The Troubadour: 09.08.06

Nights like tonight remind you of the quality in Brisbane’s music scene - three accomplished pianists/singers, all worthy of the headlining slot, and it’s only a Wednesday night!

Beginning proceedings is Scott Spark, a songwriter years ahead of his pedigree, and a more-than-perfect beginning to the evening. Spark’s combination of lyrical songwriting and heartfelt, often witty, lyrics brings more and more of the bar crowd closer to the stage as his set progresses. Spark’s set is littered with originals from his upcoming EP, but also manages time to play a delicate cover of the PJ Harvey and Thom Yorke duet ‘This Mess We’re In’.

By the time Megan Washington graces the stage, a crowd fit for a Friday night have made themselves comfortable, and the anticipation is high. Known in Brisbane - and indeed, around the nation - as a jazz singer, tonight is a chance for fans to hear another side of Miss Washington, a side influenced by contemporary artists such as Rufus Wainwright.

Accompanied on guitar by alt-country muso Chris Pickering, Washington is both playful and contemplative, her voice travelling through the Troubadour like a whisper carried across the sea, shining on songs such as the delightfully titled ‘Humming Song’ and a hauntingly beautiful rendition of Neil Finn’s ‘Try Whistling This’.

The majority of the crowd leave at this point unfortunately, but those who remain are in for a treat. Jacob Diefenbach’s cabaret piano style is a departure from the opening two acts, with plenty of crowd interaction through his lyrics, both witty and provocative, and banter with the crowd between sips of red wine. The rather personal ode (one thinks) ‘Casanova’ hits a mark with the crowd, while his more upbeat numbers (which make up the majority of the set) including the jovially camp, tongue-in-cheek ditty ‘Take Him Screaming’ are met with equal applause.

Come Diefenbach’s album launch in September, word-of-mouth will make sure the crowd sticks around for the main act.

A night of truly magical songwriters.

DANIEL CRICHTON-ROUSE