I’ve been a fan of Jason Ayres since I first saw him supporting Diesel at Freo.Social back in 2019. That night it was a stripped back nine-song acoustic set littered with catchy covers and well written originals. And for the most part, that is how I have enjoyed Ayres’ music ever since, just one man with his guitar, a real modern day troubadour. But tonight was going to be a whole different ball game, with Jason spreading his wings and finding that now is the time to make a break from the usual and indulging us with his full band and electrifying his set.
But before all that we had two wonderful opening acts, the first of which, George Dacheff I sadly missed most of due to unforeseen circumstances (so sorry George) but she left a warm glow in the room which set the stage for a wonderful night. Michael Day was up next and he had brought company along to enhance his music and he’s quirky humour and tales between his fabulously delivered folk songs soon warmed the crowd.
Kicking things off with Destination, Michael breezed through seven tracks, each receiving warm and welcomed applause. ‘Psych or the Priest’ & ‘The Other Side’ enthralled the crowd, magically capturing everyone’s attention throughout. ‘Nan & Pops House’ drew emotive breaths from all, remembering when we all spent time with grandparents who may have now left us, but leaving us all with memories of happy times. The set closed with ‘Weight’ and I for one will be watching out for Michael Day’s name again.
On to the headline act and speaking with Jason in recent months, he was excited to be able to show a new side to his musical talents. Tonight Jason was joined by an outstanding rhythm section in drummer Matt Fergusson and Adam Springhetti on bass (and double bass). With a visible spring in his step Jason Ayres skipped on to the stage to face the sold out Lyric’s Underground crowd, firing straight into ‘Time’.
“Tonight I’m going to play you some of the new songs I’ve been writing, as well as delve into some more familiar tunes from my back catalogue.” And that is exactly what we got. The first four tracks gave Ayres the chance to ‘let loose’ with his electric guitar, something I hadn’t seen before but thoroughly enjoyed. It really was reminiscent of a kid in a candy store, such was the enjoyment etched across Jason’s face. ‘Lie Lie Lie’, ‘Troubles of my Own’, from his 2013 self titled album and brand new song “Highway’, from a soon to be released new album were all brilliantly delivered.
A chance to slip on the acoustic guitar and flick on the lights that so regularly adjourn his beloved instrument allowed us to receive a more ‘usual’ Jason Ayres, and this worked wonderfully, breaking up the set nicely. Springhetti hosted aloft the double bass to join in on ‘Wild River’ & ‘Weary Heart’ before Ayres was left alone centre stage to perform ‘Through the Rain’. They soon returned for a rousing rendition of Chris Isaak’s ‘Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing’ which lifted the room.
New single ‘Desire’, with its country rock vibes is a statement of Jason’s new direction and is a cracking catchy live track in the set. Now riding high on a cloud the band lifted things up with ‘It’s You’ before briefly leaving the stage to return for a two song encore which included ‘Through the Fire’ and the superb ‘Come Back To You’.
Jason has some big announcements for 2025 as well as a new album to launch, and we will keep an ear out for dates, but in the mean time if Jason Ayres pops up at a venue near you then go grab a ticket, hit him up at the merch table and say The Rockpit sent you.
With thanks to Jason Ayres and to Starr Special Events for their hospitality and media access.
