Daryl Aberhart has a new album under his belt and a spring in his step. The talented singer and songwriter is launching Shake These Blues Away at a hometown gig at Lizotte's this Sunday and has just returned from Darwin, where he played a couple of gigs.
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"It was my first trip there and there are many similarities to Newcastle - super welcoming locals, a working port city on the water - just a few more crocodiles and box jellyfish," he said.
"Playing the Seabreeze festival on the water at Nightcliff and the Darwin Ski Club at sunset were amazing experiences. I can't wait to get back up there."
Shake These Blues Away features the powerhouse rhythm section of Nic Cecire (drums) and Brett Hirst (bass), alongside four of Australia's finest blues/jazz guitarists: Jim Kelly (Crossfire), Ray Beadle, Carl Dewhurst and Carl Morgan. Musically, the album is quite diverse, with jazz and blues joined by soul, country and even funk influences.
"This album came to me in a quick burst over the course of a week in early 2020, just before COVID first locked us down," he said.
"I had to change my recording plans as we couldn't get together in a studio, so everyone recorded their parts at home and sent them to Gareth Hudson to put together and mix. It worked out really well, and I love having different guitarists on songs that really suit their playing - their characters really shine through."
Writing has always been cathartic for Aberhart, but on Shake These Blues Away this was amplified.
"Getting to directly write about my experience with depression, most pointedly on the song Bad Luck Blues, felt good," he said. "Hopefully it might help others feel it's okay to talk about what they are going through and even seek some assistance if needed."
Catch Aberhart at the official album launch at Lizotte's this Sunday, May 23, 2pm to 4pm. Tickets are on sale now. He is also part of the Newcastle Jazz Festival line-up at Newcastle City Hall in August.
Going solo
Amy Vee is playing her first post-COVID hometown original solo show at The Gal on Beaumont Street on June 26 with Anna Weatherup. She released her sophomore solo album Same Skin in 2019 and was in the midst of touring when COVID struck. Vee used her time in isolation to experiment with self-production and released a new single, Forget Me, and kicked off 2021 with a collaboration on a track by Spectre Tapes called Cruel Saviour, which has been streamed more than 675,000 times on Spotify. Tickets are still available to Glory Box: A euphoric 90s experience featuring Amy Vee, at Lizotte's on July 16.
Parrots uncaged
King Parrot are hitting the road to celebrate their 10th anniversary. They released EP Holed Up In The Lair last year and have been champing at the bit to tour the songs, so expect a more upbeat performance than usual (and that's saying something) at The Cambridge on September 18. Tickets are on sale now.
Rock on at Hope
Hope Rocks returns to Hope Estate on Saturday, October 16, with seven of the best Aussie rock legends all on the one stage and ready to rock. James Reyne will headline a line-up that includes Baby Animals, Rose Tattoo, Choirboys, Models, Boom Crash Opera and Nick Barker and the Reptiles. Tickets are on sale at 10am on Monday, May 24, through ticketmaster.com.au.
Career crossroads
Will it be music or golf? That is a decision Hunter Valley solo artist Patrick McMahon has to make. The 21-year-old is handy at both, and he and his band Fahrenheit recently helped to raise more than $3000 for The Vintage Junior Golf Foundation. He is performing on Saturday at Hunter Valley Gardens and Nelson Bay Golf Club.
Road trip classics
Eagles tribute show The Heart of the Matter is coming to Belmont 16s this Saturday, May 21. The show is called Rocking Down the Highway and will feature songs from The Eagles as well as classics from the likes of Bryan Adams, Chris Isaak, The Mavericks and The Cars. The club is accepting NSW Dine and Discover vouchers for this show.
Win family passes
Paw Patrol LIVE! Race to the Rescue is coming to Newcastle Entertainment Centre on May 29 and 30. Mayor Goodway goes missing and everybody's favourite PAW Patrol characters go on a rescue mission, using their unique skills and teamwork to teach kids social and problem-solving skills. The Herald has two family passes to the 1pm show on Saturday, May 29, to give away. To enter, send the words "PAW Patrol" to competitions@newcastleherald.com.au. Entries close at 9am on May 26.
