Reviewed by Georgia Cassimatis
Newtown is becoming uber cool again. Not that it ever lost its bohemian, vintage spark, but live music venue Leadbelly has been a big part in propelling its vibe.
Named after the Godfather of Blues guitar from eras past, Leadbelly is an intimate sanctuary of talented artists performing in a space that is akin almost to a film noir type loungeroom, patronized by only the passionate.
Its groove is immediately evident with a doorway smothered in black and white 1960s rock ‘n’ roll photography, with edicts such as ‘C’mon Baby Light My Fire’ , and ‘In All My Chaos there was you’, which opens up into an intimate bar with vintage décor catering only to smaller crowds genuine about the music: a portrait to the Godfather of blues himself, Leadbelly, playing centre stage on the wall.
A rotation of live music, tonight we are at the ‘In The Round’ series, held on the second Wednesday of every month, inspired by the sessions at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, where four different singer/songwriters get together each month to play their own songs, and some covers, with stories about inspiration and life. Here the artists perform in a dark room lit by the glow of neon Leadbelly lyrics: ‘My Girl My Girl don’t lie to me. Tell me where did you sleep last night.’
This round featured the supreme talent of local Australian singer/songwriters Taryn La Fauci, Lisa Caruso, Eddie Boyd and Matthew Oastler: all discussing in intimate detail the artist’s creative process and inspiration, and music as a way to process the often harsh world and reality of breakups, family dysfunction, death and relationships, each artist singing with romanticism about grit yet hope, transporting the listener to another place, leaving one inspired, connected and reflective.
The fusion of talent, intimacy and art with quality food (oven cooked pizzas!), cocktails (Kyoto Margaritas!) and ambiance has me already lining up my next In The Round, in July. A hit with the locals, the relaxed vibe is the perfect tonic for a night with a lover, friend or a few….as long as they are passionate for a night of inspiration, storytelling and music. A unique venue based on a love of keeping the Sydney music scene alive, it is a must-experience.
Catch In The Round at Leadbelly: www.theleadbelly.com.au
Doors from 6pm. Music 8-9pm and 930-1030pm.
Happy Hour – 6-8pm. Lager $5 and half price pizza.