Lior graces the stage of the Powerhouse
Words: David Callaghan
Photos: Kate Scantleton
April 23, 2009
As one of the most unique visual and musical performances Australia is going to see, Lior’s shadows and light tour definitely brings some much needed culture to our music scene. His collaboration with shadow artists Stephen Mushin and Anna Parry provides an inimitable live experience that is set to ignite both sight and sound.
Lior’s minimalist approach to this tour really worked for me and allowed his individual talent to stand out. His performance can basically be described as solo, yet the quorum of strings behind him offered enough of a backdrop to allow his music to speak, giving it meaning. This meaning was solidly reinforced by the intriguing shadow art performed by the abovementioned duo (who have wide recognition for their trade throughout Australia and internationally) providing a live ‘film clip’ to each song.
It’s hard to talk about Lior’s musical performance as the entire show was so perfectly put together every facet seemed to compliment the other seamlessly. I am not going to attempt to categorise the style of music performed as I thought the range was quite eclectic. His voice is truly amazing, evidenced by a spectacular a-cappella number to finish off the encore in what seemed to be an Arabic language. Truly breathtaking.
As if the night could not get any better, local Brisbane voice Katie Noonan popped out for a cameo duet which was quite overwhelming. Katie is a favourite in these parts and any touring act would be wise to engage her services for an onstage foray.
Needless to say the evening was one to remember. My first time seeing Lior live and my first time at the Powerhouse in New Farm. I think it is a win on both fronts.
Lior is brilliant. I was lucky enough to see him at the Athenaeum in Melbourne on the same tour – the shadow performance throughout the whole performance added so much to the stories of his songs. Lior, as always, was very funny and charming in between songs.
The last thing he sang – he was born in Israel and I’m thinking it may have been a Jewish prayer, sung in Hebrew…