Crows Nest Hotel - January 2020

Review by Jimmy Wah | Sense Music Media

On a busy corner of Sydney’s North Shore, where 2 of the fullest traffic arteries provide an integral lifeline to the city, there stands a well-established yet unassuming music venue. As the name suggests, it is nestled into the surrounding suburbs that it fronts, yet few who pass it by may realise that Crow’s Nest Hotel plays host to some of the best live entertainment Sydney has to offer.

Matt Jones hit the stage in 2008 as a much-loved solo musician who soon became a staple of the live Sydney music scene. Since then, he has spent over a decade entertaining crowds with solo, duo and trio performances, playing a wide variety of well-loved cover songs with a consistency and energy that sees him re-booked time and again by venues all over the city. In 2011 he began to front the stage with an entire band of talented musicians behind him. His on-stage charisma was matched with an explosive energy that has entertained crowds ever since.

On Saturday 18 January, as Sydney was experiencing the touches of relief from a burning Summer, Matt Jones kicked off 2020 by bringing the Crow out of the Nest and taking it to new heights. As twilight gave way to darkness, the dining room made way for an empty dancefloor, the stage revealed itself. It was then that Matt Jones appeared with his band, although not the same line-up as previously seen.

Dave Bleus, accomplished musician, owner and producer of Studio Bleus (who you may recognise from various acts such as Superb Lyrebird, Self Is A Seed, Coverpalooza and Quadzilla) played guitar and backing vocals with an unmistakable presence that makes him welcome on any stage. On keys was Ray Sayah, whose energy on stage reflected his nimble proficiency on the keyboard. Anthony Langton on bass was a last-minute addition to the band but like the others, he seamlessly showcased a diverse repertoire to bring body to the sound. Simmo on drums was so well versed on the setlist that his beats almost sounded like studio tracks.

When Matt took the stage, he proved that his lead guitar and vocals were every bit as impressive as the descriptions that you can find anywhere online. Playing rock classics that span more than 50 years, he kept the energy alive with seamless transitions as he carried his newfound line-up on steady shoulders. From The Beatles and Lynyrd Skynyrd to Pearl Jam, Oasis, Matchbox 20 and even dance music, his diverse repertoire only ever kept numbers growing. With a luminous bar bordering the back of the dancefloor and a courtyard providing an open-air sanctuary to the side, Sydney’s much needed rain was definitely not enough to dampen the spirits of the crowd.

Words can never truly describe the energy or level of entertainment at any show, let alone Saturday night at Crow’s Nest Hotel. It really needs to be experienced live. So while you’re waiting in anticipation for the next time you have a chance to see Matt Jones Live, check out the set of pics that Sense Music Media through our Facebook and Instagram pages… and if you really want a taste of the atmosphere, get yourself a drink and have a listen to Matt’s 2019 EP ‘Thirty’ on Spotify!