Los Angeles – I had the emphatic delight of seeing the amazing talent of James Keogh, also known as Vance Joy, perform Friday night at the Henry Fonda Theatre. His ukulele-driven single, “Riptide,” has been a huge hit over the airwaves this past year. When his album, Dream Your Life Away, was released in September (on Atlantic), Best New Bands called it “a must have” and Keogh continued upon this folk revivalism movement made by numerous other acts prior to his arrival. The 13-track album is a beautiful, emotionally packed unit featuring lyrics and a particular resonance that will have one’s own mind brimming with uncontrolled emotions. The debut is a dreamy, warm, easy going ride. It’ll tug on the strings of your heart, which should be a fair warning that Dream Your Life Away will undoubtedly have you contemplating your own life choices.
As for the Australian singer-songwriter’s performance at the Fonda, it was as intimate and potent as it could ever be. The music presented by Jonathon Colliver on bass, Edwin White on drums, and Christopher Mulhall on keys as well as Keogh’s amiable demeanor, infatuated the audience. The age range in attendance beamed from teenagers to the middle-aged, but years were meaningless in appreciating Vance Joy’s universally respected echo. Clearly a favorite amongst all generations present, the songwriter skillfully shined his abilities alongside gorgeously constructed melodies and proficient guitar playing. The live performance distinctly validated that his talents blossom beyond his studio-recorded album.
Vance Joy bestowed 12 wondrous tracks to his lively crowd. He kicked off with “Emmylou,” from his first EP, God Loves You When You’re Dancing. The placid, sensitive lullaby was moving. Subsequent track “Red Eye” is a marvelously romantic gem from Joy’s melancholy collection of tunes. The opening track, “Winds Of Change” off Dream Your Life Away is simplistic, but refreshing. Many of the spectators had a strong affinity towards it. Throughout the course of the performance, Keogh would say a few words about his songs. One of the more interesting/humorous anecdotes was about “My Kind Of Man.” A few specific lyrics from “Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd inspired his own choice of words for the song. Nonetheless, Keogh emotionally executed the stirring ballad. He also noted “Georgia” was written earlier in the year. It’s a mellow, guitar-picking tune that showcases Keogh’s downright superlative vocal powers. “Wasted Time” is starkly heartfelt with the authenticity of the performance being something of a marvel to witness firsthand.
Mega single “Riptide” was the penultimate track of the night. There was a genuine sense of wonder upon the face of Keogh as the crowd knew all the lyrics to his seemingly beloved song. The most recent single and closing track of the night, “Mess Is Mine,” was overflowing with beauty alongside Keogh’s sentimental vocals. It’s a fragile, but effective tune. The lyrics grab you like a long lost love seeing you for the first time in years. Vance Joy’s diligent performance was transfixing, enthralling, and most of all inspiring. In a world where it’s becoming more and more difficult to connect on a humanistic level, a musician (and in this case a performance) comes along to remind us that there is beauty still waiting to become discovered and valued by those willing to reach out and pursue it.
Vance Joy’s current headlining tour continues through mid-December. He’ll be touring his native Australia in the new year and then opening for Taylor Swift’s North American tour.
Photo By Dan Soderstrom
Sean Kayden
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