Reports from the Plantation Concert -Coffs Harbour
From
CGee.
Concert wise, I thought last night was better than Sydney. More energy, more relaxed, and much more willing to let loose. And let loose they finally did! It started out a bit business like, a little banter but mostly just singing the songs. Although I never thought I’d hear it again, the turning point was when they launched into What You Want Me to Forget. I seemed like ‘comfort food’ for Russell, the jacket was unbuttoned and the inner rocker was released! The whole band seemed energised at this point. The one to die for is Testify! I never thought I’d say this either; Russell’s performance of that song rivalled his interpretation of Be My Lover. He was all ‘fire and brimstone’ swagger and he sold that song that appears to be about a sinner asking for redemption. A great, great, song that only a live performance will do it justice! I so hope they put it on Itunes soon! The sing alongs were fun and I got the impression that it was a point of pride that Russell’s hometown crowd gave a good accounting of themselves. All the band seemed to be enjoying going with the flow, rolling with the technical punches, and playing music for the pure joy of it! |
From BB: The Plantation Hotel gig This is an experience I won’t forget in a hurry (staying at the Plantation Hotel that is.) When booking the accommodation I hadn’t realized it was actually a backpacker hostel and not a proper hotel. By the time my friend and myself found this out, it was too late to get any rooms at the nearby hotels which were all booked out. So we had to stay. The look on our faces when we were handed a pile of sheets and told to make up our beds was priceless. It was just one of those life experiences that money just can’t buy! Any way, I digress….. This venue was a larger one (maybe holding about 1000 people?) akin to the RSL club where TOFOG played in 2003. Before the gig we got a meal and a drink while waiting for the opening act to appear and hey, hey….. it’s (Saturday) Russell Gilbert! Even though we’d heard a goodly portion of his material before, his demeanour and presentation is such that you can’t help but find him funny. At around 9.15pm the band came on and from the off got a good reception from the crowd. Unfortunately there were a couple of minor hiccups with the equipment but the band took this in their stride as true professionals. Russell killed time by asking the folks in the audience where they came from. There appeared to be a big cheer when he mentioned Canadians for some reason. Maybe Alan’s and Great Big Sea’s fans? Anyhow, earlier in the evening, before the main gig, I thought I’d spotted a certain guy standing to the right of the stage and my eyes did not deceive me. It was indeed “the” Kris Kristoffersen. What a charismatic guy he is. He took the stage and sang “Me and Bobby McGee” with Russell and the band to a rousing ovation. It was worth the price of admission to see this collaboration alone. The band played 2 encores and introducing one of them was none other than Mr. Kevin Spacey. The audience reaction was fun to see as this was totally unexpected/unannounced. From early on until the end of the night, the band went from strength to strength, rousing the crowd more and more. It was a good mix of music from beautiful ballads to great rockers like “What You Want Me To Forget” and of course the terrific new song “Testify” which will hopefully be up on iTunes very soon for us to download. Over the courses of both gigs I had a fantastic time and two nights that I won’t forget in a hurry. Picturing Russell singing (Jock Stewart)…… “So be easy and free, when you’re drinkin’ with me. I’m a man you don’t meet every day.” Indeed. BB |
From Carol: Sorry
to take so long - but the Internet Cafe was closed when we got here
last night and didn't open until 9:00 am this morning..... |
