REVIEW: Tim Freedman
- Posted on August 10, 2007 12:48 PM
- 2 comments
The Tim Freedman Effect
Museum Of Garden History
1st August 2007
By Katie Spain
It’s not every day you head to a ‘Museum Of Garden History’ and come out with more than botanical enlightenment. Sometimes, the entertainment smells sweeter than the flowers.
London’s ‘Museum Of Garden History’ plays host to Australian musical legend Tim Freedman this month, and the setting couldn’t be better. ‘The Whitlams’ frontman rounds up two sell-out solo gigs with another two scheduled for August 23rd and 24th. We're here for his second gig – the pleasure is all ours.
The walk from Westminster tube to the Thames-side venue is a sobering affair; I challenge anyone to deny the charm of the UK’s capital during a stroll along the river. By the time you reach the grand stone building, you’re set for the Tim effect and charm of a completely different calibre.
I’m all set for a powerful performance but nothing could have prepared us for what we get from Tim’s support. Tasmanian songstress Ange Boxall opens the evening with rich, warm vocals and a set dripping with honesty. This pretty blonde stands alone on stage, guitar in hand and powerful voice at the ready. People put down their cutlery, abandon their vegetarian wraps and rise to attention before the small but mesmerising artist. She is a delight both on and off stage. Keep your eyes and ears wide open – this London-based treasure will go far.
And then there was Tim.
There’s something awe-inspiring about Mr Freedman. I saw ‘The Whitlams’ perform in Adelaide during my university years. The venue was small, the stage tiny and the atmosphere electric. I put it down to a naturally charismatic stage presence but a backlog of rousing tunes didn’t hurt either.
I’m the first to admit to the bias in my blood; The Whitlams’ music means a lot to my family and Tim’s songs are associated with the good (and the bad memories) of life in Australia and beyond. My companions however, are a mixed bag; one Englishman with no Whitlams experience, a Pop-loving diva and an Aussie fan leaving for home the next day. Oh, what a send-off… oh, what a performance. They all come out gushing… here’s why:
Tim sits alone at a black piano, glass of red at hand and a single spotlight shining from above. Dwindling memories of life back at home are dug up and laid bare by the tunes we know so well. We’re treated to the best of them tonight – a mixed bag of the old and the new.
“Looking around at these surroundings, I’m inclined to start off tonight with a few songs about God and death… just to get them out of the way. This is ‘God Drinks At The Local Pub’…”
Freedman’s mid-song banter is honest and acknowledges the special people who’ve have made the trip to see him. After each tale, a sip of wine and a serving of music follows; ‘Beauty In Me’ from his new album ‘Little Cloud’ strikes a particular chord for this ambitious little sod far away from home. Highlights include ‘Gough’, ‘Life’s A Beach’, ‘Up Against The Wall’, and an upbeat ‘Thank You’. A twist on ‘No Aphrodisiac’ also keeps us on our toes.
This is where Tim shines; an album can be fine-tuned and perfected, honed and sculpted into a work of art. A live performance however, is a test of talent. I don’t know what his knowledge of garden history theory is like but Tim passes the practical with flying colours. His unique voice fills the museum as the sound of fingers against keys fly off the intricate stained-glass windows above us. The mixing is done by Tim’s old friend Mario from Zagreb who has made the trip to London. You’ll be pleased to know he’ll return at the end of the month.
We’re dished up ‘Blow Up The Pokies’ and ‘You Sound Like Louis Burdett’ and by the time ‘Hamburgers’ hits our ears, we’re stuffed beyond full and gagging for more. The song is stopped mid-tune for a hilarious little anecdote – head down to the gig on the 24th, maybe he’ll enlighten you too. Tim isn’t adverse to the odd request and when we’re assured that “I’m here for you” we believe him. In a year full of concert-going, this takes pride of place as my best yet. As the night draws to a close, we’re left with ‘Love This City’ and one last dose of irony:
“Has any English person come out with an anti-Olympic song yet? No? Pathetic! I thought the English were supposed to be whiners? I came out with the Australian anti-Olympics song six years before they were announced!”
The crowd’s response to this final tune is fuelled by respect and adoration. We’re packed full of wine and the knowledge that we’ve been part of something very special. Tim has some big concerts on the horizon but as he bids us farewell, he’s modest.
“From the Museum Of Garden History to the Sydney Opera House. It’s all f**** downhill from here…”
For once, I think he may be wrong.
Tim plays at the Museum Of Garden History August 23rd and 24th, 2007
Details on The Whitlams' official site
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Comments (2)
Gail
I was there too! He was amazing - so good in fact, I've bought a ticket for the gig on the 24th. I'd buy one for the 23rd too if it wasn't sold out!
A big thanks to the chef there too - I'm not big on plant history but the vegetarian menu was absolutely amazing.
Posted on August 10, 2007 3:02 PM
Chris
Katie, thanks for this great review. Really pleased that you loved it - we all loved it too! Gail, there are a few tickets left for the 23rd on www.seetickets.com so grab one if you really want to come. See you all later in the month.
Posted on August 10, 2007 5:28 PM
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