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

Paul Kelly’s The Merri Soul Sessions was an entertaining blur, taking the already polished performance of an Australian icon and factoring in half a dozen superbly talented musicians for a night of storytelling and starry-eyed wonder. Support from Hiatus Kaiyote was an excellent choice, but although the Norwood Concert Hall is a great venue it doesn’t make a single ounce of sense for a venue to provide flimsy backless chairs for a premium cost show. Need some back support y’all!

Commencing at 8pm, Hiatus Kaiyote dazzled audiences with their sensational sound and bespoke originality, cementing them as the forerunners of Australian Neo-Soul music, no doubt. The candour with which the instruments complement each other for every bar of music composed is not only delightful but excitingly creative; the way the bass follows the polyrhythmic drums, or the keys compliment Nai Palm’s voice, which belong quite concurrently in a heavenly choir, is lateral and extremely engaging. With a level of expression that rivals Amy Winehouse but a range and diversity that trumps her, undeniably the draw factors for Hiatus Kaiyote are super strong. Songs from their latest EP, By Fire, sounded superb, with more electronic experimentation appearing on the title track. Mobius Streak found itself the highlight of the evening.

Joining Paul Kelly on stage in The Merri Soul Sessions were Claire Browne and Kira Paru, along with VIka and Linda Bull and the ever so charismatic Dan Sultan. The show was incredibly special and intimate, with Kelly having grown up in Norwood himself. None of the guest performers outshone the others, each with their own opportunities to sing lead vocals and present soaring solos that made your eyes pop as your heart warmed. Kelly charmed the audience as he led us from song to song, his humble nature and occasional wit greatly complimented his onstage presence. It was evident that his age was no drawback, and in a way it was adorable to see him jumping up and down with glee whilst playing these songs, which feature traditional rock, soul and blues sensibilities and strong vocality. The dynamics of the onstage performance also kept things entertaining, with different performers constantly moving on and off the stage, and a minimal lighting show that complimented the evening. Ending with an extended encore and an a cappella featuring all the guest singers, Paul Kelly’s The Merri Soul Sessions is recommended to anyone.