Guitar Gods IV
Charles Hotel, Jan. 30th 2011
Sunday the 30th of January saw Guitar Gods IV staged at the Charles Hotel in North Perth to an enthusiastic turnout of the guitar faithful. The healthy crowd was treated to a smorgasbord of rock, blues and soul as Gerard Maunick, Ian Kenny and Graham Greene took to the stage with their respective – and highly respected – bands to enthral and entertain with their unique and individual guitar styles.
Gerard Maunick opened proceedings with a selection of songs from his albums, performed flawlessly by his A-list band featuring Ric Eastman, Roy Martinez, Sue Bluck, Tina-Simone and Donna G. Gerard is a master of combining soul, roots and blues into a musical gumbo that tugs at the heart while tempting the feet, and his set was true to form. Gerard’s smooth-as-silk voice was more than ably supported by Tina, Donna and Sue’s well arranged and beautifully executed harmonies while the rhythm section of Eastman/Martinez was nothing short of jaw-dropping. Topping off the mix (supplied by local audio legend Bob DeWolff) was Gerard’s guitar, full of tone, feel and melodic soulfulness. A perfect start to what was to be an outstanding night.
Ian Kenny has come from hard rock roots to emerge as the quintessential blues/rock journeyman, with an understated style and swagger backed up by prodigious skill and prowess on the fretboard. It was Ian’s first visit with the Guitar Gods, and it was immediately evident that he would fit right in. Completed by the amazing Michael Burn and Scott Lawrence on Drums and Bass, the Ian Kenny Band tore through a set of rocking original tracks and classic covers with Ian taking lead vocal and guitar duties, proving beyond a shadow of a doubt that blues and rock go together like bourbon and coke – a fact attested to by the huge response that the set received. After GGIV, it’s a given that Ian Kenny’s auspicious first performance with Guitar Gods will certainly not be his last.
The final set of the night was another Guitar Gods debut, with Lady Zeppelin taking the stage for their first live performance. And what a performance it was. Donna Greene has been known to sing the odd Zeppelin song as a guest vocalist or with her band Resonance Project, and the request has often been voiced that she do more. On this night, the people got what they wanted, and more. Donna and Graham Greene, bassist Jim Awram and drummer Shane Brady introduced Perth to the Greene’s new project in a set that set mouths agape and raised the roof. After a year off from live performance, Graham showed that he had lost none of his magic, and was clearly enjoying his rock roots. A highlight of the set was Donna’s interpretation of the classic Stairway To Heaven, which received an ovation from all present. The closing song, Whole Lotta Love saw Gerard and Ian join Lady Zeppelin on stage for the allstar jam that has become a Guitar Gods staple. A whole lotta love was exactly what was in the air at Guitar Gods IV – love of good music, good bands, and a good time enjoyed by all.
We would like to thank Audex for providing the PA, Bob for pulling off a great mix and all of the people who came along to make it such a successful event and fantastic gig. We managed a record number of people (and even 10 PBC members) for Guitar Gods IV and raised a nice amount of money which has been donated to the Lord Mayor’s Appeal. Cheers one and all!