Paul Kelly/Neil Finn
Brisbane Convention Centre 26.02.2013
What a delicious idea: Paul Kelly and Neil Finn, two of the most preeminent songwriters of their generation, sharing the stage and undertaking a full scale concert tour. Apparently the idea has been kicked around for a while, beginning when the pair first exchanged guitars at a party. It’s largely a family affair. Neil’s son Elroy is on the drum kit, Paul’s nephew Dan is on lead guitar and ring-in Zoe Hauptmann plays bass. Kelly largely swaps between acoustic and electric guitar, while Finn proves himself a whiz on piano, synth and more guitars.
The backdrop for the night was purpose built by Finn’s old pal from the Enz days, Noel Crombie. Finn and Kelly arrive on stage to the sound of cicadas and carrying lanterns. It’s a dark and moody stage setting. The songs themselves are emotional heavyweights from both canons. Love, loss, longing… it’s all in there.
The set opens with Kelly’s Don’t Stand So Close To The Window and then it’s into the Crowded House classic Four Seasons In One Day. So the show goes, each writer takes turns leading, they sing together and then swap songs. Before To Long is an early standout. Finn steers away from loading his set with too many ‘classics’ in the opening gambit and delights with She Will have Her Way, Not The Girl You Think You Are and a fantastic Sinner. Kelly, who voice dominates when the pair sing together [maybe it’s a tone thing], peels out the standards with Leaps And Bounds, Careless and then takes of hold of Finn’s Into Temptation and makes it his own.
Finn then turns in a stunning One Step Ahead. As the set wears on everything is moves up a gear as Dumb Things, Deeper Water, Better Be Home Soon and How To Make Gravy roll by. The band are very good, playing to the nuance in each song: although Finn and Kelly have fronted more impressive outfits the point here is about creating a mood and it’s done with aplomb.
Of course there’s an encore and the ensemble are called back for two. Winter Coat and Don’t Dream It’s Over are highlights, but what really takes the cake is a cover of Buddy Holly’s perennial Words Of love. Simple, perfect and sung beautifully it’s a fitting close to a show dominated by two of the best contemporary songwriters this country [and New Zealand] has ever produced.
Sean Sennett
