DJ Paprika (Jason Bell) spun a fusion of Latin/Jazz/Funk fusion for an hour before the main show, which was a perfect intro, and then returned for the two set break.

Formed in 2007, Melbourne trio Cookin’ On 3 Burners features Jake Mason (Hammond Organ), Dan West (Guitar), and Ivan Khatchoyan (Drums). Classing themselves as a, “Hammond organ trio,” those into late 60s and 70s funk, soul, jazz, blues, and boogaloo were in for a treat. Khatchoyan a drummer/producer/songwriter specialises in funk, RnB, and hip hop. West, an instrumentalist/music producer/sound designer, believes in collaboration and organic sounds. But, as impressive as they were, it was Mason with his C3 Hammond who drew my eye time and time again. Playing the bassline with his left hand, solos and accompaniment with his right, I was not surprised to learn he has worked with Richard Clapton, Mark Seymour, Clare Bowditch and Hugh Jackman. 

The first set opened with 3 instrumentals, including Keb’s Bucket (2007’s Baked Boiled Fried), then Stella Angelico silently slipped out on stage to join in and opened with Settle the Score (Baked Boiled Fried). Hailing from Melbourne, Angelico is the daughter of a cabaret performer and a magician. Whilst in a high school performance of Anything Goes, a past teacher remarked, ‘Stella, she's hot stuff. She's like Barbra Streisand but with balls.” Her look and sound has been compared by many to Amy Winehouse, and when she sang the No 1 UK iTunes RnB chart hit This Girl (2009 Soul Messin’), she really hit her stride. Whole Woman, Angelico’s own song, featured on the Women of Soul compilation album, was superb live. After a drum solo, she closed with Push It Up (Soul Messin’), a wonderful upbeat ending. What a fantastic set from Angelico, who writhed and go-go danced the entire time whilst remaining pitch perfect. The word on everyone’s lips was WOW!

After a 15 minute break, during which DJ Paprika spun more tracks, the Cookin’ On 3 Burners trio were back for more instrumental jams including a cover of The Cruel Sea’s Black Stick and Metallica’s Enter Sandman. Tex Perkins then stumbled out on stage with his glass of scotch, chatted with West during the final instrumental, and introduced himself. Perkins’ career began in Brisbane in the early 80s with his band Tex Deadly and the Dum Dums, before moving on to Beasts of Bourbon, The Cruel Sea, Tex Perkins and the Dark Horses, and many other projects. By the end of Flat On My Back (Blind Bet 2014), I was intrigued. Who would have thought Perkins’ gravely, raspy, blues vocal tone would blend with a Hammond organ band? But it did, and his Donovan cover, Season of the Witch, was an opportunity to enjoy his charismatic, brooding murder ballad persona. Perkins coughed to the side a few times during the set and I wondered if he had throat issues. If so, it wasn’t noticeable in his vocal performance. Someone in the front asked him why he had his finger in his ear and Perkins retorted that he liked to insert his finger into different orifices. Seen Through Your Disguise (Soul Messin’) and The Writing’s On the Wall (single) were up next and by the end of these two growling songs I started to feel tired. Nothing to do with Perkins’ talent but with the two sets being different in style, I would have preferred Perkins laid back set first, and Angelico’s funky soul set to close. However, Perkins closed to thunderous applause, wolf whistles, and a punter touched finger to finger with him, which excited her no end. 

Picking the vibe back up, Cookin’ on 3 Burners launched into their encore instrumental cover of Gary Numan’s Cars (Soul Messin’) in preparation for a special Perkins/Angelico duet. Both returned to the stage to sing the Sonny and Cher classic The Beat Goes On. With the entire audience now singing, “La De Da De De, La De Da De Da,” it was a fun and happy choice to send us off into the night.

I really enjoyed this gig. Initially "Hammond organ trio" (from the marketing blurb) didn’t seem particularly appealing, but it was surprisingly cool. My biggest disappointment was the audience size. I cannot understand why this event wasn’t jam packed. The concert was inexpensive and highly entertaining, the venue gives show punters a 20% onsite food discount, the Mane Stage space offers close or far away seating,and comfortable booths if you don’t like to stand all night. Woolly Mammoth are presenting some awesome concert choices, so grab some mates and check them out one night.

- Lisa Bingham