You are lying in the park in the peak of autumn. It’s usually hot for this time of year however as the leaves begin to fall from the trees, a sly smile crosses your face and happiness surrounds you. This is what it is like seeing The Mastersons live in concert. Opening for Steve Earle at the Melbourne Recital Centre, the vocal harmonies of Chris Masterson and Eleanor Whitmore meld together so sweetly that it is easy enough to lose yourself for a moment. Introducing the duo, was the big man himself, Steve Earle. It’s a rarity to see these days, however it broke down the barrier immediately of audience and artist and showed that he is one of the most genuine artists around. “How are you all going?… and how are the drunks at the bar?” he jests and from this moment forth, I am assured that tonight is going to be nothing short of spectacular.
Opening with Uniform off their 2014 release Good Luck Charm, The Mastersons showcased why they are one of the most in-demand country folk outfits around. Having half an hour to win us over, I think that they achieved that little goal quite quickly. Whipping out lead guitar lines on his Martin acoustic guitar like it was a 65’ Fender Tele, the sound produced onstage by just two people was really quite incredible. With a new album on the way this year, the next time that they tour I highly urge you to get out and see them.
After the intermission, the lights dimmed again and an excerpt from an old Robert Johnson song I’d never heard blasted through the air. Soon the band launched into Baby Baby Baby (Baby), the opening track of their latest album Terraplane. The band smashed through a rocking blues set featuring both old and new tracks. The big surprise of the set was Copperhead Road, Earle’s equivalent to Money For Nothing included quite early in the set. The main set ended up on a version of the Hendrix classic Hey Joe. Chris Masterson didn’t need to light his guitar on fire in homage to Jimi – the lead licks he was throwing down were more than enough. We all left knowing Steve Earle is a master of his craft and a genuine down to earth character.
LOVED: Seeing Copperhead Road in the flesh
HATED: Having to dispose of my bottle of water before heading back into the theatre to see Steve Earle.
DRANK: Coca Cola. Everyone needs some downtime…
BY TEX MILLER
