LIVE WIRE – Sydney Live Music Guide March 15th

Friday March 16th Sydney beat duo Hermitude are launching their new album Hyperparadise at the Oxford Arts Factory in what is promising to be an absolutely cracking night of fun music. These guys simply play no-holds-barred good time party jams and if you’ve seen them before you’d know there’s no room for wall flowers at their gigs. It’s strictly dancing room only! They’re supported by electronic soul duo Sietta. When one listens to soul/R&B singer Charles Bradley’s songwriting on the acclaimed 2011 release No Time For Dreamers one gets the impression that he’s had a bit of a tough life, but once you see the lines on his face you know for certain he’s been through a lot. The single This World (Is Going Up In Flames) demonstrates his emotional and world weary voice while he’s backed by the vintage Daptones funk of the Menehan Street Band. You can catch the ‘Screaming Eagle of Soul’ at the Factory Theatre. On the same night there’s a unique opportunity to catch renowned double bass player/vocalist Nicki Parrott at 505. Nicky was vocalist and bass player for the late jazz guitarist and pioneering guitar builder Les Paul for 10 years at the iconic Iridium Jazz Club in New York City. Her slick double bass playing is matched only by her seductive singing. She might set some hearts on fire on this night.

On Saturday March 17th Brisbane born singer-songwriter Kate Miller-Heidke is playing the Studio at the Sydney Opera House and she’ll be playing a bunch of material from her upcoming album as well and some of the oldies that have won her so many admirers over the years. Her music is just as endearing live as it is on record and this is bound to be a wonderfully uplifting show. There’ll be an acoustic support on the night by The Dead Leaves.

Sunday March 18th one of most credentialed exponents from the second wave of dub producers Mad Professor will be showcasing his original and remix work on the rooftop of Hunky Dory Social Club. This is gonna be one heaving night of heavy bass and supports on the night are Digital Primate from Melbourne and locals Kakhand and Basslines.

Finally, on Wednesday March 21st East London alt-country group Ahab are playing a show of their heartfelt folk songs at the Vanguard. They may have started out as a bunch of buskers but they took up some good fortune that saw them become a festival hit in the UK and now they’re touring Australia. After hearing these guys it’s clear that they’re are a bunch of romantics and they’ve got the slickest vocal harmonies you’ve no doubt heard in ages. They’re supported by Lachlan Bryan.