Review by Reid Elliott
The only time I'd seen Neil Murray until last night was two years ago in Brisbane. It was a solo show and absolutely fanstastic. With the knowledge of Neil's coming concert to Canberra, where I am now, the last little while had been a very anxious wait! I was very keen to hear the songs off the new album "Going the Distance," as well as hearing him with a band for the first time.
Finally last night the wait was over as Neil rolled into Canberra, playing at the somewhat strange location of a lawn bowls club.
There were several people in the crowd who were obviously familiar with Neil, singing along and all. There also appeared to be many people who were regulars at the venue and were new to Neil and his music. From the moment he took the stage everyone seemed won over. He began with a very smooth version of "Sometimes I Feel," done solo with the acoustic.
A couple of songs into the show Matt on drums and Barry playing bass joined Neil for some of the new songs. The new songs are fantastic! They are very Neil Murray, if that makes any sense! And the band with him were a very nice touch. All three guys were very enthusiastic from the outset, getting very into it. Matt is awesome on the drums!! Very simple, tight and usually with a pronounced swing. A great feel. His drumming seems similar in ways to the drumming on the first Warumpi album, clear and full of energy.
Later in the show Neil did some readings from his collection of poems, One Man Tribe. The audience responded very well, seeming to appreciate the way Neil can combine social commentary with humour. Neil went on to play some more songs off the new album as well as well known songs like Eddie Mabo and Good Light in Broome.
All in all the show was fantastic. Several Neil Murray classics in there, mainly from Dust and The Wondering Kind, as well as lots of very promising new songs. Great to see him on the road again, his "driving days" aren't over yet, he's "going the distance"!
Neil for Governor General!