Bob Evans – Live in Fremantle, 6 December 2012

Shane | 3 January 2013 | Reply

Live at The Norfolk Basement, Fremantle

Words & photography by Maree King

[Show as slideshow]

For the privileged few who got to enjoy the intimacy of the Norfolk Basement, the perfect setting for the introspective tunes of Kevin Mitchell (of Jebediah fame) who was in town to promote his latest instalment under his solo pseudonym Bob Evans titled ” A Double Life” is set for release early 2013.

Kicking off the night was Folk singer/ songwriter Thelma Plum who reminds you of an old 1940s soul singer from New Orleans, her haunting, spiritual and sensual tones speak of a maturity well beyond her years. Her soulful music, that speaks of innocence and experiences of love and life, finishing out her performance with a haunting, bare acoustic version of Chris Isaak’s, Wicked Game. The perfect accompaniment, setting the stage for Bob Evans folk/ alternative country style.

Bob Evans enters the small intimate stage and it feels like an old friend has returned home. With the likes of John Butler and some of the Jebediah crew there to support the now Melbourne based Mitchell, a little friendly banter with crowd, and it feels like we are sitting in our lounge room for our own private show. He kicks off his first set with his new single “Don’t Wanna grow up” and soon settles into all the old favourites, showcasing his musicality and ability to engage his audience with offbeat humour and a gentle nature.

Those following him on Facebook would know he took requests before the tour and many people nominated their favourite tunes, and he did not disappoint, playing the entire Suburban Songbook album with “Rocks in my Head” and “Friend”, “The Great Unknown” “Darlin wont you Come?’ to name a few. For his biggest hit, he stepped away from the microphone, quietly playing his guitar and harmonica as the entire crowd joined him for a touching rendition of “Don’t you think it’s time” a poignant song of change and acceptance when its time to move on. Marking time with the narrative of his personal life experiences and ability to open up to his audience and include them on his journey about love, loss, sadness and joy that we have all experienced at some time or another, his music is about finding the magic in the everyday, in the mundane, and that we overlook so many things in life and disregard them, and this is sometimes where the magic happens.

He then lightened the mood singing an old favourite “Me & My Friend”, to which he momentarily forgot the words! Jokingly a crowd member prompted him along, he then joined him on stage to complete the song with the crowd once again joining in, before including some of his earliest songs “Ode to my Car” from the Suburban Kid and “Pasha Bulker” and “Hand me Downs” from Goodnight Bullcreek.

The highlight of the night for many was a beautiful new song that is an ode to his daughter, which brought a tear to the eye of every woman in the audience. (and YES Bob the musical gods will forgive you!!). For those that want to hear this you will have to wait for the release of the new album early next year.

He finished the night signing autographs and posing for photos with everyone who asked, proving he is not only a accomplished, soulful musician but an incredibly humble and generous man.

https://www.facebook.com/BobEvansMusic

http://www.bobevans.com.au