Sea salt and sand are seemingly in his blood, and you can hear it in Jack Johnson’s songs; they’re like a driftwood bonfire with your friends as the sun sets, much like a laid-back alt-folk version of The Beach Boys.
True to Jack Johnson’s reputation, the event at Sidney Myer Bowl was a picture of wholesome: thousands of people congregating atop a hill surrounded by city lights, wearing winter gear and huddling with their children, to listen as Jack meandered through his expansive collection.
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Johnson was light-hearted and thoughtful, bringing support acts Emily Wurramara and Ziggy Alberts back on stage for friendly mashups.
From blowing over the tops of beer bottles (“sometimes they fall over”) to referencing a song he had left on his girlfriend’s answering machine while touring over a decade ago, the atmosphere was one of warmth and intimacy.
Despite the large open area and amount of attendees, it was a conversational and personal performance, and attendees can be forgiven for taking a moment to forget when and where they were.
Johnson’s decades-spanning career has included countless sold-out tours, over 25 million albums sold worldwide and multiple industry awards, including three Brit Awards and two Grammy nominations.
Jack Johnson’s new album Meet The Moonlight – which dropped just before he announced the tour – is available here through Brushfire Records/Republic Records.
