Jeff Lang - Courtyard Concert Series - Rockford Winery, Barossa Valley, 11th November 2012
Words: Jo Taylor
It was a perfect Sunday to be in the Barossa Valley. A warm 34º day with not a cloud in the sky, and on this particular Sunday, the gorgeous Rockford Winery, situated on Krondorf Road in Tanunda, was hosting guitar extraordinaire Jeff Lang and folk blues player Eli Wolfe for their Courtyard Concert Series.
This event was the first in a series of intimate shows to be held within the winery’s charming grounds, an 1850s stone settler’s cottage and outbuildings. The evening featured live music with supper, dessert and a complimentary glass of their traditionally made wine, all included in the ticket price. Could it get any better?
Eli Wolfe kicked off the night with Crossroads giving the lucky attendees a glimpse into his forthcoming EP due in early 2013, followed by the sublime single Cards Are On The Table. Wolfe has an incredibly laid back and friendly persona and chats in-between songs and it’s hard not to be taken in by his easy going nature. He treated the crowd to a number of tracks from his soon to be released EP
This event was the first in a series of intimate shows to be held within the winery’s charming grounds, an 1850s stone settler’s cottage and outbuildings. The evening featured live music with supper, dessert and a complimentary glass of their traditionally made wine, all included in the ticket price. Could it get any better?
Eli Wolfe kicked off the night with Crossroads giving the lucky attendees a glimpse into his forthcoming EP due in early 2013, followed by the sublime single Cards Are On The Table. Wolfe has an incredibly laid back and friendly persona and chats in-between songs and it’s hard not to be taken in by his easy going nature. He treated the crowd to a number of tracks from his soon to be released EP
including the stripped back performance of the first single We All Started Something. The new release is sure to be stunning if this show is any indication.
She’s Like An Ocean was a gorgeous lullaby that floated through the warm breeze. The sound at outdoor events can occasionally seem somewhat distant, but on this night the sound was crisp and clear and showcased Wolfe’s husky voice well. Leave Your Light On and I Became the Winter were also featured and he definitely won over some new fans.
With the end of Eli Wolfe’s set, the crowd was then treated to a delicious curry from chefs, husband and wife duo, Sandor and Lauren Palmai, with ingredients sourced mostly from local produce. The sun was starting to go down, the wine was flowing, the atmosphere was relaxed and there was still Jeff Lang and dessert to come! Hello heaven...
After stomachs were satisfied and glasses filled, Jeff Lang took to the stage and launched into an impressive and fitting cover of Bob Dylan's Jack-A-Roe from Lang’s most recent release, Carried In Mind. Two Worlds, from his Chimeradour release, was a sweet and stark tune. The following Twelve Thousand Miles, with it’s heavily blues influenced slide guitar, fit well with the surroundings as the sun
She’s Like An Ocean was a gorgeous lullaby that floated through the warm breeze. The sound at outdoor events can occasionally seem somewhat distant, but on this night the sound was crisp and clear and showcased Wolfe’s husky voice well. Leave Your Light On and I Became the Winter were also featured and he definitely won over some new fans.
With the end of Eli Wolfe’s set, the crowd was then treated to a delicious curry from chefs, husband and wife duo, Sandor and Lauren Palmai, with ingredients sourced mostly from local produce. The sun was starting to go down, the wine was flowing, the atmosphere was relaxed and there was still Jeff Lang and dessert to come! Hello heaven...
After stomachs were satisfied and glasses filled, Jeff Lang took to the stage and launched into an impressive and fitting cover of Bob Dylan's Jack-A-Roe from Lang’s most recent release, Carried In Mind. Two Worlds, from his Chimeradour release, was a sweet and stark tune. The following Twelve Thousand Miles, with it’s heavily blues influenced slide guitar, fit well with the surroundings as the sun
started to set. Despite a few small sound issues, the gentle country riff of Five Letters and bluesy drawl of The House Carpenter were met with strong applause from the audience and brought to a close the first set from Lang.
As glasses were once again refilled with Rockford's finest, the frangipane tart with ricotta and dried fruit poached in the winery’s own White Frontignac (which is fine enough on it’s own!) was served for dessert and sent taste buds dancing with delight. The sun had disappeared over the hills and night had fallen. The crowd mingled with Wolfe and Lang in the break and the warm night had everyone in a good mood.
Finally it was time to wind the night down with the second and final set from Lang. Both the Lang and the crowd seemed to have grown somewhat more at ease once the sun went down (or perhaps that was the wine at work?). “This song is about the train ride on the Indian Pacific from Sydney to Perth” before launching into catchy blues driven The Save from his record Prepare Me Well, which drew a great crowd reaction. Running By The Rock took the whole evening up a notch and allowed Lang to let loose on his guitar. It was during South that there were some couples dancing around the courtyard, which made for a sweet sight. Ending this sublime night with the The Road Is Not Your Only Friend, Lang fare-welled the crowd. The next day he would be setting off to Amsterdam. Some people have all the luck!
Everyone drifted into the night and the amazing staff of Rockford Winery started putting away the wine and cleaning up the glasses. Thanks to a brilliant night of music, food and wine in an unbelievably relaxing setting, this night was indeed a success. Can’t wait for the next intimate concert held in this gorgeous winery, it truly was a complete package. Keep eyes and ears peeled!
All live photos by Dragan Radocaj
As glasses were once again refilled with Rockford's finest, the frangipane tart with ricotta and dried fruit poached in the winery’s own White Frontignac (which is fine enough on it’s own!) was served for dessert and sent taste buds dancing with delight. The sun had disappeared over the hills and night had fallen. The crowd mingled with Wolfe and Lang in the break and the warm night had everyone in a good mood.
Finally it was time to wind the night down with the second and final set from Lang. Both the Lang and the crowd seemed to have grown somewhat more at ease once the sun went down (or perhaps that was the wine at work?). “This song is about the train ride on the Indian Pacific from Sydney to Perth” before launching into catchy blues driven The Save from his record Prepare Me Well, which drew a great crowd reaction. Running By The Rock took the whole evening up a notch and allowed Lang to let loose on his guitar. It was during South that there were some couples dancing around the courtyard, which made for a sweet sight. Ending this sublime night with the The Road Is Not Your Only Friend, Lang fare-welled the crowd. The next day he would be setting off to Amsterdam. Some people have all the luck!
Everyone drifted into the night and the amazing staff of Rockford Winery started putting away the wine and cleaning up the glasses. Thanks to a brilliant night of music, food and wine in an unbelievably relaxing setting, this night was indeed a success. Can’t wait for the next intimate concert held in this gorgeous winery, it truly was a complete package. Keep eyes and ears peeled!
All live photos by Dragan Radocaj