File The Felice Brothers under massively under appreciated. Or just flat out great live. Either way the Catskills, New York band fly underneath the radar to a large extent. Which is a shame because they have a special place in my heart. They played a wonderful show at the recently revamped Lansdowne Hotel last Monday night, their first in Sydney in four years. All their characteristics were on show. Earthy, generous songs of place and pathos, humour and heartbreak. In some ways they remind me of a modern day version of The Band. They draw on traditional music and give it a modern touch without losing those elements that made it great in the first place. The centrepiece obviously are the two actual brothers in the band. Ian on his battle scarred Guild and lead vocals. And the garrulous James on keyboards and piano accordion and also vocals. Rounding out the band are Jesske Hume on bass and Will Lawrence on drums. Together they make a tight unit, producing sounds to warm hearts. The band, in one form or other, have been around for close to 14 years so they have a good catalogue to draw upon. On this night they gave us a bit of everything including obviously a good slice from this year's excellent album in 'Undress'. My absolute favourites were 'Nail It on the First Try' and 'Days of the Years' when Ian and James were left alone on stage to stirring effect. Both such beautiful songs. The whole night was a success though, just the purest of music to make us all feel very lucky to be there. 

Set List
Holy Weight Champ
Aerosol Ball
Wonderful Life
Hometown Hero
Love Me Tenderly
TV Mama
Salvation Army Girl
Special Announcement
Nail It on the First Try
Days of the Years
Jack Reminiscing
Whiskey in My Whiskey
The Kid
Cherry Licorice
White Limo

Frankie's Gun!
Silver in the Shadow