The Black Box in Nambour isn't your typical venue. There's no stage, and it's only a small venue (compared to the likes of the Sands Tav, the J etc) BUT it has held a swathe of Hardcore gigs over the last year, and now with the help of Dan Lyons (the man responsible for the very popular Live@Joe's Waterhole) the Black Box is also going to hold gigs more suited for sitting down and listening to some phenomenal singer/songwriter talent (quite a lot local too).

Formalities aside, the actual gig was a strage one for me to attend. Firstly, I'm not a huge fan of the more alternative/folk genre, given that my roots are firmly set in funk/hard rock/metal, but that's not to say that I won't listen to this style of music. Secondly, I've actually known Tom Cooney for quite a while, but haven't actually seen him in ages. I had heard of how popular he had become, but had not followed him. Turns out, I should have been paying more attention.

I took my other-half with me to the show (as she also knows Tom from way back), and upon entering the venue were greated by an almost theatre-like reception. I noticed the seating and layout (it was a BYO affair as well) and how the 'stage area' was literally a metre away from the front row. We grabbed some seats right down the front and soon realised it would be a very intimate evening.

Laura Jean's trio were first up (allowing for the local boy to headline), and despite a little hiccup with some levels at the start, mesmerised the audience. Laura Jean's sweet voice was a little overpowered by her electric guitar (which she later admitted she normally uses an Acoustic, and I was a little puzzled by the choice of an SG Gibson...a little bit too Rock for the sound, thinking a Telecaster probably would've suited better). The harmonies produced by the trio were smooth and ambient, blending together. Personally, I loved the 4th song in to the set, which peaked and ducked and dived and then ended with a round of vocals entwining together. The last song was a Neil Young cover ('Helpless') where they invited Tom up to play guitar, as well as Tom's friend Corey to provide backing vocals. When Laura Jean and her trio come back up to the Coast, I highly recommend seeing them.

Dan Lyons introduced Tom Cooney's performance with a little speech basically explaining that the volume will come down a little with Tom's performance and that this is a 'listening venue' where the audience is meant to LISTEN to the performer (if you want to talk, bugger off outside, prety much). Dan couldn't have been more right.

Tom was greeted to the stage with an awesome response. Admittedly there were friends and family in the audience, but also quite a few to witness this talented musician. He's such a humble performer - just his voice and his sublime guitar-playing singing stories.

Starting the set with the single, 'Hold Me Down', he captured the audience immediately. It's the kind of song that get's stuck in your head and you can catch yourself humming that melody. Inbetween songs, Tom would make small jokes and comments about his family, friends and experiences, which made the whole set feel so much more comfortable then just sitting and watching someone play.

There were a few hiccups, which Tom excused himself from (he had been up till 2am that morning recording new material), and towards the end of the set he get apologising for the mistakes (to be honest he didn't have to, as most people wouldn't have pick up on them), and instead of blaming nerves, he very wisely came to the conclusion that he was probably TOO relaxed for the gig, feeling like he was playing in his lounge room to friends instead of performing a show.

Tom's friend Corey was invited to the stage, and as he explained, she adds her harmonies to the songs but to him they feel like an extension of his voice. Some newer material was played (the more uptempo song about the camera and the bike - sorry can't remember the name of it - was a highlight), and he finished the set with a beautiful song. One thing I did notice was that during the songs, not a single noise came from the audience - such a rare occurence.

Overall, my wife and I were honoured to witness this performance (and were lucky enough to say a quick g'day to Tom inbetween his signing of CDs).

Quick note to Dan Lyons...keep doing what you're doing mate. This is an awesome idea and from the reception you received last night, there are people out on the Sunshine Coast (even in Nambour) that want to witness/listen to brilliant, local Australian music.

*I've put Tom Cooney's clip to 'Hold Me Down' below.

Rooster.