LIVE WIRE – Sydney Live Music Guide February 20th

Anna Salleh: Brazil and Beyond: Returning to where it all began, Salleh will bring the sweet sounds of this South Atlantic nation to the stage. Mixing components of Brazillian jazz with other elements, she will be joined by pianist Dan Holland, Stuart Vandergraaf on horns, bassist Stan Valacos and drummer Tim Bradley. Salleh’s signature smoothness in ballads as well as a pinch of samba and swing will encourage the inner boogie merchant. Brazil and Beyond, all the way to Sydney, Australia.

Thu, Feb 20th, Foundry616, Ultimo.

Martha Marlow: Girl power at its finest, this young lady has lived and breathed music since birth. It’s been touted that her bedtime song as a child was Nick Drake’s classic Riverman, which is not surprising considering that she comes from a family of gifted musos. Marlow has received a wealth of compliments for her musical exploits, with her composition Dust from debut EP These Days being appointed a finalist for the Vanda and Young Songwriting competition. Tonight is a chance to be enchanted by this woman.

Fri, Feb 21st, Venue505, Surry Hills.

Eugene “Hideaway” Bridges: Australia cannot seem to get enough of this Texas blues tycoon. He has toured our sunburnt country over thirty times and Bridges will make yet another trip to enslave his audience with some of his most iconic songs, including tracks from his last collection in 2011 titled Rock and A Hard Place. With word that a few new tracks will also be debuted at this highly-anticipated performance, there’s absolutely no reason why any self-respecting enthusiast of the blues should not be there.

Sat, Feb 22nd, Petersham Bowling Club.

John Steel Singers: Brisbane is taking over your Sunday night and it’s bound to be boisterous. Pairing with indie-pop minstrel Jeremy Neale, this tour is going to be a combination of laughs and ultimate good times. They have both released stellar musical collections and both acts will be bringing some stellar tunes to the fore in their tour aptly titled Boys Gone Wild. Beards out for all, this is one of the few moments that intense facial hair is acceptable.

Sun, Feb 23rd, Metro Theatre, Town Hall.

Placebo: It seems as though these emotionally-charged rockers can do no wrong. A switch in drummers has strengthened these Brit-rock legends, who have recently released their seventh full-length extraordinaire Loud Like Love. It’s an appeal that has confused many. Lead singer Brian Molkos’ bleak lyricism and obtuse wordplay combined with the out-of-this-world riffage and drum patterns, have carved out a career that constantly dances on the barrier between underground and mainstream. To paraphrase the band themselves – For their fans. Without you, they are nothing.

Mon, Feb 24th, Enmore Theatre, Newtown.

Testament: Many often wonder, when pondering a name for this Californian thrash metal stalwart, if the five knew they would eventually be at the top of their genre? Knowing no boundaries original member Eric Peterson has sailed his band’s ship with pride and partly created a stellar 11-album back catalogue containing some of the heaviest anthems in metal history. They will be joined tonight by an equal legend, Jason Newsted. His history of playing with the likes of Metallica and Ozzy Osbourne means that this is only the cherry on top of an explosive gig. (CD)

Wed, Feb 26th, Oxford Art Factory, Darlinghurst.