Review: performance
Brian
Kennedy: at the Queensland Irish Club,
Review
Touring
- HEAR our 2o
minute 23rd July 2007 Brian Kennedy interview by phone from Dublin
(56kps mono 8mb MP3).
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Brian's show on Thursday night 9th October at the Brisbane
Irish Club - was very impressive. He kept it all under control - politely getting the best from
his all-purpose road manager, Glenn, and from the sound system, in a
hall that does not lend easily to great acoustics (and with an old electric
wall clock behind him that determinedly chimed each hour). He quickly established a rapport of relaxed friendship -
making jokes that were as much at his own expense as the audience - and
giving a generous 90+ minute show. Brian sang a few songs from "On Song" but most
were from his back catalogue (see on-site discography) -
and all of the music was beautifully presented. The only CD on sale was "Get On With Your Short Life"
- which was a good choice. When I heard that album later at home I was amazed
at the consistent quality of every aspect
(lyrics/music/voice/arrangement/production). It's no wonder Brian has so many die-hard fans around the globe.
That's also why a couple of local fans were concerned to see vacant
seats at the back of the hall - they knew this show would have sold out in
any town where he is well known. The standing ovation was genuine and
spontaneous and I'm certain there'll be exponentially more people queuing
for tickets for his next tour. I chatted with Brian as he signed my CD and I kissed
his cheek, rather than just shake his hand - congratulating
him for the standard he's setting for honesty around the world
among queer musicians. In person he is as genuinely charming as he is "easy on the
eye". I feel very much privileged to have been able to facilitate
our interview and share it with the world. I know, from personal
experience, that I can whole-heartedly recommend his recorded works and
performance and I'll be using his songs when possible in the future on our
show. Another punter told me I must see the DVD of "A
Tribute To Bacharach and David" - which he says has Brian showcased
in the best of company (Elvis Costello, Dionne Warwick etc). I've
ordered that disc tonight - it might tide me over until Brian's next
visit. |
Hear Brian Kennedy’s Queer Radio I.D. (5 secs, 60K
mp3) Brian
Kennedy interview
aired on Queer Radio 24th September 2003: Brian
Kennedy - He is proud to be open and honest regarding his gay sexuality,
especially in support of queer youth - who are much in need of societal role
models. In Brian has a truly fine counter-tenor voice, and applies great skill as
a producer and musical arranger. He has collaborated with numerous acclaimed
artists (e.g. Van Morrison, Sinead O’Connor), as well having performed in
Riverdance on Broadway for a full year. His 2003 Australian tour included
shows at the On Brian
Kennedy interview aired on This Way Out: A 7 minute edit of our 17th September 2003 interview was
broadcast around the world in late September via the international lesbian
and gay radio magazine program This way Out www.thiswayout.org .
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