Cookin’ on 3 Burners live in Sydney
Melbourne-based three-piece soul outfit, Cookin’ on 3 Burners, launched their sixth album, ‘Blind Bet’ at the Basement in Sydney this month with special guest performances from the spectacular, soulful vocalist Kylie Auldist (The Bamboos, Glenroy Allstars) and Tex Perkins (The Cruel Sea, the Beasts of Bourbon, Dark Horses). Heather Vousden went along armed with her camera and notepad:
The show provided a fusion of deep funk, raw soul, organ jazz and boogaloo influences, transporting the audience to a music vibe from the late 60s and 70s. DJs Huwston and JC (Funkdafied) played vinyl mixes in between sets, keeping the mood lively. The night was divided up over two live sets, both opened by the impressive, experimental, instrumental jams from the Cookin’ on 3 Burners trio.
The wealth of talent on stage was evident, not only in the eminent guest performances, but also from the three musicians who make up Cookin’ on 3 Burners; the accomplished Jake Mason on keys, Dan West on guitar and Ivan Khatchoyan on drums. Mason, on the Hammond organ, sat humbly in the background grooving to the music as he played, however further reading presents an impressive history having featured with the likes of Richard Clapton, Mark Seymour, Clare Bowditch and Hugh Jackman as well as co-producing and co-writing the Cookin’ On 3 Burners hit song “This Girl”, which made No 1 on the UK R’n’B iTunes charts in 2009.
Kylie Auldist (pictured, above), who is always a pleasure to see live, graced the stage for the first half. Her charismatic, heart-warming smile and warm, distinctive soulful vocals captured the audience, as everyone sang along and danced. She is a true talent, and her passion for her art is transparent. Her highlight tracks were ‘Settle the Score’, and ‘The Beat Goes On’ which she sang with Tex Perkins in the second half.
As the second half opened, Cookin’ on 3 Burners warmed the audience up for Tex Perkins (pictured, below), raising the energy level before he burst on to the stage theatrically grabbing the microphone in a black suit and white open collar shirt, rocking the room with his gritty, growling blues vocals to ‘Flat on my Back’, another favourite. His vocals were reminiscent of Tom Waits on the night, while adding his own character to the music. It suited the vibe of the performance perfectly.
The chemistry on stage by all members provided additional enjoyment. It’s always great to see the performers having as good a time as the audience. Overall the night provided a powerful, entertaining show, highlighting exceptional talent and sound experimentation. The theatrical musical interpretation of an earlier era transformed gloriously into music with a modern twist, offering something for everyone.
See heaps more pictures over at our Facebook page.
Words and pictures by Heather Vousden.
