Scottie’s Garage is the venue tonight for Karly Jewell’s album launch and birthday bash. Just like the juke joints in America and the inspiration for this venue, Scottie’s Garage is a hidden gem tucked away in the middle of an industrial estate in Seaford, Victoria. Owned by Terrie and Rod and named in memory of a passed friend. Scottie’s Garage started its life as a café which now opens up to an eclectic rock den, with memorabilia hanging everywhere, ceiling included. Scottie’s Garage is the perfect venue for a night of celebration and good hard Aussie rock where everyone is welcomed.
First up on stage is The Hidden Charms, a three-piece original blues, raw and dirty pub rock band. Their music is all rock riffs and driving drum beats. Led by Martin Reyes on vocals and guitar, Mick Jones on bass and Sammy Allitt on drums. The Hidden Charms play long musical interludes of distorted guitar riffs and solos that gave me ‘George Thorogood’ vibes.
They played a 40-minute set of seven songs. If you are a guitar lover I suggest you check out their album ‘Time is Bullshit’ on Spotify for some fire guitar solos and great music.
With the audience now warmed up, next on stage is HZED (name inspired by the HZ Holden). HZED is a 5-piece female fronted, high energy rock band. Their sound is a mix of rock, grunge and metal, with Tenaya on vocals, Piddo on bass, Spruce on lead guitar, Sam on drums and their newest member Hannah on rhythm guitar.
Tenaya has a strong, ballsy voice that reminded me of Suze DeMarchi with touches of Heart. HZED play raw authentic rock with a driving rhythm section, hypnotic drum beats and electrifying guitar riffs. HZED was on stage for just over 30-minutes and played 9 original songs and one brilliantly executed cover version of ‘Come Together’ by The Beatles.
HZED gave the crowd a taste of their new music with ‘Heart Breaker’ set to be officially released on the 4th July and a mini tour to launch the single starting at Scottie’s Garage on 12th July. HZED left the stage with the crowd well and truly wanting more.
Just after 10pm Karly Jewell and band stepped on stage. Karly Jewell is a pocket rocket on stage. From her petite stature explodes a prowling dynamic performer. Tonight is Karly’s birthday weekend and the launch of her second album ‘There’s a Jewell in Town’. Karly is a singer/songwriter who has music DNA in her bloodline, passed down from her grandfather Tony Jewell, an acclaimed country singer/songwriter.
Karly’s style is one of pop rock with grunge undertones. Her voice is distinctive and her songs have grunge like phrasing, but I could also hear a touch of country twang. On stage she is joined by Mariano (Mars) Marcos on drums, Spruce Hemlock on rhythm guitar, Andre Dumos on lead guitar and Mick Jones on bass.
Karly’s unique sound is complimented by hard hitting rock riffs and a rocking band. She played the 10 songs off the new album and 5 others for a total of 15 songs in her hour-long set. Karly tells the story that the song and album title are dedicated to something her pop used to say “Let them know there’s a Jewell in town” every time she performed or stepped on stage.
Karly’s new album as of tonight has risen up the iTunes album charts, much to her delight and proof of her hard work and talent. Karly closed the show with a hauntingly beautiful encore. No band, just herself, a spotlight and an echoey vocal performance of ‘In The Dark’.
Happy Birthday Karly and congratulations on your new album. You and the audience sure do know how to celebrate.
Ozgreeny and Kelly would like to thank Terrie from Scottie’s Garage for welcoming them and Karly Jewell. Maric Media & X Music for the media access.
Photos by OzGreeny’s Photography
