Reviewed on Thursday February 5
Wander past the drowsy monkeys, frustrated elephant and boxing kangaroos – mind the roving brush turkeys as you do – and you’ll stumble upon what has to be the most gorgeous venue in Sydney. Sure, the State Theatre is wonderfully opulent, and even Hibernian House has its beguiling, labyrinthine charm. But Taronga Zoo wins the location game without ever breaking a sweat. Sprawling lawns, the distant peaks of the CBD, of the iron clamshell bridge. Add to this a dash of soul, some folk rock/blues and a maroon-clad Paul Kelly, and you have yourself one impressive evening.
When support act Hiatus Kaiyote took the stage the sun was still out, which may have led to their set not gaining the reception it deserved. Nai Palm has a voice that can kick arse and take no prisoners, and the band gave a tight set with some tremendous beats. But the audience didn’t engage, which had less to do with Kaiyote’s quality and more that this was a family gig at dinnertime. If Palm seemed to hold back somewhat, it was likely because the sea of tartan picnic blankets, Tupperware containers and straw hats gave only token notice to each song.
When Paul Kelly and co emerged, the sun was setting and the crowd was primed. The setlist was a strong fusion of old favourites – ‘How To Make Gravy’ is as poignant as ever, while ‘Dumb Things’ had folk howling along beneath an appropriately full moon – and tracks from the titular Merri Soul Sessions album. Kelly’s lyrical prowess is still strong, and though it’s inevitable that a touch of shakiness has entered his vocals these days, he was supported by a crew whose own voices left you rooted to the spot. Clairy Browne was exceptional (with an unexpected kookaburra chorus as accompaniment), while Kira Puru’s cover duet with Kelly of ‘The Dark End Of The Street’ was a certain standout.
It was very nearly the Dan Sultan Sessions by the end of the night, as the Melbourne muso owned the stage each time he stepped up to the mic. His voice during ‘Look So Fine, Feel So Low’ inspired goosebumps, and had the entire audience singing back.
This is a great ensemble to catch, and the incomparable scenery must be seen to be believed. Check out one of these Twilight At Taronga concerts while you can.
