Wests Leagues Club, Newcastle
Friday November 1, 2013 :
Friday night to a near full house, Kate Ceberano returned to Newcastle after being away for almost 10 years. It is easy to forget this 46 year old veteran of the Australian music scene has sold over one million albums. For the older members of the audience (and there were many), you can think back to a time in the ’80s where Ceberano was lead singer of I’m Talking. Touring in 2013 promoting her latest venture, Kensal Road, recorded in London, I was very much looking forward to hearing this lady perform.
Prior to Ceberano taking the stage, Triple J Unearthed feature singer and songwriter from Melbourne, Alison Ainsworth, provided the support act to the artist. Ainsworth delivered an eight song set to a lively reception from the audience. Ainsworth’s music could best be described as raw and grounded.
Enter Kate Ceberano in black dress complete with fascinator. Teeing off with some of the “old stuff”, Ceberano took us on a journey starting with I’m Talking’s revitalizing version of ‘Love Don’t Live Here Anymore’ and moved comfortably into ‘Brave’, co-written with her brother. Some of the audience could have easily forgot Ceberano’s imposing role in Jesus Christ Superstar but it all came flooding back with her chilling version of ‘I Don’t Know How To love Him’. Alison Ainsworth rejoined the stage together with the talented Jess Fairlie with the carefully devised harmonies of both these girls truly complemented the night. In between songs, Ceberano’s constant banter with the audience was genuine, her fun-loving and bubbly personality exuded love and comfort with the audience. There were brief moments of “comfortable crudeness” and her years of experience and professionalism brought a natural feel to the stage.
Following a short break after the first set, Ceberano and band returned to the stage dressed in jeans and a white shirt with coat and played a set featuring songs from Kensai Road, the latest album and first studio album for 10 years. Demonstrating her skills on drums, Ceberano took the audience on an eight song sampler of this fantastic album.
‘Young Boys Are My Weakness’ use to be sexy, not just plain creepy Ceberano told the audience referencing her 1989 hit. ‘Bedroom Eyes’ and ‘Pash’ both went over very well. Overall a great performance from one of Australia’s most loved female entertainers.
Reviewer and Photographer: David Jackson
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