JD Smith. Redland Performing Arts Centre. Feb 2024

Written by poprepublic

For any Artist trying to put their own show together, its always going to be a huge risk.

When you have the opportunity of singing with a large group or even being the invited guest singer at a concert there is no unreasonable pressure – it’s kind of comfortable by comparison.

However more daring than any of that, is presenting some of the most iconic songs from top tier Australian male artists.

Redlands Performing Arts Centre (RPAC) were in for a real treat when a fairly unknown (but up-and-coming) artist called JD Smith stepped onto the stage with his band.

This was Saturday afternoon – most of the audience members were of a generation growing up listening to John Farnham, Bee Gees, Jimmy Barnes, Leo Sayer, Daryl Braithwaite and so many more.

JD Smiths’ show is called “The Boys From OZ” and no, not the musical, but the great hits from our Aussie male Icons.

Strategically opening with everyone’s favourite – the Little River Band’s classic track “Reminiscing”, the audience was already bopping around. The challenge for JD Smith – who regularly performs with the famous ‘Ten Tenors’ and had just returned from a South American Tour, was to perform these tracks in his own unique style – but still have the songs sound authentic.

Challenge was accepted and exceeded, not only did he take on the powerhouse songs from the likes of John Farnham and the Bee Gees, but he also performed a difficult version of a Cold Chisel classic “Flame Trees”.

Mixed into the afternoon’s tasty musical feast was the necessary ingredient of humour – and some quite unplanned when he mentioned how proud he was of his wife and children being there – and where were they sitting.

Only to be told they had left. Never mind… luckily JD has a great sense of fun about him.

He then went onto perform one of his wife’s favourites from John Paul Young, the international hit “Love is in the Air”.

JD also showcased a couple of original tracks off his debut CD album “Soul Searchin’ ” including the title track of the same name which was co-written by yet another Australian artist, (widely admired by his peers) Rick Price.

In an entertainment world of “same as”, it’s so refreshing listening to “pleasantly unique”.

To keep up to date with shows and appearances head over to www.jdsmith.com.au

Review and photos by Michelle Cop (MC Photography)