Review: He was Australia’s favourite child musical-prodigy who shot to fame on prime-time TV’s “Hey Hey It’s Saturday”, before going on tour with legendary US blues-master B.B. King, and later battling cancer, all before he turned 16. This intense start to life put Nathan Cavalier’s career on ice for several years while he battled major mental health issues, however it seems Cavaleri has risen like a phoenix from the ashes giving a powerful performance at Eumundi’s Imperial Hotel last night, writes Conor Cayley:

Even before the musicians hit the stage there was a potent energy of chatter, laughter and a clinking of glasses, all fuelled by the anticipation of what was to come.

But before we get into the main event, I want to talk about the incredible opener that was Nashville-based and Sunny Coast native, Alys Ffion.

While it was clear that Ffion brought a professionalism to the stage that she’d picked up during her several years in the US, with a slew of super-impressive guitar and vocal credentials, what impressed me most was the craftsmanship of her songwriting.

As a songwriter myself, I was in utter awe of Ffion’s creative and authentic storytelling, and the way she could intertwine her vocals with an obviously gifted, rhythmic and melodic guitar set. All of this was brought to life through the pop-folkster’s presentation of genuine character.

Most notable was Ffion’s final song, “I’m Your Woman”, when it quickly became apparent it was a collaborative effort with Cavaleri, having intricacies that glorified each artist’s skillsets. And I can’t imagine Cavaleri picking a better opening act, as this song also made for the perfect segue to the man himself.

In an event that began with everyone seated, the night quickly gained traction with revellers dancing their way up to the front of the stage. And as Cavaleri made his way own way to ground zero, it came as no surprise that the crowd went wild.

Accompanied by his crew – including a dynamic acoustic guitarist and skilled trumpeter – Cavaleri was electric, opening with a soothing, yet inducing instrumental moment, before a powerful rock riff, which signalled the official start to the show.

If I’m being completely honest, the press statement that Cavaleri used to describe his show and newfound sounds didn’t bring any justice to the serious dedication and sheer talent I saw that night. I was astounded at the consistent body of genius work this one man could produce, and it seemed the entire audience agreed as he held their attention with every note and swagger.

Cavaleri’s performance was both enchanting and intoxicating. No note was misplaced, and no kick-drum hit felt off.

His band played in perfect synchronicity with a collective energy I can only imagine every band would aspire to. Even as I stood squashed between an entourage of Cavaleri’s longest-standing fans, I couldn’t help but feel a touch of melancholy that more people weren’t there to witness a show of this calibre.

Whether it was a fast-paced rock anthem or a ballad-style song, Cavaleri came prepared with a song for everyone. It didn’t matter what he was playing, because whatever it was, it was done with such expertise and a kind of richness you couldn’t pull yourself out of.

I was mesmerised with every second.

Throughout the set, Cavaleri would seize a quiet moment to tell the story behind each piece and his personal journey. And as if the audience wasn’t already excited for the song that would play next, the stories Cavaleri placed behind them hooked us in a truly magnetic way.

If I wasn’t an alt-rock and blues fan before, I am now.

As Cavaleri progressed through the set, I could feel its narrative unfolding before my eyes. It was a genuine display of not just extraordinary musical prowess, but a deep reflection into his character.

Cavaleri allowed room for his fellow band members to take to the stage, and demonstrate their own amazing skillsets, even inviting Ffion back to the stage for another collaborative moment for song “Demons”, before the audience finally had a moment to indulge in Cavaleri all to themselves, as he played solo for the first time.

Cavaleri introduced his solo moment as “one of the most deep songs of the album” saying it was about how to discern between genuine and fake friendships. And although his performances were incredible with a full stage back up, the intimacy he delivered playing alone felt so deeply personal that at once point I felt so immersed I couldn’t even imagine stepping out of the song. Woah – that escalated!

As Cavaleri finished the song his band re-joined him for one last climatic moment, and before long came the final song of the night.

In keeping with Cavaleri’s impressive showmanship, the much-anticipated showdown – with Cavaleri and his entire band – offered a myriad of instruments, weaving between each band member who had contributed to each song, and a surge of energy ignited from the whole audience to compensate for the sheer force on stage.

There is so much more that I could say about it this show, with Cavaleri and his band all obviously incredible performers in what was Nathan Cavaleri’s “Miracles” album tour.

But if I had to summarise the whole performance in one paragraph, I think I’d have to say this show was a true reflection of the craftsmanship and talent behind Cavaleri’s songwriting, mixed with the intimacy of his life journey. And I’m just so glad I got to experience it.

If you haven’t seen this guy live, I couldn’t recommend it enough.

It was simply awesome.

Don’t miss Alys Ffion at the Caloundra Music Festival on Sunday, October 1, where she will officially release her latest EP.

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