PETE MURRAY SMOOTH AND REAL

Pete Murray supported by Ben Wright Smith at Lismore Hall. 12/6/17
$49.90
Now anyone who knows me would not really expect me to gravitate to a Pete Murray show and the fact that it has taking me up until now to actually attend one proves the fact.

Needless to say Pete delivered on his uncomplicated, dreamy, floaty easy listening surf rock.

The gig was held at re-invigorated Lismore City hall. Not only has it taken over a decade to attend a Pete show but also the last time I went to Lismore was for detention in High School. I seem to recall the best thing about this town was the fact it had a cinema.

I thought since I had not been to Lismore in years I could maybe head in early and see if it has changed.. It hasn’t… really. Although it does seem to have been cleaned up from the smack town hole it was once known for. The red rooster was still there. Although this struggling city has just suffered some of the most horrific floods in 30 odd years there was a vibrancy and resilience I felt, as good honest country folk went about their daily afternoons and trips home. It was good to see that life continues to strive regardless. I drove out of town randomly to some pretty farm land, where I got out to have a look around.. it had the soft full scent of cow shit in the air.. I must admit the pink and orange sunset was pretty spectacular.

I did question Murray chose to do his first gig here in Lismore for his new tour for 2017 to Promote his new album Comanche. But after he claimed it as his hometown during the show it made enough sense. He does reside somewhere close in Eureka in northern NSW I believe. I did feel weird with my surfboard in the back being a long way from the coast.

I must say the $49.90 I paid for the ticket was a bit much. His band must be expensive.

As for the album you will have to look elsewhere if you are after a review, I have not heard it nor do I really care too. I’m sure it delivers.
I am glad to tick the box on the Pete Murray live experience and after the show I am happy to say I don’t need to attend another one. Much to the disagreement from the myriad of adoring middle aged women swooning over him in the audience.

Lismore hall is a great venue, good foyer, friendly staff, clean and sweet smelling bathrooms and a distinct lack of that weird red circle carpet from the 70’s you find in most foyers from the era. Nice bar, decent prices and the concert hall it self is perfect for intimate shows of up to about 1000 people.

The sound in the room is spot on. Excellent. Solid lighting and a really good close view to the performers.

I did notice I was on the younger end of the spectrum and at 34 realised the demographic Pete appeals too now is a little older than me.

A young singer songwriter Ben Wright-smith came out on stage to warm up the crowd with his hipster looking electric guitarist mate Myles. They were nervous, but appreciative and happy to be on stage, they delivered there songs with practiced confidence.

Ben wasn’t ground breaking nor earth shaking but his music will appeal to many and I hope he continues to grow as a performer and musician. He clearly has talent and with the right producer and band behind him he could have a future in the biz. Keep and eye out for a support gig or free show. Worth using as a way to wash down the first few beers as his 70’s style sounds will help you digest the brew.

Pete came on, confident and strong. After some mixing in the first song getting the vocals to sit a little better in the mix the sound came out thick, solid and full. Polished. Almost too polished.. Almost. But as someone who loves a solid act.. this was everything as solid as an old Holden EH wagon I picture driving while listening to these soulful surf tunes. I couldn’t help hear the very Australianness of the music and with a full live band this sounded very much like the softer numbers of a Powderfinger show. The sound was excellent. I was pleasantly surprised to see and hear at times 5 part harmonies from the full band, which was comprised of Pete on Acoustic/electric guitars, drums, bass, keyboards and lead guitar. The band was clearly professional and possibly highly sought after session musicians in their own right. The arrangement of the songs was well thought out and clear the band has played a lot together in and around their home city of Melbourne.

As you expect the floaty lofty vocals sit on bedrock of solid rock beats peppered with blues guitar licks and soulful B3 Hammond organ like overtones. Not a note out of place. Nothing forced. Almost too perfect. Almost too safe. Almost but not. Just enough for me to believe Pete has pushed himself a little further along without alienating what makes him a great songwriter and crowd pleaser. I was happy to hear some use of electric drum sounds and it worked well. Not too much and well suited for the song writing. Stand out songs were as “long as we are together.”

Pete is not your typical front man and he doesn’t swill whisky and sweat it out. He was wearing a very stylish almost metro leather jacket. He is however as charming as he is good looking with just enough humour to make a man feel less of a man in his presence. It is pretty clear when he is on stage that not a single lady in the audience gave a shit that I was breathing.

If you get a chance and you haven’t scratched the Pete Murray itch and ticked it off the bucket list.. go and do it on this tour before he, or you get to old to sing along to his classic song “possibilities.”

Keep doing you Pete. You do it well.