Troy Cassar-Daley – A Life’s Story in Song

I am the first to admit that I know very little about country music. It’s never really been my thing. I’ve never quite understood the significance of it and always aligned it with the Dolly Parton-type singers with more plastic surgery than talent.

Boy was I wrong! If nothing else, this Cabaret Festival has changed my opinion of this significantly and Troy Cassar-Daley was the one to educate me.

Most Australians are aware of Cassar-Daley – he’s a country music legend in his own right having sung in Nashville more times than we can count and collaborated with some of the biggest names in Australian music.

So why do a cabaret show you might ask? Well, Kate Ceberano and team have certainly pushed the definition of cabaret to its limits this year and Cassar-Daley’s show A Life’s Story in Song is definitely on the outer bounds.  Although, as one friend said to me “the strictest definition of cabaret is performance where you can eat and drink” so really we’re covered for just about anything!

This show is a pleasant journey through Cassar-Daley’s life and his connection to music.  There’s no doubt he’s talented and has the most beautiful voice. His band are also smokin’ (unfortunately acknowledged too quickly to catch their names) on drums, bass guitar and keys.

[pull_left]Beyond the music is Cassar Daley’s genuine and endearing manner…His charm and warmth feels real and his genuine appreciation of an audience is a joy to be a part of[/pull_left]There are some really great songs including ‘My Island Home’, ‘Wish I Was a Train’, ‘Biggest Dissapointment’ and many others… many of which the audience also knew word for word. Beyond the music is Cassar Daley’s genuine and endearing manner, telling tales from his life and providing a few family snaps along the way. His charm and warmth feels real and his genuine appreciation of an audience is a joy to be a part of.

As an early 30-something I was genuinely surprised to have enjoyed this production so much.  It makes me proud that people like Cassar-Daley are representing Australia overseas and is such a positive image and role model as well as a talented musician. It is this joy of life and the land that comes through his music and cannot help but sweep the audience along.

Troy Cassar-Daley is playing in the 2012 Adelaide Cabaret Festival 16 – 17 June.
For more information visit www.adelaidecabaretfestival.com.au.