Project Description

MICK THOMAS

@ Smith’s Alternative

(1 June 2017)

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Mick Thomas

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Mick Thomas is, in my view, the great unsung hero of Australian songcraft. His ability to weave empathy and humour through his tales of the human condition is nothing short of magical. His ability to interpret the songs of others with a similar sense of love and loss is something else that sets his work apart. The key to that might be Thomas’ own humanity; so nakedly on display whenever he plays, his grizzled demeanour as much a part of any show as the songs themselves.

Thomas is travelling the country spruiking his book These are the Days and accompanying record These are the Songs in smaller venues up the east coast, with current band The Roving Commission, which includes members of former bands like Mark ‘Squeezebox Wally’ Wallace. It’s worth noting at this point that I’ve seen Thomas play on a number of occasions now, in some cases without the benefit of Wallace and the difference his presence makes is extraordinary. Thomas’ songs often have an old timey feel to them and the accordion completes that in ways probably nothing else could. The other ingredient worth a mention is the addition of Ayleen O’Hanlon. O’Hanlon’s work on vocals and banjo bring a sensitivity to the show that cannot be overstated. Her own album, Blend and Spill, brings every ounce of that sensitivity to the fore and features a more subtle iteration of her banjo skills. If you can find yourself a copy I recommend a late-night, red wine listen.

The audience at Smith’s squeezes in the way that it does for shows like this. The venue lends itself to a collegial feel, its ramshackle décor creating a hunkered-down folk feel. Combined with the intimacy of Thomas’ storytelling and the relatability of the songs, there is a sense that something quite special is happening.

They play as many old classics as they do new songs and the power of those older songs strengthen the bond between Thomas and his audience and the audience and each other. Of course, they play Father’s Day the megahit from Thomas’ early band Weddings, Parties, Anything. It’s a tribute to everything his bands have done since that it didn’t seem to be that song that everyone had come to hear. The highlights were Rosy and Grey and Step in, Step out two songs of complicated love that showcase the power of music played live to a captive audience in a small room by musicians who can take the temperature of that room perfectly.

Afterwards and in between sets the band stand about and meet the audience and sign records and the magic hung around just that tiny bit longer.

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