What better way to warm the hearts of Melburnians in the midst of the city’s cold snap, than to be wooed by one of Australia’s finest vocalists.
Performing reinterpretations of some of her greatest songs as a part of her national Songbook tour, Katie Noonan delighted fans with her angelic voice and humble nature.
Opening for the songstress was one half of local band, Playwrite. Performing an acoustic show, the duo lacked nothing by scaling back, and were instead captivating from the minute they walked on stage.
Smiling as they greeted the audience, the boys politely introduced themselves and began a beautiful set of tunes, comprising delicate melodies, heartfelt lyrics, soulful piano and impressive harmonies.
Telling the stories behind most of their songs, the youngsters from Melbourne were at ease on stage, and their music, traversing between folk, pop and alternative ballads, was captivating and thought provoking.
The accomplished and cohesive duo, about to record their debut album thanks to funds raised through Pozible, were an endearing and enjoyable start to a night of amazing music.
It wasn’t long before the night’s headliner took to the stage. “g’day Melbourne”, smiled Noonan, greeting the crowd like old friends. “It’s six degrees outside” she exclaimed, the Brisbane local telling fans that she was still adjusting to Melbourne’s cold.
The crowd are instantly onside, and Noonan’s easy going, familiar and friendly nature draws people in with ease. Her casual chatting created a sense of community within the room; however, there is an undeniable distinction between those on the floor and the lady on stage. Those watching are mere mortals, whereas Noonan can sing with a voice than transcends reality.
Piercing the air from the opening notes of “Quiet Day”, any murmurs amongst the crowd come to an abrupt halt. The operatically trained musician sings with such clarity and precision, yet her performance remains overwhelmingly heartfelt and dramatic.
Noonan then introduces her all female “sexy string quartet”, who accompany her throughout the evening with stunning string arrangements.
The inimitable performer spoke of her adventures on Stradbroke Island, a place where she “has written a lot of music”. One such song, “Bluebird”, from her 2007 album Skin, was performed with such a soaring register that the song took on a heavenly quality.
To accompany her performance of “Emperor’s Box”, Noonan welcomed on stage “one of her most favourite musicians in the whole wide world”, guitarist Cameron Dale. Together they performed the emotional piece, “dedicated to all awesome dads out there”, written about her own father’s battle with Parkinson’s disease. Her eyes were closed and her hands moved through the air, feeling every note and every word. Her technical mastery was never the expense of any emotion or feeling.
In between jokes about the awkwardness of instruments such as the trombone, and a newly discovered appreciation of Barbara Streisand, the fiery red-head takes the audience on a ride through her last 15 years. Her songs are mostly is autobiographical, exploring themes of love, loss, grief, family and friendship.
Noonan’s version of “Special Ones” was augmented by another beautiful string arrangement, after which the lads from Playwrite returned to accompany her during her cover of Nick Drake’s “Riverman”.
The audience then learn that 36-year-old singer-songwriter never used to co-write songs, mainly due to being “intensely private”. Luckily she decided to “give it a go”, as her collaborations have spawned the sentimental and poetic “Never Know Your Luck”, written with Tim Finn, and the ode to female friendship “ Sweet One”, written with “the amazeballs” Sia Furler.
To conclude, Noonan declares to the crowd of 30-somethings and older couples, that when they arrived they “signed an invisible waiver to become part of the Toff community choir”. It’s hard to imagine just how anyone could sing along with any of Noonan’s ethereal songs, but the crowd didn’t disappoint.
An awe-inspiring performance of the George hit, “Breathe In Now”, is a perfect finale. The stripped back version of song gives it a haunting quality, its lyrical and melodic complexities highlighted even more so than in the original. The audience chimes in, as requested, performing a beautiful chorus whilst Noonan flutters over the top.
Noonan returns quickly, amidst enthusiastic applause, for a one song encore. If she was ever to stamp her name on the list of the nation’s most impressive vocalists, then her performance of the oft-covered “Hallelujah” would do it. The ever experimental performer’s version of the “beautiful Canadian troubadour’s messed up hymn” was both impressively unique and breathtakingly beautiful.
Instead of the usual post gig rush to the door, the audience took a while to compose themselves before exiting. A fitting response to flawless performance.
