Live Review: Missy Higgins, Jherek Bischoff

Crown Perth was packed out and maintained a pleasant atmosphere as a chatty crowd awaited the stylish Jherek Bischoff. Co-producer on the headliner’s latest album, the support slot made perfect sense. His charming personality brought out the lighter side of the crowd with his comedic antics. Bischoff disappeared and was quick to return with a bassist guitar, supporting Missy Higgins.

Higgins began playing from a darkened stage. As the lights opened up, she held just a ukulele, representing the beginning of an intimate performance. She played a few songs on the piano to pick things up before introducing the band and ensemble part way through. The string quartet was absolutely stunning, Bischoff’s composing skills shone through with his clever arrangements and comical touch. Higgins’ grabbed her acoustic and went on to mention her upcoming baby. Being six months pregnant and still rocking proved how amazingly dedicated she was, making fun of the situation. “Being pregnant makes guitar a lot easier, its like playing on a little ledge so you can see which strings you’re playing, I highly recommend it,” she laughed.

Higgins talked about her book that goes hand in hand with the new album, Oz, telling stories before each corresponding song played. She told a story about embarrassings letters she wrote to Something For Kate frontman Paul Dempsey and went on to cover You Only Hide. She also covered Paul Kelly’s Before Too Long with a creepy bass line sneaking around the stage. Higgins returned to her roots, pulling out hits like Steer, Everyone’s Waiting and even her first single release, Scar. We will miss her performances as she focuses on her coming new born.