Review by Lauren Sherritt
 Photo Credit: Pete Coorey |
On possibly the most humid Brisbane night in 2011 so far, a small crowd gathered at The Zoo in hopes of witnessing something special. Clutching cold beverages and gathering close to fans and windows, last Thursday night proved to be the time for these fans of funk and soul to have their wishes come true and be transported back to a time when their music, played with passion and skill, was at it’s very height. |
The night began with local act Cheap Fakes playing a fun and energetic set to the cheers of a dedicated fan base. With a three piece horn section, a collection of snazzy suits, a bassist whose looks could rival a young Patrick Swayze and some very catchy songs, Cheap Fakes made it clear why their musical prospects are creating buzz around the country. Working numbers like “All I Know” and “Way Back When”, the six had the crowd moving, some feeling the urge to take to the dance floor, while others relaxed on chairs and tables and enjoyed the relatively new tones of this hardworking band.
Audience numbers grew as the night wore on and the main act of the night, The Dynamites who were to back legendary performer Charles Walker, didn’t take long to emerge after Cheap Fakes had cleared the stage. From their very first song the maturity and skill of their playing shone through. The horns section was tight, saxophones and trumpets backing band leader Leo Black as he sang one of their well rehearsed covers, and introduced the man of the moment.
It’s rare in Australia to see a band of this sort, with musicians forming a band to play behind and support one great front man. As soon as Charles Walker stepped on stage, however, the concept made perfect sense. Legendary, at age seventy-one, having played in his younger days with the likes of Sinatra and King Curtis, Walker has the energy and charisma of a much younger man. Expectations were blown away as he moved about the stage, his powerful voice barely requiring a microphone, his soul music bringing the audience to its feet and the front of the stage.
Songs from the collective’s new album Burn It Down made an appearance, “Do The Right Thing” and “Somebody’s Got It Better (Somebody’s Got It Worse)” garnering cheers and applause. An encore was a given, and as Walker returned to the stage for one final, soul filled number, there was for the first and only time during the night a hint at his age, a recognition that unlike the days of his past playing with his band Sidewinders at famous New York hot spot Smalls Paradise, there was a limit to his energy supplies. Far from bringing down the mood, however, this almost imperceptible attitude made watching him perform far more special, allowing for recognition of the uniqueness of this great artist, the rarity of such talent and such a career.
As the long awaited rain set in and toned down the heat the crowd dispersed down the steps of The Zoo and on to the street, happy in the knowledge that while the rest of Brisbane slept they had been able to witness the talents of true music legend, and perhaps some more in the making.
Review by Lauren Sherritt
*** Click here to read our interview with Charles Walker and Leo Black | The Dynamites ***
* More articles by Lauren Sherritt…
The Dynamites featuring Charles Walker have two albums released in Australia BURN IT DOWN & KABOOM! Both released by Top Shelf & Distributed via MGM.
Photo Credit: Pete Coorey