The Sydney Festival ain't what it used to be, but there is always one gem to find. Last year it was the incomparable Mount Eerie. This year it was Nashville guitarist William Tyler. This was Tyler's first time in Australia and it was a sheer pleasure to see him Saturday night. An even bigger thrill was the venue. Harry Seidler was an icon of Australian architecture. One of his works is an apartment complex in Milson's Point. He died over a decade ago but his daughter Polly still lives in the penthouse on the fifth floor. She graciously hires out the space for small events. It has spectacular views of Luna Park and Sydney Harbour, with marble floors and artworks by the likes of Stella and Lichtenstein. The space holds around 100 people. No photos were allowed but trust me it was a special night for sure.

William Tyler has released four albums. He has a unique style of dexterous finger picking on his acoustic guitar. He plies a battered Gibson that produces just so many warm and beautiful tones. So tonight was definitely all about the music. It's quite upbeat too, very bright tomes that sing and dance with care and joy. He does a bit of looping as well on some songs to aid the sounds he creates. My persoanl favourite was the elegaic 'Alpine Star'. A very special night on so many levels.

Set List
Not In Our Stars
Fail Safe
Kingdom of Jones
Alpine Star
Rebecca
Virginia Is For Loners
Gone Clear
Cadillac Desert
A Portrait of Sarah

Sarabande (Handel)/Ponotoc