Live Review: Paul Kelly Presents the Merri Soul Sessions, Hiatus Kaiyote

The Fremantle Arts Centre seemed the perfect place to showcase one of Australia’s most prestigious musicians. The hillside venue, over the course of several minutes, was hit by middle-aged couples and groups of friends eager for Paul Kelly’s latest event. Sadly, the venue didn’t factor in just how popular he remains.

Despite the over-capacity crowd, warm-up act Hiatus Kaiyote kept everyone happy and entertained. Launching straight into Breathing Underwater, the Melburnian neo-soul ensemble wowed the picnicking audience with expansive instrumentals and charismatic stage presence. Lead singer Nai Palm, sporting a backwards cap, gigantic, silver hooped earrings and sparkly leather pants, embodies the group’s outside-the-box style. Each exhaustive five-to-ten minute rendition showed off her searing pitch and unique vocal range. Throughout the band’s electrifying set, fun keyboard riffs and thumping tempos bolstered her alluring performance. Nakamarra, By Fire and The World It Softly Lulls were elevated by the group’s soothing rhythms and contemporary lounge vibe.

Paul Kelly and his Merri Soul Sessions album/tour co-stars – Clairy Browne, Vika and Linda Bull, Kira Puru and Dan Sultan – waltzed out on stage to thunderous applause. As the sun set over the venue’s prestigious historical building, Kelly and co. launched into an engaging rendition of What You Want. The ensemble’s magnetic stage presence and eclectic melodies captivated the excitable yet frustrated crowd. Vika’s sultry vocals sent chills across the Fremantle area. Between songs, Kelly’s soft-spoken persona lent gravitas to the already prestigious event. The set’s first half highlighted each performer’s extraordinary talents. Linda lent her flawless vocals to Smells Like Rain. Browne’s alluring aura and high notes sent shockwaves across the hillside. Puru’s touching, moody version of Don’t Know What I’d Do stopped everyone dead. Sultan’s rich, enthusiastic rendition of Don’t Let A Good Thing Go exemplified the touring party’s range and prowess.

Their set became a cool compilation of Merri Soul Sessions tracks and Kelly classics. Kelly’s guitar riffs shone through each number, showcasing the icon’s larger-than-life status. Kelly, paying tribute to Australian and Indigenous musical talent, continually stunned his adoring crowd. The second half delivered several heartening performances from the influential, workhorse musician. Renditions of Thank You, How To Make Gravy and Song From The Sixteenth Floor solidified his impeccable hall-of-fame status. Despite Kelly’s solos, several duet numbers – Kelly and Puru’s cover of James Carr’s The Dark End Of The Street in particular – became show highlights. The troupe’s final numbers, including Sultan’s eclectic cover of Look So Fine, Feel So Low and Vika’s cover of Sweet Guy, paid homage to Kelly’s legacy, Indigenous music and Australia. Harmonious encore performances of Down On The Jetty, Love Letter and Meet Me In The Middle Of The Air capped off a memorable night for Australian music.