Five-piece Ali Penney & The Money Makers warmed things up tonight with their funky concoction of blues, funk, soul and boogie getting almost every head nodding. A tribute to the late B.B. King, Tell Right, effectively blended soulful vocals with psychedelic blues guitar making for an honest display of authentic Aussie talent.

Arriving with what turned out to be part blues/roots concert part stand-up comedy act Russell Morris and his band made themselves right at home in the newly-renovated venue. Russell’s strong sound catered well to the venue, which has retained an undoubted 1920s jazz bar feel to it.

Followed by a narrative reflection of Australia’s first pioneers Morris opened with Van Diemen’s Land, the title song of his new album. Russell recounted often comical anecdotes from his past, or various Australian myths, that linked the songs together. 

Catchy chorus hooks and swooning guitar solos ensued song after song showcasing the truly talented stylings of Russell Morris and Peter Robinson.

The latter half of the set essentially ticked off Russell’s greatest hits, adopting a more folk rock sound with tracks like The Real Thing and Wings Of An Eagle highlighting the performer as the Australian icon he is. 

Sharkmouth, the title track from Van Diemen’s Land’s predecessor, stood out from the bunch with Mitch Cairns putting down the bass and picking up the sticks to aid Russell’s raw vocals with some pounding percussion crescendos. 

An enthusiastic crowd sang the chorus to the old Joe South cover, Hush, Russell’s first ever hit, back when he fronted his first band, Somebody’s Image, which rounded up the show with various bass, lead guitar and drum solos featuring the skills of each band member.