Portsea Hotel has to be one of Melbourne’s most iconic hotels to visit. Set high on the foreshore with uninterrupted bay views, this renovated hotel with great food and cold drinks flowing is the host to it’s own Summer Series and tonight’s gig was a fitting finale – Labour Day long weekend and our hottest days of this Summer/Autumn. The show was pushed back an hour to let the crazy 39 degree heat of the day ease. The Summer Series is held outside on the lawn area with the stage set at one end, the beach to one side and a slight rise to the back, so most areas get a great view of the show. And for those who just want to listen, then the inside and the beer garden are perfect for this.
As if there wasn’t enough heat, a ray of sun shine in a white Boho dress with a acoustic guitar steps on the stage to start the evening off. Mietta is a local from the Mornington Peninsula. She is a young singer-songwriter who has a sweet, strong and clear voice. Her style of singing gave me Joni Mitchell vibes. Imagine a folk/beachy/hippy sound mixed with the girl next door. Mietta obviously enjoys being on stage as she smiled through her whole set.
The crowd lazing in the sun enjoyed her music and being local she had a lot of family and friend support. The highlight of her set was the song ‘Nana’s Garden’ dedicated to her Nana in the crowd. Mietta closed her set with and I quote “Give your loved ones a squeeze” and thanked the hotel for the opportunity to perform. She was a great start as the cool beach breeze started to blow in.
Next on stage was a five-piece band headed by a sexy, strong, confident woman with a voice to match. Wilsn aka Shannon Busch is a blues/soul singer who has surrounded herself with talented musicians. Steven Veale on guitar, Graeme Pogson on drums, Clio Renner on keyboard and James Gilligan on bass. When Wilsn sings you can hear the voices of the past like Aretha Franklin and Ella Fitzgerald. She reminded me instantly of the girls from the movie The Commitments.
The sea mist in the background reminded me of a smokey old-time blues lounge and her voice took my mind there. Wilsn’s third song of the evening was her duet ‘Hurts So Bad’ usually sung with Josh Teskey (from the Teskey brothers) but today it was a solo and it was still just as good.
Wilsn has a new album out ‘Those Days Are Over’ and I really liked the new single ‘Can’t Afford Therapy’ which to quote Wilsn “She has never had Therapy” but with a strong voice that oozes emotion, who needs therapy. The music is the therapy. It was a tough crowd to get on their feet as they were all very obviously there to see the main act, but personally I loved her performance and I am keen to see her again. She has a voice that makes you stop and listen and a contemporary take on the classic soul and blues sound with a touch of Nashville.
It had been a long hot wait for the mixed age, mainly 20 to 30’s and then a older demographic crowd and as soon as Pete Murray stepped on stage the crowd were on their feet and squeezed forward. They didn’t move till he sung his finale words.
Under the stars with the beach air is the perfect setting for Pete Murray and his band, comprising of Simon Fisenden, Grant Windsor, Marcus Ryan and Brett Wood. Pete was front and centre in his muscle shirt and with his acoustic guitar. Pete is a very talented singer/song-writer but through out the performance it is very obvious that the music is just as important. There were many instrumental moments with guitars jamming and even the keyboard player picking up his flute.
Pete brought out a very special guest to play acoustic guitar and share vocals with, his son Charlie. Charlie was on stage for two songs; ‘Hold Me Steady’ and ‘Opportunity’. Pete better watch out as the second generation of Murray got the biggest applause of the night. It was such a beautiful moment that even the bass player Simon took out his phone to film them together. ‘So Beautiful’ was a crowd favourite with them singing the chorus loudly. Pete did a two-song encore with him coming back on stage alone with his guitar and harmonica. The band joined for the final song of the evening with Charlie too. They closed with ‘Better Days’ extended version with Charlie and the crowd taking a turn in singing the chorus. A great night was had by all.
Steve & Kelly Green would like to thank the Artists, Mushroom Records, Evenbrite – Morris Hospitality, CBCo Brewing, Tanquerary and Junior Stowers for putting on a great show in the best venue and for the awesome night.
Photos by Oz Greeny’s Photography
