Jimmy Barnes, Auckland NZ, 2022

Jimmy Barnes

23rd July 2022
Spark Arena, Auckland, New Zealand.

Review by Alexis Brook. Photography by Doug Peters.

Superb and polished is how I would describe all the musicians who performed last night at Auckland’s Spark Arena for Jimmy Barnes’ ‘Soul Deep 30’ Album Tour, celebrating 30 years since the release of the multi-platinum masterpiece ‘Soul Deep’.

In what can be best described as an evening with extended family, the night opened with Karen Lee Andrews, who’s contralto voice reminded me of the likes of Joan Armatrading during the “Willow” years.

Standing like a beacon of light in an immaculate white suit, Karen thanked the early arrivals and commented that she never knows what to expect when walking in as the opener. Her first song was a stunning rendition of Aretha Franklin’s “Do Right Woman, Do Right Man”. The execution of being able to bring her own twist to such an iconic sound as Aretha’s is noteworthy and I highly recommend you go take a listen. Scattered within the short set was a shoutout to her Kiwi family who were in the audience, a couple of originals “Calling” and “Promise” from upcoming EP ‘Eden’, (which was recorded at Jimmy’s home in Australia). showcase that while superb at covers, Karen Lee is talented as a singer-songwriter on her own merit, garnering a larger following and industry attention as a finalist on The Voice Australia back in 2013. Mahalia Barnes and Jade MacRae provided fantastic support on backing vocals and you can look forward to hearing their harmonies on the upcoming EP.

After a brief technical reset, Mahalia returned to the stage in an elegant red tunic, and kicked off the set in style, effervescent and captivating all guests, it was clear that growing up in a musical household, and being exposed to performance from an early age (with siblings in The Tin Lids) that the stage is a second home. “Ain’t Nobody Else” from 2018’s album Hard Expectations had toes tapping to the groove and tender moments such as ‘Little Light’, a song with a strong message of love and unconditional support been penned with husband, and band member, Ben Rodgers for eldest daughter Ruby, who is now reaching the interesting teenage years. Mahalia commented that Ruby is finding it amusing being taller than mum, however Mahlia likes to pull her back down to earth by saying that being taller than 5ft is no great feat, much to everyone’s amusement. We are also informed that this week, youngest Rose celebrating her 6th birthday several times, with pre-gig cakes each night, reemphasising that a tour with mum and dad truly is a special thing. By now the stadium, in it’s half-arena format was almost full, and the crowd was certainly enjoying the fantastic show thus far.

In 2015, Mahalia and The Soul Mates released an album of Betty Davis covers titled Ooh Yeah, and we were treated to one of these stunning songs “He Was A Big Freak”. Powerful, Soulful, Raunchy – it completely captured the essence of Betty, who passed away in February. Finishing the set with “Don’t Hold Back” and “Three Times + I’m Gone” I was a little sad and wanted more! However, knowing they were all integral to the evening, I knew we wouldn’t have to wait long to hear them play and sing more.

As the crew put the finishing touches on stage, the lights dimmed and Booker T’s “Time Is Wasting” circled the air, cheers, whoops and hollers were directed to the silhouettes on stage. The time had arrived and Jimmy opened his set with “Hold On, I’m Coming” which was a nice book-end to the intro music from Booker T. With an unmistakable voice, and the energy of younger days, Jimmy was clearly excited to be back on NZ’s shores, equally the audience who had been looking forward to his since cancelled ‘Flesh And Blood’ Tour, and were enthusiastic that his feet had finally made it to our shores.

With a 28-song playlist covering both ‘Soul Deep’ and ‘Soul Deeper’, plus a couple of new covers, the evening was memorable. Mahalia, Karen Lee Andrews, and Jimmy’s regular vocalist, Jade MacRae commanded the rear of the stage with their perfect blend of harmonies to Jimmy’s soulful, and trademark guttural yells. What a career Jimmy has had, successful from an early age with Cold Chisel, which lead into the commanding solo career as one of Oceania’s most recognisable voices.

Songs such as “Mustang Sally” and “Do You Love Me” had everyone on their feet dancing away, with some couples hand in hand, enjoying a night out on the town. Jade MacRae joined Jimmy front stage for a duet on “When Something Is Wrong With My Baby”, a single which charted high when released as a duet with the other famous Australian of the generation, John Farnham. Jade’s vocals brought something different to this song, equally beautiful and captivating as the original single. Karen Lee Andrews also got a turn front stage to duet with Jimmy on “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and this too was a treat and had everyone on their feet again.

Pairing down to a Jazz band configuration, most of the musicians left the stage and Jimmy performed a brief set of “My Baby Just Cares For Me” and what I feel was the hit of the evening, Screaming Jay Hawkins’ “I Put A Spell On You” which featured a fabulous sax performance. I’ve since seen some footage which Jimmy has shared on his Facebook and Twitter feeds – you must go watch!

It was now time for Jimmy to take a short break (and costume change), so Mahalia took the reins and smashed out Ike & Tina Turner’s “A Fool In Love”, donned in a classically 60’s bouffant wig, a nice interlude before Jimmy returned in a bright blue blazer standing under spotlights as the organ resonated the intro chords to “Many Rivers To Cross” with phone’s swaying in time, it was a nice reprieve from the first set which was full of many up tempo hits.

I love how Jimmy’s voice adds interest to these classic soul hits and his Soul Deep and Soul Deeper albums are iconic. Jimmy’s wife, Jane, (also musically talented) even got a chance to shine on stage during “Land of 1000 Dances” by demonstrating the Mashed Potato, Twist and Watusi, as each lyric was sung. Once again, cementing the strong family unit when on tour. At the conclusion of “River Deep, Mountain High” you knew an encore was coming, however after 23 songs, I was expecting just two or three more tracks, and not the five that were delivered. “Chain of Fools” had the crowd back on their feet, where they remained for “Shake, Rattle and Roll”. The final songs of the evening included the sublime cover of the Bee Gee’s “To Love Somebody” as well as the funky Stevie Wonder hit “Signed, Sealed, Delivered”.

Next thing we knew, it was over, and despite the houselights coming on, signalling all must leave, the crowd was hesitant to go, just proving the tight bond within. Here we are Jimmy, we’re yours. Come back soon!

Jimmy Barnes

Jimmy Barnes

Were you there at Spark Arena for this huge sounding good-times gig? Or have you seen Jimmy Barnes perform live some other time? Tell us about it in the comments below!

Set List:

1. Hold On, I’m Comin’ [Sam & Dave cover]
2. Money (That’s What I Want) [Barrett Strong cover]
3. (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher [Jackie Wilson cover]
4. I Found a Love [The Falcons cover]
5. Soothe Me [Sam & Dave cover]
6. What Becomes of the Brokenhearted [Jimmy Ruffin cover]
7. Mustang Sally [Sir Mack Rice cover]
8. When Something Is Wrong With My Baby [Sam & Dave cover] (with Jade MacRae)
9. I Gotcha [Joe Tex cover]
10. Do You Love Me? [The Contours cover]
11. All the Young Dudes [David Bowie cover]
12. Ain’t No Mountain High Enough [Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell cover] (with Karen Lee Andrews)
13. In the Midnight Hour [Wilson Pickett cover]
14. My Baby Just Cares for Me [Walter Donaldson cover]
15. I Put a Spell on You [Screamin’ Jay Hawkins cover]
16. That’s Right [Eddie Lambert cover]
17. A Fool in Love [Ike & Tina Turner cover] (with Mahalia Barnes)
18. Many Rivers to Cross [Jimmy Cliff cover]
19. 634-5789 [Eddie Floyd cover]
20. Show Me [Joe Tex cover]
21. Land of 1000 Dances [Chris Kenner cover]
22. Hound Dog [Big Mama Thornton cover]
23. River Deep, Mountain High [Ellie Greenwich cover]
24. Stagger Lee [Lloyd Price cover] (encore)
25. Chain of Fools [Aretha Franklin cover] (encore)
26. Shake, Rattle and Roll [Big Joe Turner & His Blues Kings cover] (encore)
27. To Love Somebody [Bee Gees cover] (encore)
28. Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours [Stevie Wonder cover] (encore)

_{Note: Ambient Light was provided passes to review and photograph this concert. As always, this has not influenced the review in any way and the opinions expressed are those of Ambient Light’s only. This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase a product using an affiliate link, Ambient Light will automatically receive a small commission at no cost to you.}

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