NOTES FROM UNDERGROUND
Not so long ago, an American journalist described roots performer Frank Fairfield thus: “It’s as if the ghost of Blind Willie McTell invaded a 25-year-old white guy in SoCal.”
Mr Fairfield, who plays at The Basement on Wednesday, December 14, is nothing if not stripped back to the bone. On an unadorned stage, he strums a banjo, a fiddle, or a battered acoustic guitar, and sings songs from the deep distant past of America’s folk tradition. The result, perhaps oddly enough, is riveting.
His quiet charisma has not gone unnoticed in his native land, where roots behemoths Fleet Foxes eagerly hauled him on board as the opening act to their recent national tour. Perhaps not surprisingly, Fairfield has several times shared the stage with Australia’s own 1920s-style Americana star, CW Stoneking. He’s also played often with fellow US folkie, and frequent Oz visitor, Charlie Parr.
Critics have been effusive in their praise. A recent review in The Guardian said: “Frank Fairfield is the sort of person who makes you feel sort of glad to be alive, so passionate is he about his obsessions from a bygone age. Just talking to him for a few moments makes your heart begin to beat a little slower.”
December, of course, is traditionally a month chock full of parties, big concerts and a lot of noise. It is charming, therefore, to have an opportunity to enjoy an evening of unabashed gentle music – a true refuge from the cry of the maddening crowd.
We have four double passes to Frank Fairfield’s show to give away. To score one, call The Basement box office on 9251 2797 during office hours.
For a full rundown of shows at The Basement: www.thebasement.com.au
Contact the writer: amasterson@thebasement.net.au
