Nathan Cavaleri was Australia’s favourite child musical-prodigy who shot to fame on prime-time TV’s “Hey Hey It’s Saturday”. The break took him on tour with legendary US blues-master B.B. King, and later for a personal battle with cancel. This all happened before he turned 16. Nathan’s intense start to life put his career on ice for many years, as he battled major mental health issues. However, it seems Cavaleri has risen like a phoenix from the ashes in this powerful performance at Eumundi’s Imperial Hotel.
Even before the musicians hit the stage there’s a potent energy of chatter, laughter and a clinking of glasses. It’s all fuelled by the anticipation of what is to come.
But before we get into the main event, I must mention the incredible opener – Nashville-based, Sunny Coast native, Alys Ffion.
Alys Ffion opens with stunning performance
It’s clear Ffion brings a professionalism to the stage that she’s picked up during her years in the US. She shows off a slew of super-impressive guitar and vocal credentials. But what impresses me most is the craftsmanship of her songwriting.
As a songwriter myself, I am in utter awe of Ffion’s creative and authentic storytelling. And the way she intertwines her vocals with an obviously gifted, rhythmic and melodic guitar set. All of this is brought to life through the pop-folkster’s presentation of genuine personal character.
Most notable is Ffion’s final song, “I’m Your Woman”. It quickly becomes apparent it’s a collaborative effort with Cavaleri, showing off intricacies which glorify each artist’s skillset. I can’t imagine Cavaleri picking a better opening act, because this song is the perfect segue to the man himself.
While the event begins with everyone seated, the night quickly gains traction as revellers dance their way to the stage. As Cavaleri makes his own way to ground zero, it comes as no surprise that the crowd goes wild.
Nathan Cavaleri flanked by trumpeter and acoustic guitarist
Accompanied by his crew – including a dynamic acoustic guitarist and skilled trumpeter – Cavaleri is electric. His opening song is a soothing, yet inducing instrumental moment. And not before a powerful rock riff, he signals the official start to the show.
If I’m being completely honest, the press statement that Cavaleri uses to describe his show doesn’t bring it any justice. The serious dedication and sheer talent I am seeing night is mind-blowing. I’m astounded at the consistent body of genius work this one man can produce. And it seems the entire audience agrees, as he holds their attention with every note and swagger.
Cavaleri’s performance is both enchanting and intoxicating. No note is misplaced, and no kick-drum hit feels off.
His band plays in perfect synchronicity with a collective energy I can only imagine every band aspires to. Even as I stand squashed between an entourage of Cavaleri’s longest-standing fans, I can’t help but feel a touch of melancholy. And I wish more people aren’t here to witness a show of this calibre with me.
Whether it’s a fast-paced rock-anthem or ballad, Cavaleri is prepared with a song for everyone. It doesn’t matter what he is playing, whatever it is it’s done with such expertise and a kind of richness you can’t pull yourself out of.
I am mesmerised by every second.
Throughout the set, Cavaleri seizes a quiet moment to tell the story behind each piece and his personal journey. And as if the audience isn’t already excited for the song he plays next, the stories Cavaleri places behind them hooks us in a truly magnetic way.
Walking away as a fan of a whole new genre
If I wasn’t an alt-rock and blues fan before, I am now.
As Cavaleri progresses through his set, I can feel its narrative unfolding before my eyes. It is a genuine display of not just extraordinary musical prowess, but a deep reflection into his character.
Cavaleri allows room for his fellow band members to take to the stage, and demonstrate their own amazing skillsets. He even invites Ffion back to the stage for another collaborative moment, for the song “Demons”. But not before the audience finally has a moment to indulge in Cavaleri all to themselves.
Cavaleri introduces his first solo moment tonight as “one of the most deep songs of the album”. He says it’s about how to discern between genuine and fake friendships. And although his performances are incredible with a full stage back up, the intimacy he delivers playing alone feels so deeply personal. At once point I am so immersed I can’t even imagine stepping out of the song. Woah – that escalated!
A climatic end to the night
As Cavaleri finishs the song his band re-joins him for one last climatic moment, and before long it’s the final song of the night.
In keeping with Cavaleri’s impressive showmanship, the much-anticipated showdown – with Cavaleri and his entire band – offers a myriad of instruments. He weaves between each band member who has contributed to a song. And a surge of energy ignites 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 is Nathan Cavaleri’s “Miracles” album tour. But if I have to summarise the whole show in one paragraph, I’d have to say it’s is a true reflection of the craftsmanship and talent behind Cavaleri’s songwriting. Intertwined with the intimacy of his life journey, it’s pure magic. And I’m just so glad I got to experience it.
If you haven’t seen this guy live, I can’t recommend his show enough.
It is simply awesome.
Don’t miss Alys Ffion at the Caloundra Music Festival on October 1, where she officially releases her latest EP.
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