Governor Hindmarsh, Wed Oct 1
Mike McClellan greets the friendly Gov audience with a smile, and then begins the evening’s show with three songs from his latest album, Dancing In The Rain. His voice is strong and melodic; his playing is precise and assured. The bulk of McClellan’s set showcases songs from his new album and it’s clear that time away from performing hasn’t dulled his songwriting skills; it has merely provided a deeper well of experience from which to draw.
The poignant Love Will Come To You is a memorable high point, and the wit of I Wonder Who You Are Waiting For is impressive. The song selection works very well; the numbers that he is best known for, The One I Love and Song And Dance Man, get a welcome airing but they don’t overshadow his newer works. He chats affably with the audience, and the polished performance proves most enjoyable. McClellan’s folky ballads are warmly received, and his occasional forays into shades of country and blues demonstrate that there are many strings to his musical bow.
The second part of the night belongs to the legendary Danny O’Keefe. His first song, You Don’t Have To Be Right, You Have To Be Ready, draws in the expectant crowd with its unusual and alluring rhythm. The first line, “Even the dreamers don’t dream any dreams anymore” is a wonderful example of the lyrical treat that is to come. O’Keefe plays selections from a range of his albums, going as far back as Steel Guitar, a song that featured on his 1971 eponymous debut.
Tracks from his most recent release, In Time, demonstrate that he still has plenty to say. Songs that are familiar, like The Road and Well, Well, Well sit comfortably alongside his more recent efforts. O’Keefe’s fingers dance around the fretboard with a casual authority; it’s a rhythmic and tuneful performance. His airy vocals are a perfect match for the guitar; the overall sound borders on the beautiful. Expectedly, he finishes his solo set with Good Time Charlie’s Got The Blues, his most famous composition – covered by a veritable who’s who of country and pop musicians – before leaving the stage to warm applause.
O’Keefe and McClellan return as a duo and play a short encore of three bluesy numbers, including passages from Jelly Roll Baker, Sweet Home Chicago, Sweet Rollin’ Man and If Ya Can’t Boogie, Woogie (You Sure Can’t Rock And Roll). While this is a pleasant way to round out the night, the enduring memories from the evening will be the two solo sets.
by David Robinson
4 Stars
Governor Hindmarsh, Wed Oct 1 Mike McClellan greets the friendly Gov audience with a smile, and then begins the evening’s show with three songs from his latest album, Dancing In The Rain. His voice is strong and melodic; his playing is precise and assured. The bulk of McClellan’s set showcases songs from his new album and it’s clear that time away from performing hasn’t dulled his songwriting skills; it has merely provided a deeper well of experience from which to draw. The poignant Love Will Come To You is a memorable high point, and the wit of I Wonder Who You Are Waiting For is impressive. The song selection works very well; the numbers that he is best known for, The One I Love and Song And Dance Man, get a welcome airing but they don’t overshadow his newer works. He chats affably with the audience, and the polished performance proves most enjoyable. McClellan’s folky ballads are warmly received, and his occasional forays into shades of country and blues demonstrate that there are many strings to his musical bow. The second part of the night belongs to the legendary Danny O’Keefe. His first song, You Don't Have To Be Right, You Have To Be Ready, draws in the expectant crowd with its unusual and alluring rhythm. The first line, “Even the dreamers don’t dream any dreams anymore” is a wonderful example of the lyrical treat that is to come. O’Keefe plays selections from a range of his albums, going as far back as Steel Guitar, a song that featured on his 1971 eponymous debut. Tracks from his most recent release, In Time, demonstrate that he still has plenty to say. Songs that are familiar, like The Road and Well, Well, Well sit comfortably alongside his more recent efforts. O’Keefe’s fingers dance around the fretboard with a casual authority; it’s a rhythmic and tuneful performance. His airy vocals are a perfect match for the guitar; the overall sound borders on the beautiful. Expectedly, he finishes his solo set with Good Time Charlie’s Got The Blues, his most famous composition – covered by a veritable who’s who of country and pop musicians – before leaving the stage to warm applause. O’Keefe and McClellan return as a duo and play a short encore of three bluesy numbers, including passages from Jelly Roll Baker, Sweet Home Chicago, Sweet Rollin’ Man and If Ya Can't Boogie, Woogie (You Sure Can't Rock And Roll). While this is a pleasant way to round out the night, the enduring memories from the evening will be the two solo sets. by David Robinson 4 Stars
Danny O’Keefe & Mike McClellan Share One Legendary Evening At The Gov – Review
Danny O’Keefe & Mike McClellan Share One Legendary Evening At The Gov – Review
2014-10-03
David Robinson
David Robinson
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Two legendary troubadours on one stage
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