[MUSIC/International]
Ondara
Church of the Trinity, Thurs 13 Mar, 2024.
The Church of the Trinity is a very well regarded acoustic space for intimate gigs – a perfect place to be introduced to the music of Ondara. This Grammy Award nominated songwriter definitely has his own style. Dressed in cowboy boots, light mustard cross-hatched trousers and a very large, but stylish coat – it was OK for the cooler evening tonight, but I wonder what he might have worn if we were still in our recent hot spell?
Ondara is originally from Kenya, but calls Minneapolis home these days. Interesting to hear him speak between songs to try to place his accent, which is part Kenyan, part UK and with only some hints of the US. His speaking voice is pleasant, his singing voice is a delight: lots of depth, a full palette of notes and melodic variation with a strong falsetto when he chooses to employ it. Ondara’s grammy nomination was in the Americana category, which seems a little misplaced for mine, at least with respect to his presentation in this gig. His stand out influences are Springsteen and Dylan and while he presents a more acoustic set, it is more folky with hints of pop than outright country.
Ondara is touring solo, accompanying himself with an acoustic guitar. It’s a good quality Martin, but tonight’s sound was a little light on the bottom end (which may have been anything from PA & EQ to the instrument to the playing). Variation was mainly through key changes worked by capo. Though one of the last songs had the guitar played very softly and it presented almost a cappella – it was beautiful and Ondara has the voice to do this to a tee – he should mix his set up with a few more songs that are mostly unaccompanied and let his voice sing free!
For a support act we were treated to a returning Adelaidean, Sasha March, who played a short solo set, accompanying herself with an electric guitar, playing some old songs and new – it was a lovely way for the crowd to warm up.
But Ondara was undoubtedly the star of tonight’s show, his banter was engaging, his stage persona relaxed, and his songs, well, it’s hard to review an artist who you’ve never heard previously. He has some great hooks, choruses, melodies and songs. There is enough difference in song content to make things interesting for the listener and there are undoubtedly quite a few that would be sing alongs with just another listen.
A lovely touch at the end, after an ongoing joke about songs about Adelaide, was the audience recording a ‘Hi Mum’ message to Ondara’s mum – building positive rapport and community in a unique kind of way!
4 stars
Clayton Werner
This was the final performance of Ondara at this year’s Fringe.
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The Clothesline Rating:
Clayton Werner
His singing voice is a delight - sings songs with some great hooks and melodies.
