With a new album in tow, Blue King Brown were in a mood to party and celebrate the release of Worldwize. Their infectious blend of reggae, dub and world flavours got the crowd dancing and grooving to tracks from the album plus favourite Water and closing with an impassioned speech and the brilliant Moment Of Truth. Sometimes support bands don’t quite match the headliners, but Blue King Brown were the perfect openers for JBT.
Before starting the set, John came out to talk about the decision of the Western Australian government to begin mining in the Kimberley’s and what impact that will have on the community and the original owners of the land. It’s his passion and dedication to worthy causes that makes you appreciate his music even more. Ripping into songs off the new platinum selling April Uprising the guys enraptured the sold out crowd. John and the boys played with a tremendous energy level and passion that I haven’t seen in a John Butler Trio show before. During the set, he mentioned that this was their favourite show of the tour so far and thanked the Sydney crowd with a massive 2 1/2 hour set.
Classics such as Zebra, Treat Yo Mama and the beautiful Peaches & Cream got the crowd singing and dancing along with new cuts One Way Road and power chord driven Close To You. John is without a doubt an amazing musician. His guitar work puts him as one of the countries best guitarists. Monster jams are an integral part of any JBT show and ten-minute solo and group jam at the end were highlights. Ending the show with Funky Tonight, you almost didn’t want to leave the Horden once the band left the stage and the house lights came on. It was a show where you wanted to soak it all in.
There’ll be a good chance of a summer festival run for John Butler and encourage you to check him out when you can. A talented artist and a great fun show.
