the audience suitably charmed, Jeff Lang appeared
between the wide variety of guitars waiting on stage. Lang’s set began
with the first two songs off his new album, 'Half Seas Over.' Southern
Highlands Daughter brought on the first mid-song cheer of the evening,
and this was closely followed by appreciation for the stinging energy
of Copper Mine. From here the set rambled through a wide range of
genres, including blues, roots, traditional folk songs and even a dash
of the psychedelic. Lang can work the guitar strings with the
best of them, but he also knows how to stretch the limits of an effects
pedal, creating some truly mind-bending soundscapes.
Throughout the set Lang was supported by Grant Cummerford,
a formidable bassist who does more than simply keep up with the lead
guitar. His double bass and bass guitar work provided a strong backbone
to Lang’s arrangements, and Cummerford didn’t flinch when the music called for agility and speed. Towards the end of the set, Kara Grainger
stepped back up to the microphone. While there were a few nervous
moments, the three musicians managed to compliment each other’s
strengths and avoid drowning anybody out.
Lang worked hard to create a rapport with his audience, but at
times it seemed as if we were watching him in the wrong venue. The
formality of the Street Theatre seemed to sap some of Lang’s
enthusiasm. At the same time, the theatre did allow for wonderfully
clear sound, with every scratch, strum and twang audible throughout the
set. And there’s always something to be said for a full-audience
synchronised clap-along, not matter how formal the setting.
Performers like Jeff Lang and Kara Grainger aren’t
traditional crowd-pleasers, as they do require attention and
appreciation for instrumental prowess from their audience.That said,
their talents ensured this never felt like an effort, and there was
plenty of fun to be had between gasps of amazement. The Half Seas Over national tour is sure to hold many more audiences under its spell and leave their fingers sore just from watching.
Half Seas Over Jeff Lang
Venue: The Street Theatre | Cnr Childers St & University Ave, Canberra City West Dates: June 1st Times: 8.00pm Info:www.thestreet.org.au
Ninety | Melbourne Theatre Company
Ninety is full of the brutal truths that can be spoken only between those who have once been lovers and have nothing more to lose.
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