Songwriters In the Round – Kris Mizzi, Tim Woodz & Rick Hart: A Gig Review

March 1 2024 Selby Folk Club  7:30 pm – 10:30 pm

What a joy to be in a listening room of like minded people (some with familiar faces), who are all in attendance for the music – plenty of time to wag the chin before, at intermission and at the end! A packed house, there were some tears shed – mostly on a couple of Kris’ ballads, but still much merriment (laughter) was to be had and communal singing.

This was a songwriters in the round of three very different styles. Kris performing his tunes penned about many of the characters from his old home town Moe – Gary (well I heard from a friend of a friend of mine that you and Gary got married last Valentines) and Richard, who we all sang home. Tim’s comical storytelling tunes about living life in the burbs – like playing Backyard Cricket (nobody wins, but everyone thinks they’re awesome). Rick writing country laden tunes about heartache & infidelity – not that he would know anything about that (isn’t that right Vanessa?).

Taking turns, each writer introduces one of their songs, but Who’s on first? I don’t know – third base. After a few side glances Kris Mizzi opened proceedings from the southern end with the exquisite (and appropriate for the venue), A Little Space (looking for a pretty place to breathe again). All were beautiful tunes sung with clear diction. There were a few cracker newbies too! One that had a trundle, after a request from the most excellent sound engineer, was the elegant Birds of Rye – this will be big.

The tall arborist, Tim Woodz entertained with his larrikin style and Bob Dylan rack harp on most of his tunes. To name a few classics; the Possum Song, the head banging Food Truck and Tall Trees (in my town I miss the tall trees I used to hang around I haven’t been home in oh so long, I miss the tall trees where I’m from), which also provided another great sing-along. Kris has covered this ditty and on the night offered subtle backing.

Rick Hart delved into his extensive catalogue and recounted his tales with his smooth as single grain whisky voice immersing into the captivated room. His wife Vanessa furnished sweet harmonies that lifted the songs to a higher realm. A tune written about one his musical heroes Levon Helm (sort of) resonated with one and all. Another, on a name that doesn’t rhyme with heartache (But they went and named you Alison) drew immediate applause as did his award winning, ripper tune Spiral (see the same old faces everyday drinking coffee in the same cafe.) Rick has a new album available at all good and bad stores and streams. Head to a good one at Bandcamp for your copy. Thanks all for a wonderful night at the best Folk club in the world.

Ol Shep

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