by Naomi Wilson

Saw Neil the night in the first of his two sell-out Melbourne gigs. The show was magic. Can fill you in on his band members' names: Niall Mackin from Ireland (keyboards), Michael Barker (drums), Robert Moore (bass) and, making it a true family affair, Liam Finn on guitar alongside his Dad, and also drums for a few songs. They played many songs from the new album, plus a number of Crowdies gems, including "Fall at Your Feet" and "Distant Sun." Neil did a fantastic solo keyboard performance of "Message to My Girl," and the band played "Suffer Never" which Neil dedicated to Tim and his new family. Liam is a real talent (difficult to believe he's only 14!) and I understand he's completing the entire tour. Paul Hester and Nick Seymour were in the audience, along with a number of other Melbourne music identities.

Neil's on fire as a solo performer, and the band's sound is luscious. I was swept away for the entire 2-hour show, as I'm sure the rest of the audience was.