Saturday, September 19, 2009

By all that's holy

Capital letter-eschewing psychedelic combo the church were one band I never expected to see live. Not to mention this is a band that by many accounts has consumed a remarkable amount of drugs over its near 30-year career. But perhaps I'm too surprised that Australian bands make it all the way from the antipodes to play. After all, we had Radio Birdman here a couple of years ago (to say nothing of lesser known acts like Paul Kelly and Mia Dyson). And the church has kept pretty busy over its lifespan with a slew of albums (about 23 by now, I calculate), including a well-received 2009 effort, Untitled #23. All of which is to say the veteran outfit treated the audience to a well-prepared serving of psychedelic swirl.

Peter Koppes gives a wink. Or maybe it's just the setting sun.

The Church at Ottawa Bluesfest 2009

Steve Kilbey goes for the well-trimmed beard.

The Church at Ottawa Bluesfest 2009

Marty Wilson-Piper does not.

The Church at Ottawa Bluesfest 2009

Singalong action!

The Church at Ottawa Bluesfest 2009

Not to mention drummer Tim Powles.

The Church at Ottawa Bluesfest 2009

Rhythm section action!

The Church at Ottawa Bluesfest 2009

Koppes handles some axe ... and I believe that's occasional Adam Franklin associate Craig Wilson on keyboards he's obscuring.

The Church at Ottawa Bluesfest 2009

Is everything working? The church's stage manager had a fun time making sure no one got electrocuted thanks to pre-gig rainshowers.

The Church at Ottawa Bluesfest 2009

Unobscured Craig!

The Church at Ottawa Bluesfest 2009

Marty rocks out some more.

The Church at Ottawa Bluesfest 2009

Twelve-string action!

The Church at Ottawa Bluesfest 2009

Steve goes down.

The Church at Ottawa Bluesfest 2009

Peter sings!

The Church at Ottawa Bluesfest 2009

Steve's acoustic guitar may have seen better days.

The Church at Ottawa Bluesfest 2009

Marty takes a spin on bass.

The Church at Ottawa Bluesfest 2009

A really hot set.
  • Show reminder: Garaga, The Visitors and Mississippi Grover rock the Dominion; Evil Farm Children and the Outbred Inlaws play Irene's. Jonas and Becky Abbot are at Zaphod Beeblebrox. The Hammerheads get funky at The Rainbow. I quite forgot in yesterday's "reminder" to mention that this year's edition of the O-Town Hoedown is underway, with local country rockers and assorted kissing cousins playing gigs across town - tonight it's The Bible All Stars, Chistian D and The Hangovers and The Devillaires at the Elmdale House. Chloe Charles and Trevor Campbell perform at the Avant-Garde Bar. The Soul Jazz Orchestra play Babylon.

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