If you didn’t happen to be in Sydney in February last year when Sarah Blasko performed at the Sydney Opera House, or weren’t one of the many who watched the show live on YouTube, then the release of I Awake: Live At Sydney Opera House will be a welcome treat.

Backed by the Sydney International Orchestra, Blasko treated fans to a performance of her entire 2012 recordI Awake, as well as a number of songs from her previous albums,What The Sea Wants, The Sea Will HaveandAs Day Follows Night. For a live album, the mix and production is top notch – at times you could be forgiven for thinking it was all done in the studio.

Opening with ‘(Explain)’, Blasko plays a selection of songs from her back catalogue including ‘All I Want’ and ‘Bird On A Wire’ before launching intoI Awakefrom start to finish. The singer’s performance is flawless throughout and the orchestra breathes just enough life into the songs to give the album added appeal.

With such exceptional musicianship on display, combined with a masterful mix, this is one of the better live albums out there.

3.5/5 stars

Out now through Dew Process/ Universal.

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