Live Review: Bluesfest

The third and final filming of Rockwiz Live at the Jambalaya stage warranted a look. Brian Nankervis was witty and hilarious in the pre-show selection of guests, then the ever-hilarious Julia Zemiro took over and introduced Henry Wagons, Adalita Srsen and Michael Franti. When Zemiro asked Franti why he was so comfortable in this format he quipped “I've been on Spicks And Specks a few times.”

Tim Rogers was “dressed to stun” in a slim white suit and top notch Akubra but fell somewhat short of the mark, possibly because Rogers, as he put it “drank himself a new asshole” the night before. He didn't look or sound hungover, it was just a performance lacking in creativity. The crowd banter was awkward, Melbourne guests were all called fuckwits, before being called beautiful and trendy, Rogers' voice was satisfactory without being mind-blowing and, despite the beach ball floating around the set, was lacking fun.

Passenger walked out to thunderous applause and bumbled out, “It's just going to be me and a guitar if that's okay?” It was better than okay, it was special. Passenger has taken a leaf out of Marcus Mumford's book and smoked his voice into a husk perfect for the soulful folk tracks he fires out with so much passion. A song he wrote that morning was much more lyrically impressive than a song written in a day should be. His anti-iPhone speech was a hit with the older crowd, and a cheer went up for a line in I Hate: “I hate ignorant folks who pay money to see gigs and talk through every fucking song.” Without stopping he went from Hearts On Fire to a charming acoustic Eye Of The Tiger into Let Her Go.

The mystery guest was a huge anti-climax, nothing against Saskwatch who are a ball of fun, but they played the day before and will play again the day after. A mystery guest who wasn't already on the bill might've been more satisfying.

The Mojo Stage gifted the festival with two of the sexiest performances Bluesfest 2014 saw back to back. Morcheeba returned to Bluesfest after ten tumultuous years for the band. Skye Edwards looked amazing, her voice and stage presence are totally captivating and it's easy to see why the Godfrey brothers were all for a reunion in 2009. Tracks off the new album didn't reach the heights of Rome Wasn't Built In A Day or The Sea, but that's more an indicator of the quality of the older tracks than the new ones.

Erykah Badu channeled Pharrell Williams in a hat with a lot of height, emerging after a lengthy intro but when you're Erykah Badu you can take your time, she's earned that. She also earned thunderous applause for just about every track, her live performance is visually stunning; armed with a full band and backing singers, Badu alters tracks for the live set in a way the Dave Matthews Band would appreciate. Her attitude is fiery, her commitment to the character of Erykah Badu is in no way pretentious, she's the queen of neo soul for a reason. Her voice, her energy, her movements were captivating. It was a set you couldn't take your eyes off and  wont be forgotten in a hurry.