Much like Live at the Chapel, the Max Sessions have become an event synonymous with “live music for TV” in Australia – and in this, their 40th show, and their last for 2009, they seem to have no plans to stop anytime soon. And why would they? This is the television series that launched with a little known band called Coldplay, and have been pulling the big names ever since. And few come bigger than Ben Harper, easily one of the most incredible live performers on the circuit today. So incredible, that despite playing for some 40 minutes over his allotted time, the producers had no interest in rushing him off – cue cameramen frantically and unexpectedly changing their tapes, hoping not to miss the shot – this was always going to be a special evening, and it didn’t disappoint.
The set was fairly similar to the one they played the previous night at Pearl Jam – focusing on the rock n’ blues tracks off of their debut LP, White Lies for Dark Times, which is taken to a new level in the live setting. He has a pure talent of being able to taka these seemingly simple songs, and transform them into epic jam sessions – whether he’s sitting down with the slide guitar, playing the acoustic, or hitting the tambourine, jumping around the stage and singing his heart out.
He’s also an incredibly humble man, spreading the songs out with a wonderful selection of stories and anecdotes. And for those who don’t know how these sessions work – host Jon Farriss of INXS briefly fields questions from the crowd for Mr. Harper and co. at one point, and never have I seen such a well known and respected man deliver such honest, heartfelt responses. Oh dear, here comes the mancrush.
While he did perform it the night prior, a highlight of the set was the bands rendition of the INXS classic “Never Tear Us Apart” – no doubt ever the more special with Jon in the room. Brought goosebumps to even the most hardened of the crowd – which included True Blood’s Ryan Kwanten, Axle Whitehead, Bernard Curry, Esther Anderson, Channel [V]’s Renee Bargh, Danny Clayton and Kyle Linahan, Sarah Wilson, Gracie Otto, Charlie Albone and Juliet Love. How can anyone say no to the opportunity to see such an incredible performer? I know I couldn’t.
As Jon came on stage to farewell Ben and the band, Ben requested the opportunity to play two more songs – solo acoustic renditions of ‘Another Lonely Day’ and ‘Morning Yearning’. This was a very welcome surprise and left the crowd feeling honoured to have been able to experience such a special performance. And it’s clear Ben is feeling rejuvenated playing with a new group, as it helps him push forward his creative energies, and gives him an experience that the Innocent Criminals or Blind Boys never could: being part of a real rock band.
You’ll be able to catch this incredible performance on Max Music on Thursday 21 January at 8:30pm. MAX SESSIONS: BEN HARPER AND RELENTLESS7 will also be interspersed with exclusive behind the scenes footage and insightful interviews with the band as they prepare for this exclusive MAX SESSIONS.
