Momo Wholefood, seems like an odd place for a gig, yes?
Well, you’d be surprised.
Newy local Jesse Madigan and his humble band of two, along with opening acts including neo-soul artist Regikay, showed last week that the unique and spacious venue can be host to some stellar and intimate performances.
The eclectic range of performers, artfully chosen by The Y Project Newcastle, combined beautifully, making for a wonderful experience complete with kombucha on tap and fresh chai courtesy of Momo Wholefood.
From Regikay’s neo-soul with a twist of funk and rock, to the velvety smooth vocals and sax delivered by Ena Malibu and her band, there was much that was unmissable that night.
The night ended in a crescendo as everyone took a seat and leant forward to listen to Madigan’s harmoniously intimate and honest performance, humbly sung cross-legged on an old Persian rug.
To say his music is harmonious would be an understatement.
It’s truly difficult to put his complex arrangement of harmonica, layered vocals, 12-string guitar, melodic bass and smooth electric guitar into words concisely.
The entire arrangement came together to make a tranquil, yet funky, atmosphere of music that has gone on to influence the sentimentality of the voice in this review.
Looking back at the faces of the audience as Madigan played was telling.
Everyone was leaning in, with an open and emotional look. It felt as though the entire room understood the emotion and message that the music was trying to convey – which is no easy feat, as music of such an emotional and atmospheric nature can often miss the mark and be labelled melodramatic or overly sentimental.
But, he managed to win the audience over.
As far as Madigan’s stylistic tendencies go, his music could be described as unique, yet familiar.
The sound itself is reminiscent of 80s alternative bands like the Smiths, but with a sprinkle of influence from more contemporary acts such as Babe Rainbow and Matt Corby.
It’s a wonderful soundtrack to the alternative lifestyles lived on Australia’s rugged coast, and to any quiet morning or long night.
The night was complete when Madigan’s band left the stage and he was joined by Regikay for a surprise performance together.
The contrasting voices and styles of each performer came together into a great closing act that artfully tied the night together.
Afterwards, it was smiles all round as everyone talked to one another about the music, and congratulated Madigan and the other performers on their music.
There was a part of me that night expecting a run-of-the-mill rock set from a few different bands, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. Jesse Madigan is worth seeing.
- Luka Forman
