Live Review: Missy Higgins, Dustin Tebbutt, Jherek Bischoff

“A somewhat popular band is playing down the street,” announced Jherek Bischoff at the beginning of the night.

The Rolling Stones were just around the corner but dedicated Missy Higgins fans came together nonetheless to witness beautiful storytelling from Australia’s golden girl. The beloved singer-songwriter is currently wrapping up her tour in support of her latest album and book, OZ. This was a chance for fans to see her one last time before she takes a break to give birth to her first child in January.

Composer, musician and producer Jherek Bischoff appeared looking dapper in his suit and bow tie. Guitar in hand and the Adelaide Zephyr string quartet behind him, he painted vivid images with his music. Each song soared majestically, taking the audience on a new journey. There was the thumping, hurried pace of Little Red Riding Hood, with Bischoff releasing whoops of delight, and eerie, piercing violin from a piece composed in an underground water tank. Bischoff certainly has a brilliant mind and was the perfect way to begin the evening.

Dustin Tebbutt’s soothing and gentle voice carried through the theatre. His blend of indie folk is reminiscent of City and Colour but this young musician has befriended technology on stage. Using a laptop to loop his guitar rhythms and accompanied by his friend Carl, together the pair created a lush sound with haunting harmonies. Between songs he gave insight into his travels and the journey metaphor continued as he compared the room to a giant ship. Tebbutt sings of heartache and life in a tender way, his delivery breathtakingly sincere.

"Higgins' hands fluttered and twitched in the absence of an instrument."

Ukulele resting on her round belly Missy Higgins announces “we’re gonna have a hoot,” before easing into a cover of Slim Dusty’s The Biggest Disappointment. That earthy twang in her voice is instantly recognisable and the audience was in awe. A decent chunk of her set was dedicated to OZ, a covers album of songs by her favourite Australian artists, such as Paul Kelly, Chrissy Amphlett and The Angels. But her interpretation of Something For Kate’s You Only Hide was the most powerful and moving. Hearing how the band impacted on her life and watching home videos projected on the screen, you could feel her connections with each song.

There were plenty of golden oldies from her first two albums too, including 10 Days, Where I Stood and The Special Two. Moving from guitar to piano, Higgins' hands fluttered and twitched in the absence of an instrument. Her band were just as mesmerising, the keyboardist literally on the edge of his seat and Bischoff then returned to play bass while the string quartet added an ethereal layer. Steer was a joyous moment and Scar resurfaced nostalgic for the audience, finally breaking their respectful silence to belt out the chorus.

Missy is a gifted storyteller. She is open and honest in everything she does, the audience laughing, reminiscing and crying along with her. OZ is perfectly suited to the stage as she recounted her feelings and memories of each song. Just before the closer, Warm Whispers, she shared a home video of her at 16 saying “I wanna be a rock star. This is gonna be shown at one of my concerts”. Missy’s journey as a musician and person is truly inspiring and the intimate vibe of her live shows is something special. There was more than one rock star in town that night.