Live Review: Mick Flannery, Gallie, Mick McHugh

The beautiful Spotted Mallard dining hall/ballroom makes the perfect setting for this Irish musical showcase that begins with Mick McHugh, a man who so obviously resembles Bob Dylan it's almost embarrassing to mention. McHugh – solo with an acoustic guitar, stomp box and harmonica – goes about his set with an air of professionalism, incorporating short anecdotes in between songs that are at times lost among the many people enjoying their pre-Mick Flannery meals. McHugh's set provides a warm start to the evening as Melbourne's Irish community slowly trickles in.

Next up is Gallie, who successfully fills the expansive room with his Bruce Springsteen-esque vocals. Playing a blues'n'roots set, Gallie helps to build a momentum that complements the man he's here to support. Gallie's short survey of the crowd reveals that most of the population of Cork has migrated to the Spotted Mallard for the evening.

The crowd obediently hushes as the lights dim and Mick Flannery takes to the stage. As a reluctant star of the Irish music scene, Flannery opens his mouth just enough for his voice to capture the audience almost immediately. As the set unfolds, with the three-piece band progressing from acoustic to electric guitar and finally keys-based songs, both men and women visibly fall in love with Flannery, as is proven when a male punter calls out to Flannery: “Kiss my Blarney Stone!” Flannery delights the crowd with songs such as Ships In The Night, Tomorrow's Paper and No Way To Live, all of which allow him to explore the immense capabilities of his voice. One can't help but think Flannery enjoys his morbidly shy reputation. After successfully telling a story to introduce a song, Flannery declares, “There is a reason I don't talk,” which results in riotous laughter from the crowd. He can do no wrong.

If you are looking for a gig to lift your spirits amid the miserable conditions outside, this is not the show for you. Even the man himself states, before one of his more uplifting numbers: “This is meant to be a happy song but I make it sound sad.” Flannery finishes with Safety Rope: a brilliant example of his lyrical talents and the simplistic charm that comes with a distinctive voice and keys. At this song's completion, the awestruck crowd rise to their feet to give Flannery a standing ovation.