BY MICHAEL BLAKE
Name: Ben Age: 21 Favourite Band: The Blues Brothers What’s the best thing to get to drink in a cafe? White Hot Chocolate from Chrome What’s the saddest thing you’ve seen today? My bank balance Where’s your favourite favourite place in the whole world? Montpellier in France
Name: Charlie Age: 22 Favourite Band: Jamie Lidell What’s the best thing to get to drink in a cafe? Dukkah Hot Chocolate What’s the saddest thing you’ve seen today? Leggings Where’s your favourite favourite place in the whole world? New York City
JOHN MAYER Where the Light Is: Live in Los Angeles
ROSIE BURGESS Wait for the World
This Grammy nominated, second live album/DVD from John Mayer covers most of his work to date, including early songs, his work with the John Mayer Trio and his latest solo release; an overview of Mayer’s evolution from a soft-rock star to a heavier blues sound. The set structure of the concert reflects this progression, opening with an acoustic set reminiscent of his first LP, Room For Squares (though none of his Top 40 hits such as Your Body Is A Wonderland are featured). But even the earlier songs have a more mature sound, with added bluesy acoustic melodies and proof in his vocals that he’s more than just a songwriter/guitar player. You can really hear the connection to each song through Mayer’s voice, which is something so often lacking in his studio records.
After a few listens I had to agree with the anonymous person from Woodstock Studios in Melbourne who declared Wait for the World to be ‘a charmer of a record’.
Mayer is joined by Steve Jordan (drums) and Pino Palladino (bass) during the second set, forming the John Mayer Trio. The band has a thicker blues style than Mayer’s traditional solo work, and although he doesn’t have a classic blues voice, Mayer definitely gets into the groove of the band’s sound.
Her lyrics are poetic and, at times, enigmatic, thankfully without the emo introspection that is oft confused for mystique by your more, ‘wet behind the ears’ songwriters. From the campfire energy, complete with swinging harmonica, in Carried Her Bones Away, to the rollicking warmth of the riff that lifts Rosie’s ‘deepest secret’ in Back to The Centre, all songs have that gypsy quality of joy laid bare, with just enough darkness for the long roads ahead. And the calibre of musicians on the album, such as Sam Lohs of Fruit, and Jimi Hocking, are testimony to the musicianship of the artist by the company she keeps.
The final set is with Mayer’s current touring band, mainly playing songs from his most recent release, Continuum. He seems to have reached a happy medium with his sound, appealing both to older musos and blues fiends (as well as his screaming young female fans). The energy and performance builds from the first track until the final, I’m Gonna Find Another You - a farewell, but one with a promising message for the future. Hopefully there’s gonna be a lot more music from the evolved John Mayer for years to come. 7/10 MEEGAN MAY 18
. ISSUE 86 . JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 03 2009
Name: Christine Age: 24 Favourite Band: Gentlemen What’s the best thing to get to drink in a cafe? Cappucino What’s the saddest thing you’ve seen today? Nothing, it’s beautiful today Where’s your favourite favourite place in the whole world? Australia
Name: Keryn Age: 21 Favourite Band: The Wombats What’s the best thing to get to drink in a cafe? A marsbar latte What’s the saddest thing you’ve seen today? Two seagulls. I took photos. Where’s your favourite favourite place in the whole world? Hiroshima
Strung across folk, blues, and gypsy roots with a predisposition for stringed flavours (including guitar, mandolin, violin and cello) there is undeniable charm in every song. The tangible package hints at the journey Rosie wants to take you on, with a cherubic Russian Doll on the cover, her tummy resplendent from the earth as centre for a sunflower. Tis a lovely aesthetic and reveals the organic, upbeat album within. And Rosie Burgess delivers with girly vocals and womanly guiles.
Wait for the World, but don’t wait to be charmed available online through rosieburgess.com. 7/10 CLARA MURRAY
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