LIVE REVIEW- By Pat Frisina

Alex Lindsey Jones @ The Boatshed 29.04.09

After missing some of Alex's other Sydney shows like The Sando, I was extremely pleased to catch one of his local gigs. This one was part of 'Songwriters Live' at The Old Manly Boatshed which regularly showcases up and coming and emerging singer/songwriters and artists.

With its decor that historically celebrates Manly and Bondi Beaches and of course the good old Manly Ferries, the Boatshed was very atmospheric making it the perfect venue for Alex's soulful voice and 'Back to Basics' acoustic show, and being below street level, with low ceilings, floorboard decks and nautical paraphernalia, you would think you were actually inside a ship.

Gladly, I was in time to catch English born singer songwriter, Annie Sullivan who, with her sweet voice and warm, pleasant outlook, painted a rainbow of colours with her songs and smile. The thin crowd was still building but she shone brilliantly regardless. Next up was another guitarist/singer songwriter, Michael Peter from the Central Coast, with a style merging James Taylor and Missy Higgins and an upbeat feel aided by his stomp pedal, he wasted no time in  selling himself and showcasing his talent and great songs like '25'.

After a short interval, Alex Lindsey Jones graced centre stage, playing songs from his debut album 'If She Knew' with Brendan "BJ" Jones and Damien Barrett playing acoustics on either side and Nigel Williams on percussion. They opened with 'Hold the Hand' which was rhythmic, soothing and heartfelt. Alex's big, soulful voice immediately filled the room and touched the audience with honest lyrics and a classic style sitting somewhere between Jon Bon Jovi and Alex Lloyd. The harmonies were great and the combination of the two guitars picking and strumming together gave a harmonious, full sound. The dynamics through the set were also good with nice highs and lows built up well with the percussion which mostly featured the Djemba and a part kit.  'I Just Wanna Be' kicked up the tempo with its syncopated rhythm and strong melody and chorus. 'Come Back Real Soon' was equally dynamic with duelling guitar picking and big harmonies. The poppy, lead single 'Your love is Amazing' was strong and very catchy, earning a big applause. It also featured a great, acoustic, lead break which was a nice change from the electric version. 'Remember you', a touching, love song with truckloads of feeling followed, then Alex ended the set with the soul searching gem 'Saint' which was both beautiful and powerful with its subtle dynamics, 'BJ's' graceful slide guitar and every word, emotionally charged.

Alex Lindsey Jones' performance tonight was truly inspiring receiving a strong response. His songs working really well in live, acoustic mode, having a melodious, full sound and with Alex's unique voice and style over the top, stamping a signature that makes him a fresh new emerging artist. "Intimate and Inspiring," Paz.