“Wow” is the word on high rotation, as Kate and I make our euphoric way back to our Byron Bay accommodation after witnessing one of the best lives musical performances either of us has ever seen.
I am a long-time fan of The Tea Party, the Canadian rock band with blues, progressive rock, Indian and Middle Eastern influences Jeff Martin fronts. I have seen them live many times, but as we drove to Byron Bay on the 29th of November 2012, Kate and I really had no idea what to expect from the solo tour. We arrived at the funky Buddha Bar at the Byron Bay Brewery, just in time to see the man himself preparing back stage, a mere five metres away, looking calm and every bit the rock star he is.
Our waiting was soon over, as Jeff Martin walked onto the stage with a 12 string acoustic and a confident swagger, I couldn’t help but squeal like a 13 year old at a One Direction Concert.
The attentive audience was then introduced to an accompanying female artist. In Martin’s usual relaxed, slightly quirky, story telling manner, he revealed the angelic voice of songstress, Kimberley Dawn Lysons (remember that name), first caught his attention at a previous gig. Spawning from this, a new collaboration, “The Band Dawn” was born.
The following hour was, in all honesty, one of the most amazing live music moments we have ever experienced. The sounds erupting from the stage were soulful and joyously epic, and left the crowd wanting more. However, a sample of the soon to be released album is all we were treated to. As Jeff took the reins and flew solo for the second half.
A charismatic Jeff Martin treated the audience to a mix of his favourite songs from his bands, The Tea Party and Jeff Martin 777. Highlights were the inclusion of the crowd pleasing ‘The Bazaar’, which got everyone jumping and cheering, then the stirring rendition of ‘Requiem’, where his vocals soared unrestrained in a fully-fledged heart and soul – no holds barred performance. His second to none guitar skills, faultless deep resonating vocals left many hand on mouth amazed.
Jeff Martin has nothing to prove to anyone, rather he continues to exemplify his depth and talent as a musician; and that his fire for making breathtaking music still burns strong.
~Daniel Taylor
