REVIEW: Mel Parsons, at Uxbridge Arts and Culture, Howick, on September 12
Thank you Mel Parsons – thank you for coming to Howick. As you say, you have some sad songs, and wonderful banter and back stories to complement, but the honesty is what registers with the listeners of your beautifully crafted songs. There is hope.
The Uxbridge Theatre, I do believe, has never sounded better, as Mel took us on a melodious journey across her back catalogue and choosing songs with a melancholic theme, and bringing to the stage new compositions from the Sabotage album. Wrapped in a blanket of music, she has said.
Just her and that distinctly Mel Parsons’ vocal and delivery, an electric Ibanez guitar purchased in Kansas City (thanks for asking her Clive where she got it), and an acoustic.
A list of songs, and sad they can be, and laughter and real stories between. Charming and fun.
On top of playing songs she’d might not normally play live with her band, from the albums Red, Grey, Blue; Drylands, Glass Heart, and Slow Burn, there’s also a surprise cover of a track by an artist she’s been on the bill with in recent times, and it’s a surprise and resounding success.
Mel Parsons’ Regional Sabotage Tour, with another 21 concerts across the country until the end of October, heads next to Devonport’s Vic Theatre on Friday, Waiheke on Saturday, and Whangarei on Sunday. They’re in for a real treat. – PJ, photos, too.
