Wyreena Music Cafe

April Fools Day was the date set for Marisa Yeaman's concert at Wyreena Cafe and Community House in Hull Road, Croydon.

As we enter the arboretum where she is to perform Marisa can be seen perched on a stool at the far end of the small and intimate room. The setting is perfect for such a performer, the large glass windows and glass roof give a feeling of being outside among the stars. The audience immediately warms to her as she smiles and greets both familiar faces and those who may be experiencing her music for the first time.

She introduces her latest work 'Pure Motive', fresh from her recent performances at the Port Fairy Folk Festival where Marisa delighted the audience with her soulful and soothing vocals. Marisa is one of the few successful female performers who have remained faithful to her craft and her ability, and she has matured as a performer since my first encounter listening to her in an informal setting ten years ago. The talent then was obvious, along with the unique quality of her voice.

Marisa has the ability to express through her words and her guitar playing the sometimes lonely journey of her life. Even though the songs are of her own journey they translate into and touch the larger aspects of life reaching the audience in poignant ways. When Marisa begins 'No fences' a track from the new CD many of the audience applaud as they know the quality of what they are about to hear appreciating the story they are being told.

As a child along with her parents Marisa spent years on the road, travelling and camping, moving through the outback and along the rivers exploring Australia. There were no fences to restrain her and she expresses this beautifully in the song, leaving the audience longing for a time themselves when they would have 'No fences' During this time of travel, Marisa tells the audience that she became familiar with her favourite artists Jackson Browne, Bob Dylan, Cat Stevens and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.

Along with her original songs Marisa performs a Jackson Browne track from The Pretender album and a raunchy rendition of Bob Dylan's 'I'll be your baby tonight' which had the entire audience joining in and singing along with her.

Marisa is accompanied on stage by Andrew Pendlebury a renowned guitarist and performer in his own right having released several albums. Andrew leaves all in awe of his ability to make a guitar speak. Some members of the audience are old enough to remember his performances and for the younger audience members this may have been one of the first times they have heard such a talent playing.

Marisa has the ability to reach a wide audience both in her style performance and her soulful strong vocals. Tracks such as 'Holy Water' and 'Lonely Puppet' resonate with the audience and the applause encourages Marisa to move into 'Didn't mean to fall in love' a very personal track about her life.

Marisa is blessed with an inner and outer beauty which is not lost on the audience. Mesmerising those attending not only with her talent as a singer and a guitar player but with a presence that exuded a willingness to share her self and her stories as well as a willingness to allow the audience to share them.

The evening was a sharp performance, intimate in both the setting and the anecdotes shared. Marisa's voice was excellent, haunting at times, soothing and soulful. Her songs and guitar playing are outstanding. The evening satisfied the audience, although many were reluctant to leave hoping for more.

April Fools Day at Wyreena Cafe was buzzing with activity. The clanking sounds from the Kitchen and air conditioner could not distract from the quality of the evenings performance.

Review submitted by Margaret Quon