After this long weekend of gigs, it was perhaps a surprise to be taking in a Bluesfest side show in Oakleigh. Not known as the hub of live rock, Oakleigh is better recognised for Greek cafes and restaurants, so you are more likely to hear the sound of a bouzouki than a pedal steel guitar. Hence it was the prospect of an unusual gig going experience to head to the Caravan Music Club at the Oakleigh R.S.L. to see Caitlin Rose and The Felice Brothers.
Going in to the gig somewhat unsure of what to expect, it was easy to be impressed with the R.S.L. as a venue. It is large enough to hold a good-sized crowd, but intimate enough to see the stage and for the performers to see us. It has an air of former glory, so no pretentious industrial architectural-chic here. Fortunately, the bands held no pretentions either. Caitlin Rose hails from Nashville and her music reflects all the traditions that can be found there. Her influences include Linda Ronstadt, Stevie Nicks and the inimitable Patsy Cline. Caitlin’s voice is impressive and her lyrics would resonate with many. Jeremy Fetzer (guitar) and Luke Schneider (pedal steel guitar) provided the music, which scaffolded the lyrics without overpowering them and made the whole experience seem well rounded and satisfying.
The Felice Brothers were tired (literally), but despite this being their final Australian show of the tour and despite having a long-haul flight ahead of them, they managed to deliver a raw but sharp gig. The two brothers and three close friends hail from New York City, but are more often than not on the road touring so they are used to feeling the strain of long hours and hard work. Their music has been described as ‘mud-stomping folk’, which kind of sounds a bit ‘red-neck’ to me. The Felice Brothers certainly aren’t ‘red-necks’ because if they were, they wouldn’t have survived musically in the sleek and demanding N.Y.C scene. Self taught buskers, they have honed their skills to provide our ears and senses with a plethora of sounds that push the boundaries of the folk genre. Many of their songs are quirky and the lyrics about unlikely subjects such as ‘Honda Civic’. Other tunes are more traditional, such as ‘Love Me Tenderly’ and ‘Best I Ever Had’. ‘Whiskey In My Whiskey’ hit a chord with many of the punters, and it was about the time they played this song that the crowd let their hair down and danced. As the Caravan Music Club gets used more frequently for such music, the crowds will swell and space to dance will be a thing of the past. Who would have thought one could have that much fun in the ‘burbs’?
– Sharon Brookes
