Hope Estate, Hunter Valley
Saturday February 16, 2013:
The memories of these large open air shows can sometimes be influenced by the weather as much as the music, but when the Hunter Valley turns on an evening as spectacular as this one, the stars align and there is magic in the air. Arriving early to grab ourselves a prime position on the grass, we laid the rug out, poured the bubbles, and we settled in… and waited for three hours for the music to begin. This brings me to my only criticism from the night, and I will get it out of the way early. The gates opened at 4.30pm and support act, Shane Howard [Goanna], took the stage at 7.30pm, far too long a wait. Why an extra one or two supports were not included is unknown but there was definitely an opportunity missed to add some local artists onto the bill.
Shane Howard replaced the recorded background music and was warmly welcomed by the crowd. His voice is instantly recognisable to those who grew up in the 80s – warm, earthy, and unique. Though songs from his solo career were politely received, it was when he delivered the timeless classics, ‘Razor’s Edge’ and ‘Solid Rock’ that the crowd rose.
Multiple Grammy Award winner, Carole King casually walked on stage, gave the Hope Estate crowd a warm wave, and proudly displayed the poster that had been placed on her grand piano. It read, “Welcome Carol 2 Oz”, a sentiment that all those present totally agreed with.
Supported by a crack six piece band that were softly lit and kept mostly in the background, the spotlight shone on King throughout the 90 minute set. If your memories of King is simply the tracks off her wonderful 1971 Tapestry album, it is well worth reading up on her as it was her legacy as a masterful songwriter that was the highlight tonight. Sure, when she delivered Tapestry classics like ‘Home Again’ (set opener), ‘Way Over Yonder’, ‘It’s Too Late’ and a roaring version of ‘I Feel The Earth Move’, the crowd lifted with joy, but it was when she performed songs made famous by others that you realised the reason she, with early collaborator/husband, Gerry Goffin were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1987, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for songwriting achievements in 1990. Those performed in tonight’s set included ‘Up On The Roof’ (The Drifters, 1962), ‘Will You Love Me Tomorrow’ (The Shirelles, 1960), ‘Hey Girl’ (Freddie Scott, 1963) and ‘You’ve Got A Friend’ (included on the Tapestry album but made famous by James Taylor). I might also mention here for trivia fanatics out there that the song ‘The Loco-Motion’, the Little Eva, Grand Funk Railroad and Kylie ‘Loco-Motion’ was also written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin, with Little Eva actually being Carole King’s babysitter.
When King moved away from the piano, she showed no signs of her tender age of 71. She strode to the front of the stage delivering a powerful vocal performance, reaching out to her fans who had by now left their seat and were filling the aisles much to the frustration of security who tried in vain to return people to their seats. In fact King engaged the crowd throughout, casually chatting about her songs and inviting you into their creation.
It was a thoroughly joyous night in the Hunter Valley in the company of Carole King – a beautiful setting, beautiful songs and a beautiful person all round.
Reviewer and Photographer: Kevin Bull
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