Singer still relevant after half a century

AFTER accidentally creating a successful touring show out of Joni Mitchell’s album Blue, Australian singer Katie Noonan will bring the concert to the Capital next weekend.

Noonan said the show was meant to be a one-off performance to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the albums’ release in 1971 but turned into a 40-day tour of which Bendigo will be concert 40.

“It’s been an absolute treat to sing the words of someone who I admire so much, who’s inspired me so much and to bring my full band down to Bendigo,” she said.

Blue documents a time in Joni Mitchell’s life where the artist experienced love and heartbreak, and the loss she suffered after giving her daughter up for adoption.

Despite the album’s age, Noonan said the themes expressed are still relevant to audiences today.

“I think thing about Joni is just her bravery, her willingness to be vulnerable and her capacity to really share her deep, dark secrets.

“She said I feel like I’m naked wrapped in cellophane, that’s how real, and true and vulnerable my words and my notes are.

“I think that’s why over 50 years later we’re still connecting with these songs because they’re real, they’re not vacuous, they still mean many things to many people,” she said.

Joining the singer on stage will be her 18-year-old son, Dexter Hurren on drums, who Noonan said was a talented and intuitive musician in his own right.

“I’m the opposite of a stage mum, I’ve met plenty of those parents and they scare me, actually.

“I’m only into music being a source of fun and inspiration for kids, it should never be a stressful thing that’s forced upon them.

“But Dexter just found the kit at the perfect age where it just fills his cup and gave him something to focus all his energy on as a teenager,” she said.

Hurren recently played with folk group Frente at a festival run by Noonan, and also has his own band.

Noonan will also be accompanied by her full band and singer-songwriter, Jo Davie.

Katie Noonan will perform Joni Mitchell’s Blue at the Capital on 16 September at 8pm and tickets available via the Bendigo Venues and Events website.