And looking around the band as the crowd cheered the conclusion of another epic piece, I knew there was something big coming…Īt the first pluck of the electric guitar, I knew the next song was “Outlier” off “We Like It Here”. I personally found it hard not to compare to Martin’s original performance, but he did a really good job. Once again, the line up being without keyboardist Shaun Martin lost the magic of the original performance, but superstar Justin Stanton, who alternated between trumpet and keyboard all night, took the beautiful melodic line, and made it his own. Snarky Puppy then took us on a trip back to one of their tunes that I first fell in love with, “Thing of Gold”. The band sounded tight and the audience was loving every minute of this gig. Bullock featured on flute, and the polyrhythmic grooves being bounced around the ensemble had the crowd bopping to the Latin feel of the piece. Next came “Semente”, League’s homage to his Brazilian heritage. Solos both from Maz, now on trumpet, and Nate Werth, percussion, were cheered just as much as the first tune of the night. Next came “Tarova”, which I doubted would make the set without organ soloist Cory Henry, but Bullock pulled off the playful melody very well. League and the band really had the crowd going, and it was only one tune in. Each instance of the tune’s defining bass lick fired the crowd up more. Chris Bullock later emerged with his distorted saxophone solo, which had many heads bopping up and down. His teasing of melodic fragments over the bass and drum groove had the crowd whooping and cheering along. Bob Reynolds on tenor sax led the improvised solos, and the crowd went crazy. I’ve seen plenty of live performances of Snarky Puppy live online and off their “We Like It Here” DVD but nothing could top the incredible feeling of watching them right in front of my eyes, with the live sound of the horns, or watching Michael League pull off his renowned ‘groovy pouts’. The audience of more than 1400 cheered, and the band kicked off new track “Grown Folks”. Michael League led the pack of nine out onto stage (see the personnel list below). Many stocked up on drinks, and attempted to gain the best spot they could to see the superstar line up before they came out. Melbourne would most definitely welcome Michelle’s return, perhaps as a headliner with a longer set list.Īs Michelle left the stage, the energetic buzz from outside returned, and the chatter amongst the crowd was excited and frenzied. Well-deserved warm rounds of applause accompanied the completion of each tune and her set. It made me realise how respectful people who truly love and admire music are to fellow musicians I realise it’s soppy but it is actually quite touching. For a supporting artist, who is still relatively raw and developing, Michelle performed impeccably, and captivated a youthful and energetic crowd. Around myself, there were many romantic swaying couples, enjoying her delicate, lyrical vocal style and harmonic richness.
#SMARKY PUPPY TENOR SOLO FULL#
Michelle, also to my surprise, had the full crowd’s attention, and, in songs like “It’ll Rain Today” and “See Us Through”, had the crowd mesmerised by her performance.
Vape smoke filled the alley-way and a neighbouring bar blasted soft house, and I realised how incredible it was to be with a crowd of people who all shared a passion for a band that I also admire so greatly. Despite the cold temperatures and pitter-patter of rain, there was a buzz amongst the crowd waiting for entry. Patiently and eagerly, we waited in the crisp winter weather. To our surprise, more than 45 minutes after doors opened for the show, the queue was still lengthy and literally went around the block. So last Friday night, stomachs filled with Japanese delicacies, two mates and myself made the trek down to The Forum. Within a minute of receiving the email that Snarky Puppy had announced a new concert in Melbourne, I had the ticket booking page bookmarked to my laptop, and the opening time for tickets added to my phone’s calendar. But this year, I vowed to see them, at last an adult. Too many times in previous years have I seen them headline the Melbourne International Jazz Festival or tour their latest album, and been unable to attend due to my age. If you have seen my earlier reviews, you will know that I am a massive fan of US jazz fusion supergroup Snarky Puppy.
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