Leaving a Pete Murray gig feeling the performance was impersonal is an impossibility based on my experience seeing him at QPAC's Lyric Theatre last Saturday (21 June).
Amazingly Murray's first ever solo acoustic tour on home soil, the show celebrates his 20-year career as one of Australia's most successful singer-songwriters.Armed with an acoustic guitar and harmonica, Murray shares humorous and poignant stories about his songs, life and career, and in particular the defining moments (and sometimes missteps) that led him to pick up a guitar and try his hand at being a musician.
A blend of acoustic, rock and folk, Murray's soothing sound is easy listening of the best kind, and evocatively Australian in its laidback, swelling, earthy tones. Listening to Murray play his back catalogue of hits, I realised I had underestimated just how much of his material I am familiar with, and how much airplay he has received.
Image © Kelsey Doyle
Hearing tracks including 'Bail Me Out', 'Feeler' and 'Ten Ft Tall' from his breakthrough, six-times platinum 2003 album 'Feeler' felt like reuniting with old friends. While his later rollicking hit 'Always A Winner' reminded me of long ago Sunday sessions.
Arguably Murray's most popular song, the non-love song 'So Beautiful' was hauntingly bittersweet as expected, and (judging by the hush that came over the audience) timeless in its appeal.
As well as sharing his reflections of the past, Murray also spoke of the present explaining he is now a fully independent artist and that he has "pulled a Swifty" by starting to re-record his older classic songs. His new catchy, atmospheric single, 'I Am Fire' also featured on the set list.
Image © Kelsey Doyle
Closing the show with crowd favourite 'Better Days', Murray inspired the audience to get to their feet and join him in a hearty sing-along, with the song extended by an extra chorus allowing fans to savour the moment.
With the Brisbane show part of a 55-date run spanning capital cities and regional towns, Murray's art of spinning a yarn both musically and literally has undoubtedly got legs now and into the future.
Read our recent interview with Pete Murray.
