Review - Mama Kin @ Northcote S.C.
I lost count of the number of brothers and sisters Mama Kin named in the audience at the Northcote Social Club, not to mention piano playing brother, Michael, her main collaborator on stage.
It was one big family celebration. We got to know Mum - calling out from the front row (Dad couldn’t make it but had a song dedicated to him). Older sister got up and sung backing vocals for a couple of songs and her son kept popping up from behind the stage (at one point she asked us if we’d mind waiting while she helped him put in some ear plugs).
There were plenty of punters squashed into the band room too - a great turnout for a hot Sunday afternoon when most people would be thinking about heading to the bay for a dip.
There was a strong positive vibe running through the room. Warm and Fuzzy and it wasn’t just the 30+ temperature. It was inspiring – a strong woman pursuing her music career, speaking out about the issues that she cares about, while at the same time raising a family and somehow combining them all.
But for those of us who like our blues divas teetering on the edge of self destruction a la Amy Whinehouse, Nina Simone, Billy Holiday etc., there were more than a few mushy moments.
It was a bit preachy at times but no one in the audience seemed to share my cynicism. Her ‘Don’t blame anyone else, follow your dreams’ speech was met with generous applause. Almost thought I heard a hallelujah in there somewhere (well it was Sunday).
In the end, it’s all about the music and Mama Kin played some great stompin’ New Orleans blues mixed with some mellow piano ballads and old blues chants. There was even some fodder for us who like to live on the dark side - the angsty single ‘Tore My Heart Out’ was a highlight.
Although, disappointingly, Mama Kin didn’t attempt to pull off any cartwheels as in the song’s film clip.
Mama looked at ease on stage in her colourful dress, trademark flower tied in her hair. Her delivery was natural and she seemed very comfortable with a mic in her hand, whether it was singing or telling stories. At one stage, she led the audience in a group sing-a-long and had the whole crowd belting out the chorus "Beat at your window, holler at your door".
Brother Michael’s syncopated piano playing was a real standout. He really tore it up on some of the more upbeat songs with his swampy Dr John style.
At the end of the set, Mama Kin gave us a refreshing take on the whole encore thing. “I’m going to say this is the last song and we’re going to walk off... but we’ve really got a few songs left.”
The audience played along with the charade, cheering and calling them back on stage.
With the show all wrapped up, I walked out onto High St. all happy and positive... thinking maybe I should call mum... maybe I should go and visit my Nan... hmm or maybe just get a slab and head to the beach?
It was one big family celebration. We got to know Mum - calling out from the front row (Dad couldn’t make it but had a song dedicated to him). Older sister got up and sung backing vocals for a couple of songs and her son kept popping up from behind the stage (at one point she asked us if we’d mind waiting while she helped him put in some ear plugs).
There were plenty of punters squashed into the band room too - a great turnout for a hot Sunday afternoon when most people would be thinking about heading to the bay for a dip.
There was a strong positive vibe running through the room. Warm and Fuzzy and it wasn’t just the 30+ temperature. It was inspiring – a strong woman pursuing her music career, speaking out about the issues that she cares about, while at the same time raising a family and somehow combining them all.
But for those of us who like our blues divas teetering on the edge of self destruction a la Amy Whinehouse, Nina Simone, Billy Holiday etc., there were more than a few mushy moments.
It was a bit preachy at times but no one in the audience seemed to share my cynicism. Her ‘Don’t blame anyone else, follow your dreams’ speech was met with generous applause. Almost thought I heard a hallelujah in there somewhere (well it was Sunday).
In the end, it’s all about the music and Mama Kin played some great stompin’ New Orleans blues mixed with some mellow piano ballads and old blues chants. There was even some fodder for us who like to live on the dark side - the angsty single ‘Tore My Heart Out’ was a highlight.
Although, disappointingly, Mama Kin didn’t attempt to pull off any cartwheels as in the song’s film clip.
Mama looked at ease on stage in her colourful dress, trademark flower tied in her hair. Her delivery was natural and she seemed very comfortable with a mic in her hand, whether it was singing or telling stories. At one stage, she led the audience in a group sing-a-long and had the whole crowd belting out the chorus "Beat at your window, holler at your door".
Brother Michael’s syncopated piano playing was a real standout. He really tore it up on some of the more upbeat songs with his swampy Dr John style.
At the end of the set, Mama Kin gave us a refreshing take on the whole encore thing. “I’m going to say this is the last song and we’re going to walk off... but we’ve really got a few songs left.”
The audience played along with the charade, cheering and calling them back on stage.
With the show all wrapped up, I walked out onto High St. all happy and positive... thinking maybe I should call mum... maybe I should go and visit my Nan... hmm or maybe just get a slab and head to the beach?
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