I first met Kathleen around 2017/18 when she first started playing with Kate Ceberano. This shy young woman with the great smile and tonnes of talent seemed to pop out of nowhere. That was seven years again and so much has changed. This young woman has blossomed into a fully-fledged guitar virtuoso who today stands on her own. Her debut single ‘Free Like Me’ is the reason for tonight’s celebrations. For Kathleen’s set, the room quickly filled. Friends, family, fans and peers all in attendance to support this incredible talent.
This is the first time I have seen Kathleen with a full band and her front and centre. Tonight was her night, she owned it and simply had jaws dropped from the moment she took the stage. More of that in a moment. I need to preface this all with my journey of friendship with Kathleen. From that first meeting at Spiegeltent in Hobart, Tasmania to 2023’s Melbourne guitar show where she performed as The Kathleen Halloran Trio, and we spoke of what her plans were Kathleen told me she was in the midst of writing original songs and was going to give singing a go. That shy young woman was clearly coming into her own. Fast forward to September of this year where Kathleen opened up for Taylor Sherridan’s ‘Troubadour’ album launch and there she is solo singing and doing her thing on guitar. Then to see Halloran go toe to toe with Tim Henwood at the Superstars show, just WOW. Talk about being blessed to see her evolution. More of that later though.
Starting tonight off was a student of Kathleen’s, Anastasia Comarin who as a part of her trio delivered a set of originals that has a strong indie vibe to them with hints of Tom Petty. The songs all well-crafted and delivered well. A cover of No Doubt’s ‘Just A Girl’ was a blast. I love how in particular Melbourne’s music community gives opportunities to the new generation of musicians. In this short set I saw something that truly is work watching out for. With a social presence and a few more shows under her belt Anastasia Comarin is set to be one to look out for. You can thank me later.
Next up was a masterclass in blues with Zevon Lee and his band. All I can say is WOW, how have I missed this guy on the Melbourne circuit? After asking around I found out that Lee has been an active part of the blues scene for a while now and gigged quite steadily in 2024. With three single releases this year and an album due next year Lee’s perfect blend of soul and pop sensibilities mashed into his electrifying blues guitar work he is just another of the absolute strikes of gold I have discovered this year. His band a cast of familiar faces were incredibly tight and just so switched on and wrapped up in the songs they played their part as his band perfectly.
The talent was immense during this set, each member playing their part perfectly. As with all great bands they knew when to sit back and allow Lee shine and when to drive his powerful tunes. Lee’s voice is pure silk in his songs, his playing and soloing is just sublime. I apologise for not discovering you earlier Zevon Lee, but rest assured you have me well and truly hooked.
The moment we had all gathered for was upon us. Time for the extraordinary talent that is Kathleen Halloran to shine. And shine she did. Introduced by no other than Kate Ceberano you could see just how proud Kathleen’s boss was of her. Looking around the room tonight it was a gathering of peers, friends and colleagues. The talent that had come out to support Halloran tonight was incredible and a testament to the impact she has made as a musician and person.
Taking the stage and pulling out a full on shred inspired intro solo Halloran meant business tonight. I can clearly recall those around me having to pick up their jaws mine was included in that too. This was just the beginning, an expulsion of energy and ability, what a way to claim everyone’s attention. Opening song ‘How Could Anybody’ was instantly infectious, the feel and groove just grabbed you. I can’t imagine the feeling and rush of what she was feeling on stage tonight. If it was close to what we were getting out front it must have felt good. ‘Find Me Again’ is a ripping autobiographical track that when you understand her journey is all about that passion, that fire within and that feeling of knowing you are following your heart and dreams. Taking time to thank all in attendance for being there Halloran quips this is “the best night of my life, I can feel the excitement in me, it could be tears, it could be spew, I’m not sure”. There is something deep in Halloran’s musical soul and it becomes evident that she is musically wise beyond her years possibly a reincarnation of many that have come before her and have channelled her to give us all and education in how a guitar should be played. That old soul has new shoes and white suit on tonight. Not only is her playing sublime, her voice works well within her style, the songs are so well crafted. Modern vintage bluesy rock n roll is all I can describe it as, and it’s connecting. ‘I am Hunted’ pulls out a tip of the hat to a vintage and new. It unashamedly tells that us that she isn’t afraid to play with sounds and feels.
Before I go much further, I need to mention the band that is sharing the stage with Halloran tonight. Each and every musician on this stage has connected with these songs and understood the assignment, vision and execution perfectly. Having not heard anything from the recording of these songs I can only imagine how full of life they. Being treated to a preview of these songs acoustically a few months back and hearing them again now throw them into a different light, both lights have such authenticity. The band is a who’s who of very experienced and well-seasoned players. Clayton Doley (Organ), Jonathon Zion (Bass), Darren Farrugia (Drums), Ross Irwin (Trumpet/Guitar) and Tiaryn (Keys) were superb support tonight.
‘Got The Wrong Girl’ tells more of the journey of her career and musical journey, it’s about finding what’s deep inside, finding your true self and not being afraid to follow your dreams. How at times there are influences in life that want to corner you and put you in a box predetermining who you should become. It’s a statement of how far she has come to date and how she has empowered herself. This slower blusier song has so much depth and the collective that is her band tonight simply brings this song to a smouldering state. Clayton Doley delivers a truly emotive organ performance in this song.
Switching out her Stratocaster for an acoustic we get the autobiographical tale of her life and the life of being a musician. We also get introduced to Ross Irwin who is producing her material but also plays a mean trumpet. The magic of hearing this month’s back is here again, this time a fuller version makes you wonder how magical the final version of this will be. It’s a shining moment in the set as it’s a side that is so vulnerable.
I have always believed that putting a cover song in a set of original tunes should be a well thought out move and tonight Kathleen Halloran made a magical move. One of my all-time favourite songs ‘Can’t Find My Way Home’ by Blind Faith is a masters move. Halloran admits to stealing it from Kate Ceberano but this song just fits Halloran so well. From the intricacies of the guitar work to the powerful crescendo to the vocal delivery this may well be the spirit I was talking about earlier coming to visit. The band builds this song into a free-flowing jam that lifts and builds so effortlessly. I was so taken by this version that I may well start referring to it as one of Kathleen’s own. It works so well in the context of this set.
Knowing how to structure a set is fine art too. ‘Dig A Pony’ into Hendrix’s ‘Manic Depression’ simply fuels the smoulder from before into a fully-fledged fire. In all honesty you simply couldn’t take your eyes off the stage by now, not that you could before.’ Stolen Night’ was debuted next, this beautifully crafted and performed song is set to become one of staples in her set I’m sure, this song fresh out of the studio shows yet another side of Kathleen.
Finally the moment was upon us, the reason for tonight’s celebration ‘Free With Me’. Hearing this with a full band in a live environment was simply incredible. The love within the walls of the Gasometer was at its peak. The crowd tonight was free flowing with cheers and applause.
An encore was demanded, and the song ‘Showstopper’ was just that, the icing on a set of incredible songs and performance. Halloran shone brighter than I have ever seen her, she played like this was her last opportunity to play ever. The heart and soul that oozed from tonight’s set was immense. That meek and shy person that I met years ago had disappeared. Her transformation was complete, now it is undeniable that Kathleen Halloran has found her wings, her voice and delivered a show that will be remembered fondly by all in attendance for years to come. I’m sure tonight will be etched in Halloran’s memory forever too. It was such an amazing night in a room so full of magical souls. I’m so damn proud of the evolution of Kathleen, to watch it has been an absolute pleasure and I am sure this is just the beginning for her. If you get to see a solo show or a full band show like tonight’s was, please go and check her out, you won’t be disappointed.
I guess now we wait for the album. Personally, I can’t wait.
Setlist : How Could Anybody, Find Me Again, I Am Hunted, Got The Wrong Girl, Cost Of Living, Can’t Find My Way Home, Dig A Pony/Manic Depression, Stolen Night, Free With Me
Encore : Showstopper
With thanks to Kathleen & Anya from On the Map PR for the media access.
Photos by Shot by Slaidins Photography
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