OLD MAN RIVER & FRIENDS live review

I interviewed Old Man River this week and my interview feature article will be published in The Brag and on this blog in September. In the meantime, here is my live review of one of his previous shows...

Old Man River & Friends
The Studio, Sydney Opera House
Friday 17 October 2008


The last time Ohad Rein (aka Old Man River) played at the Opera House, it was something of a landmark occasion. As part of the Nations By The River ‘supergroup’, he helped concoct a quite fabulous collective performance.


A lot of water has passed under the Harbour Bridge since then. Some of the performers from that night have hit choppy waters (Gelbison, The Sleepy Jackson), while others found fairer seas (Sarah Blasko, Ben Lee). Meanwhile, Old Man River navigated foreign oceans and scored some unlikely chart success, notably in Italy and Japan.


So, it seems fitting that the Opera House should again be the scene of a major milestone for Old Man River. Tonight, after several years of touring, he is bidding farewell to debut record, Good Morning. And, in the spirit of his previous show here, he’s invited some friends along to celebrate.


The pattern for the night is established early on. As if on a conveyer belt, guest musicians frequently appear, disappear and reappear, showcasing both their own material, and Old Man River’s. For many performers this is a rare glimpse of the spotlight (albeit shared) which gives the gig an added sparkle.


Highlights include a visibly excited Tanya Horro playing melodica and singing on ‘Long Way From Home’; a gorgeous duet with Megan Washington (sans PA) on ‘Wedding Song’; and Jason Walker’s subtle pedal steel, which chimes in on most of tonight’s numbers.


Many songs start off true to their recorded version, before veering away into extended instrumental jams. This works best on ‘Summer’, a delirious alt.country number that recalls The Band, and the stunning ‘Time’, which ends in sprawling crescendo of sitar, pedal steel, congas and harmonies.


In age old tradition, the hits are saved to last. The Kahn Brothers enter stage right, ask the audience to join them in doing a communal stretch, and then belt out a joyous rendition of ‘Sunshine’. Then finally, we are treated to the unselfconscious delirium of ‘La’ where, on cue, the audience joins in with random animal noises. It’s a celebratory way to full stop this chapter of Old Man River’s music. Here’s hoping he finds calm seas and a good breeze in the future.


Article by Andy McLean. Copyright held by author.
First published in The Brag, Sydney, 2008.

Old Man River's new album Trust will be released by EMI in September.

- More Old Man River articles will be published in this blog in the next few weeks. Stay tuned. -