The great ones never go out of style, such is the case with legendary singer/ songwriter Marvin Gaye. Tyrone Noonan and his band Palimpsest did the legend proud performing all the songs from his classic 1971 album ‘What’s Going On’ as part of Brisbane Festival.
In the wake of flights out of Kabul, Black Lives Matter protests and a raging global pandemic, Marvin’s lyrics ring as true now as they did fifty years ago: “Brother, brother, brother. There's far too many of you dying. You know we've got to find a way. To bring some lovin' here today”.
Rocking an inspired safari suit, Tyrone sang with all his heart and soul music that calls on us to practise true equality, protect our planet and love our fellow human beings. As heartbreaking as it is to think we are still pursuing these goals today, it remains comforting too knowing that many of us still give chase to such ideals and are moved by such beautiful music.
The band was on point from beginning to end, Joshua Hatcher particularly displaying how you bring flute playing to a happening. Tyrone’s sister Katie Noonan even came on stage to open and close with some classics.
Image © Lloyd Marken
If the first half was entertaining, there seemed a new energy in the air when the musicians returned from interval and evoked (performed does not adequately describe) ‘Right On’. From there, they never looked back, the crowd (most of whom it must be said were young at heart boomers) stood up and started dancing.
As the playing of the ‘What’s Going On’ album tracks concluded, the show went on with ‘Sexual Healing’ and a moving rendition of ‘Abraham, Martin And John’ that had many on the verge of tears. Tyrone was so in the zone in the second half, it made you wish he performed the title track ‘What’s Going On’ again for an encore even though they did right by it the first time around.
No matter, under a massive silver disco ball at the Suncorp Piazza, people felt the music and shared the love thanks to Marvin Gaye, Tyrone Noonan, and a great homegrown Brisbane band.
It has been said that history doesn’t repeat itself but it often rhymes, and sometimes if you’re lucky – that rhythm moves you.
