Live Review: Harry Connick Jr in Perth
Harry Connick Jr. – “Back Live”, Perth RAC Arena, Sunday 3 December 2023.
Review by Erica Lorimer
Photography: Duncan Barnes
Fresh off the ferry from Rottnest Island after a day of bike riding and meeting cute quokkas Harry Connick Jr. seamlessly channelled his natural energy and limitless talent on to Perth’s RAC Arena stage on Sunday night. The singer, pianist, composer, actor, TV host and father has been coming to Western Australia since the 90s, but it has been a decade since he performed his last concert. It was a lucky Perth audience that was first to experience the “Back Live” nation-wide tour this month.
“I really, really dig it here, I really dig it, more than y’all probably know and I’m blown away by how the city has grown… and there’s so much to see and so much to do and we are all thrilled y’all came out to see us play tonight”. Of course, every audience is thrilled hearing about how they live in a special place, but his words were charged with sincerity.
The audience instinctively knew they were in for a night of musical brilliance. With his touring band by his side Harry promptly launched into the heart of his repertoire presenting his original Come By Me from his 12th album of the same name. Serving as a fitting opener, his compelling vocal presence, paired with his lively New Orleans piano, was heightened by the distinctive big band sound.
An appreciative gasp from the audience accompanied the start of his well-known version of the song It Had to be You from the soundtrack of the iconic movie When Harry Met Sally. Harry Connick was only 21 years old when this work gave him his big break and sold one million records.
A minor wardrobe hiccup revealed Harry’s trouser leg riding up leading him to quirkily remark, “This will be a great picture for the front of the paper tomorrow” whilst teasing the venue’s photographer to keep shooting as he playfully handled the situation. Yet the reality is that in the grand scheme of memorable shots, Harry’s cute Rottnest quokka selfie on Instagram will undoubtedly trump any trouser twist and even eclipse Post Malone’s infamous “shoey” performance on a nearby Perth stage. The cuteness of the quokka reigned supreme and became a reoccurring point of reference throughout the show.
Fans love the energetic and lively vibes of a big band and we know to expect a treat with Harry’s eight member touring ensemble supporting him. The handsome and talented Harry Connick Jr alone on stage was more than enough but this tour extends to a showcase of deeply talented top shelf accompanying musicians.
At the start of a medley of Christmas songs Harry Connick Jr simply asked the audience “Do you like my band”? The irony was not a deliberate gesture on his part. Harry is well known and admired for his humility, but the audience acknowledged the genuine understatement coming from a multi-platinum musician and Grammy winner with Tony nominations. It is clear the people who come to his shows are the reason he is playing and the enjoyment he gets from entertaining us is obvious. The stage lighting and minimal props reflected the unpretentiousness of all the performers. The music is more than enough and nothing else is needed.
The hits rolled on, accompanied by Harry’s acclaim for “one of the greatest love songs” The Way You Look Tonight originally performed by Fred Astaire in 1936. Listeners of Harry Connick’s smooth vocals would think he was singing only to them. A tender tribute to his wife of 34 years, Jill Goodacre, then followed. Called One Fine Thing the beauty of the song lies not only in its musical composition but in its raw sincerity that makes each note resonates with the couple’s personal story.
Although, “it’s hot as heck outside” and “it’s hard for an American to believe it is Christmas time because of the weather”, Harry asked the audience, “Can I do another Christmas song?”. All in the house were aware that our enthusiasm provided the answer. After all, Harry Connick’s Christmas songs are right up there on the playlist of many Aussie Christmas gatherings.
He asked us to sing along to the traditional carol, Silent Night. Usually, response to such a request is met with more encouragement from the stage but this crowd took the challenge with confidence and a level of gusto which surprised many, including Harry himself who complimented that it was the “best I’ve ever heard”. We were then rewarded with an introduction to Harry’s “Harpeji” – an electric stringed musical instrument – which makes “all sorts of cool noises”. This is a musician who consistently pursues knowledges and proves success is the result of continuous learning and hard work.
The rendition of Mardi Gras in New Orleans gave Harry an opportunity to explain his background, especially the culture of seasoned musicians nurturing and involving the younger generation. Beyond his time as a judge on the TV show Australian Idol, Harry Connick Jr. demonstrates a genuine dedication to positively influencing young musicians. His upbringing instilled a desire to contribute to the well-being of others without seeking public acknowledgement. The audience would likely be unaware that he generously extended two complimentary concert tickets to local students of the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA).
In another gesture to support emerging talent, Harry brought 15-year-old Phoebe Stewart, a rising star from Busselton and former contestant on Australian Idol, to the stage. Phoebe’s powerful vocals to a cover of Stevie Wonder’s Superstition stirred the audience to raise a collective response of appreciation and admiration as she effortlessly reached the high notes.
Frequent unassuming banter scattered throughout the evening added an extra layer of authenticity to the show. Quokkas came up again in his chats to us. “They are so unbelievably cute and nice”. So cute he admited he would like to smuggle one home in his backpack!
The night was very much about Harry’s hometown of New Orleans, the cradle of jazz music. In addition to teaching us about a “traditional three stop”, saying “this is how we play in New Orleans”, we were treated to the best of the band and diverse musical influences. The impressive percussion of Arthur Latin from Texas on drums was marked by a solo ranging from a gentle brush and patter to an energetic explosion of beats that brought cheers from the house. Tenor saxophonist Jerry Weldon was allegedly playing a five-million-dollar golden clarinet. Sam, a trumpet player from New York finished off the set with an impressive sustained “no stop” solo.
The night was rounded off with a happy throw down cover of the New Orleans jazz standard classic Bourbon Street Parade. The night concluded on a high note with Harry exclaiming, “Let’s take it home, baby!” as the lively and uplifting Dixieland piece filled the air with energy.
It is easy to leave the show with a feeling that you have been gifted a musical treat. It is clear Harry Connick Jr. is at the top of his game but his fans know the best may be yet to come. He carries an inherent dignity and grace, and despite his humble demeanour his talent shines brightly. Furthermore, Harry Connick Jr.’s mentorship inspires hope and confidence that the future of live music is in good hands. His infectious enthusiasm is an inspiration to all who witness his artistry and value the importance of keeping live music alive.
Harry Connick Jr.’s next stop is at the Festival Theatre in Adelaide 2023 followed by another four locations around Australia throughout the month of December. Tickets are available from TEG Dainty.
Sheldon Ang Media expresses their gratitude to TEG Dainty, KOBPR and Harry Connick Jr for the reviewer seats.
Sheldon Ang Media (est. May 2022) have been accredited to photograph and review the likes of Coldplay, Red Hot Chili Peppers, KISS Robbie Williams, Sting, Harry Styles plus more than sixty major live shows, with reviews shared by various artists including UB40 and Delta Goodrem. The founder has also interviewed rockers Ace Frehley (KISS), John Steel (The Animals), Frank Ferrer (Guns N Roses) and some of the biggest artists.
About the Writer: Erica Lorimer holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Degree from the University of Western Australia (UWA), majoring in English Literature and Economics, and a Certificate IV in Design. She is also a freelance photographer who loves capturing images of live music and travel photography, sometimes with film from vintage cameras and making prints in a home darkroom.
About the Photographer: Duncan Barnes – the Perth godfather of concert photography, has been the Chief Photographer of Perth/RAC Arena since day 1. He also holds a PhD.
