Project Description
PHIL STACK
Mary’s Underground, Sydney
15th October
Live Review
Second Performance, 8:45pm
Late Show
Full House
Support – Abby Dobson
Reviewer – Ro Llauro
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Praise for Phil Stack & Colourful, Noisy…
“In his debut solo album, (Phil) flexes his artistic brilliance, from jazz piano-laden ballads (The Centreline) and exuberant rock-infused pop (Tradin Up), to The Long Game, a heart-wrenching orchestral masterpiece tempered by an unassuming ’90s grunge flow…” – Sydney Morning Herald
“The man, it turns out, can really sing” ★★★★ – Sydney Morning Herald
“… the record is a cascading meditation on the perils of being alive” – Sydney Morning Herald
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Abby Dobson takes the stage accompanied only by her nephew, guitarist Simon Dobson. Abby’s voice is flawless, unfailable. She leads us into an intimate world and defines our new comfort zone, a place from which she can easily sing us into heartful sorrow.
The gentle, delicate vibrato of her voice is angelical, but should not be confused with frailty. There is nothing frail about Abby Dobson. She carries herself with admirable confidence. A strong woman aware of every emotion and yet in control of every feeling.
After the closure of “The Basement”, Mary’s Underground brings back the perfect setting for sophistication and live music. Each table candle lit, 1.5 meters apart. Tiny oases where the audience can connect eye to eye with the artist. We hear every word, see every expression, feel every note as if performed just for us, in a warm dialog between us and the artist, all of this… with burgers, a drink and under a disco ball.
Phil Stack walks towards the stage accompanied by the sounds of Miles Davis’ legendary “So What”. An introduction drenched in the definition of cool. What an appropriate choice.
He walks through the floor, emblematic bass guitar in hand. The crowd picks up on his radiant energy quickly and spontaneously applauds. The down-to-earth charismatic giant has arrived.
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The vocal arrangements do not let us down. Harmonies, counter-melodies, even beat-boxing. The giant pounds on his chest as he projects unconventional sounds and organic beats during an amazing break midway through “Celebrate Life”.
The show has just started. There are still many instruments to play, many stories to tell, many feelings to share.
The gentle giant shows us his sensibility behind the piano, accompanied by a band of amazing talents such as Thirsty Merc’s guitarist Sean Carey, Evan Mannell on drums, and Harry Sutherland on keys. Come on, we are talking about an all-star band filled with legends.
Another personal moment. Another soft ballad: “It’s a Cold Life”. Beautiful trumpet melodies, double bass, and soft vocals written to welcome Phil Stack’s daughter into this world.
Here we go, straight into a vibrant, vivacious, energetic jazz instrumental. Evan Mannell is as tight as ever. Our giant shows mastery of the double bass while a bright and lively trumpet solo takes the spotlight.
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LISTEN TO PHIL STACK’S COLOURFUL, NOISY ALBUM HERE
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Colorful, Noisy, Phil Stack’s new album, is quite emotive and elegant, so we transition with a beautiful solo performance. From behind the keys the gentle giant proves to us that he can jazz, he can rock, but that he can also take us through the most gracious emotional landscapes.
A quick throwback to “All Coming Back” from his 2015 EP “Lap Around The Sun” and onto his new passionate single “The Long Game”.
The end.
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Not quite.
The crowd is “thirsty” for more. Here comes the encore. Time to rock.
The band jams, and jams hard. Phil takes a second to connect, battle, and feel each band member’s sound while accompanied by a fervent piano performances by Rai Thistlethwayte, yet another Thirsty Merc legend. Phil Stack’s solo carrier is just beginning.
Check out Phil Stack’s new album Colorful, Noisy on Spotify (above) and make sure to follow him on his social networks (below) to catch his next performance.
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Follow PHIL STACK
Instagram – Facebook – YouTube
Spotify – Apple Music – Bandcamp
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PHIL STACK
Announces Sydney shows this October
in support of new album
‘Colourful, Noisy’
Check out the full news post HERE
CLICK THE PIC TO VIEW THE NEWS
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