Live Review: CW Stoneking, Fraser A Gorman

It’s always going to be a tough slog for the support artist who takes the stage with nothing but an acoustic guitar to catch the attention of an impatient crowd, and while Melbourne’s Fraser A Gorman gives it his best efforts – smooth vocals and endearing between-song banter – he falls slightly short of this goal.

Throughout his set he does manage to titillate this West End-based crowd with a quick shout to local record store Jet Black Cat Music, which goes down a treat with several punters.

There can be no mistaking the influence North America has had on headlining artist CW Stoneking, who takes the stage with a look reminiscent of Colonel Sanders – dressed from head to toe in white with the exception of his black bow tie – while addressing the crowd warmly with his signature hillbilly, slack-jawed articulations. He’s joined on stage by a new band, which consists of two female back-up singers, who bring a youthful exuberance to proceedings, as well as seasoned musicians on the double bass and drums.

The set kicks off with the opening track to his newest LP Gon’ Boogaloo, How Long, which transitions into the title track from that record, We Gon’ Boogaloo. Thankfully, tonight is not just about his latest record, as there are several nods to the past throughout the set, notably Brave Son Of America and Talkin’ Lion Blues, with the latter inducing soft yodelling and swaying amongst the crowd.

Stoneking’s trusty banjo has been replaced by an electric guitar tonight, which he proves to be equally as deft at manipulating. The one time he does make a mistake on the instrument, he explains (mid-song) it’s because he cut his thumb earlier in the week, making it difficult to play at times. The way in which he addresses the crowd throughout the night, regaling us with quirky anecdotes and fables, is utterly charming and allows the audience to connect with Stoneking on what feels like a personal level – a talent only a handful of musicians can boast. There are also several instances in the evening when Stoneking is left on the stage by himself, which only adds to the highly personal experience he creates. Mama Got The Blues is one of the stand-out musical moments of the set, which showcases his soulful howl in the best possible light while remaining subtle and soft. There’s a lot to love about the CW Stoneking experience, proven most effectively by the army of satisfied smiles seen exiting the building after his show tonight.