Mojo Juju is a force to be reckoned with. Since going solo, the powerhouse musician has built a huge following with her unique blend of country, soul, blues and a touch of jazz.
This was the tenth consecutive show for the Melbourne-based singer who’s been touring nationally to promote her latest album, Seeing Red/Feeling Blue.
Her presence was immediately apparent, starting with a slow-burner and backed by a full band that included bass, percussion, keys, baritone sax and backup vocals. Things really started to lift with the Tarantino-inspired country grunge track Must Be Desire, which showcased Juju’s incredible vocal range. She followed with the latest single off the new album, They Come & They Go, which sounded even better live.
The tormented break up song Rain It Down led into A Heart Is Not A Yo-Yo, which had most of the crowd dancing along. Next she gave us a song from her former band, the Snake Oil Merchants, which pleased many of her long-standing and loyal fans.
Straight To Hell started with intense percussion and featured a lengthy sax solo, while Ain’t Gonna Wait was all soul and blues. Brother, Where Have You Been was described as “gut bucket gospel,” and was probably the highlight of the night, with the entire crowd clapping along like a big drunken choir.
BY CHRIS BRIGHT
Photo by Emily Day
Loved: The old-school getup of patrons.
Hated: The lengthy mid-song shout-outs.
Drank: Melbourne.
