Ash Grunwald - Adelaide, 8th June 2012
Words: Jo Taylor
Guitar extraordinaire Ash Grunwald was greeted by a packed crowd, sneaking on stage with many not noticing until that thick guitar sound filled the room. He started his set with Troubleʼs Door from his new album of the same name. Experiencing technical difficulties with his vocals on the opening song and some amplifier distortion that unfortunately plagued much of his set, didnʼt stop anyone from being swept away by this manʼs incredible talent with a guitar combined with infectious beat samples.
Followed were two more new tracks, the bluesy beat of Demon In Me and high energy of Shake That Thing. The funky blues track Love Me really got everyone warmed up with itʼs chunky beat. Grunwald, who was feeling spaced out from being sick, laughed off the illness with a Coopers in hand before going into the quieter acoustic track Port Campbell. For a man that was sick, he still had the fun loving charisma that won all. His blues cover of Hank Williams Ramblinʼ Man turned into a sing along with the audience. Great! If not slightly amusing when the crowd hit the higher notes. Wishing one lucky fan happy birthday, he then went into new track Sail which has a heavy distorted beat that had everyone moving and cemented the new album was really something special.
Being handed yet another gorgeous guitar, he fondly recalls how it never comes on the road but now that tune Lady Luck was being included in the set, he had reason to bring the guitar he loves along. The song, with its sweet groove, was then followed by crowd favourite, the funky rock nʼ roll song Walking.
Followed were two more new tracks, the bluesy beat of Demon In Me and high energy of Shake That Thing. The funky blues track Love Me really got everyone warmed up with itʼs chunky beat. Grunwald, who was feeling spaced out from being sick, laughed off the illness with a Coopers in hand before going into the quieter acoustic track Port Campbell. For a man that was sick, he still had the fun loving charisma that won all. His blues cover of Hank Williams Ramblinʼ Man turned into a sing along with the audience. Great! If not slightly amusing when the crowd hit the higher notes. Wishing one lucky fan happy birthday, he then went into new track Sail which has a heavy distorted beat that had everyone moving and cemented the new album was really something special.
Being handed yet another gorgeous guitar, he fondly recalls how it never comes on the road but now that tune Lady Luck was being included in the set, he had reason to bring the guitar he loves along. The song, with its sweet groove, was then followed by crowd favourite, the funky rock nʼ roll song Walking.
Ash Grunwald support act and contributor to the newest album, The Fingers Malone then joined him on stage. Fingers Malone added a great element to the night and the way they fed off each other raised the crowds energy. Hot Mama really took it up a notch! Ash gave the crowd a brief moment to rest with slow paced Cross Roads before Fingers Malone returned to stage for clear highlights of the night Raw and Tear The Roof Off. Watching these two jam through these songs was incredible. Taking on a dance party feel, the crowd reached fever pitch! This is what happens when the artists on stage have fun with their craft and love what they do. The crowd feed off it! You would never have guessed that the night outside was so cold with how things were heating up inside The Gov. And if the number of phones being used as cameras is anything to go by, this gig was one that no-one wants to, or will, forget.
They left stage to a floor stomping, encore screaming crowd. No-one was ready to go home yet.
They returned to a rapturous crowd for the new single, surfing song Longtime which really showcases Grunwaldʼs guitar skills, accompanied by some great beats from Fingers Malone. After a incredible jam, they finally drew the night to a close with older track Serious featuring the signature slide guitar.
After thanking the appreciative Adelaide audience, they were gone. Well after lights were turned on and it was clear they werenʼt returning, many of the audience were still yelling for more. Itʼs great to see strong support for a deserving artist who lives for what he does. Live music is still alive and kicking! And no signs of dying while Ash Grunwald is still around.
They left stage to a floor stomping, encore screaming crowd. No-one was ready to go home yet.
They returned to a rapturous crowd for the new single, surfing song Longtime which really showcases Grunwaldʼs guitar skills, accompanied by some great beats from Fingers Malone. After a incredible jam, they finally drew the night to a close with older track Serious featuring the signature slide guitar.
After thanking the appreciative Adelaide audience, they were gone. Well after lights were turned on and it was clear they werenʼt returning, many of the audience were still yelling for more. Itʼs great to see strong support for a deserving artist who lives for what he does. Live music is still alive and kicking! And no signs of dying while Ash Grunwald is still around.