JON + DAVE + VANESSA = MAGIC
FORMER Noiseworks frontman Jon Stevens is back and focused on the thing he loves most — playing and making music.
And when a man of music integrity, in the shape of award winning Eurythmics guitarist and producer Dave Stewart, gives your talent the tick of approval, Stevens is a happy man.
Stewart claims Stevens has one of the most extraordinary voices he has ever recorded, and the result — an album called Starlight — is pretty exceptional.
Pockets of Australians working in the film industry are usually the ones heralded in Los Angeles but it was the turn of music last night as both Stevens and Vanessa Amorosi played as “guests” of Dave Stewart in West Hollywood.
The aptly named “Dave and Jon” show showcased the pair as they took to the stage in front of a packed house at famous Los Angeles club Troubadour.
Dave Stewart and Jon Stevens perform at the Troubadour in West Hollywood. Picture: Karl Larsen/Coleman-RaynerSource:Supplied
Stewart is famous for his working and real life relationship with Annie Lennox (the pair split in 1980 but continued working together in the Eurythmics).
But more recently he has worked with the likes of Mick Jagger, Ringo Starr, Bono, All Saints, Tom Petty, Bob Geldof, Orianthi, Stevie Nicks, Joss Stone, The Edge, and now Amorosi and Stevens.
Stewart has high praise for the New Zealand born, Australian-based singer.
“Actually, I was introduced to him by Vanessa who had ‘you must have a listen to this guy’ and I was quite genuinely knocked out by his range and his overall voice and presence,” Stewart told news.com.au
“He has that rock, bluesy, soulful edge and I knew we could work on something quite extraordinary together. He’s the real deal.”
Jon Stevens, Vanessa Amorosi and Dave Stewart. Picture: Karl Larsen/Coleman-RaynerSource:Supplied
As for Stevens, he is genuinely happy to be working with a man who “gets him”.
“I don’t think Dave would remember that we used to back up Eurythmics tours in the 80s and 90s and one thing I really remember is how nice he was to us all,” says Stevens.
“He could have been a complete a***hole,” he laughs.
“As they were total big time so I remember that to this day.”
The pair has worked together on Starlight, which has taken John back to his swampy, bluesy and rock sound — a sound that comes naturally to him.
“Sure, each song I write has to have a bit about your life in them as they need to come from the heart, but you can’t be right in the nose and read too much into the lyrics,” says Stevens.
A huge crew of guests turned up to the gig including Aussie models Ashley and Jessica Hart, actor and singer Simon Burke, Stevens partner, billionaire philanthropist Heloise Pratt and a tonne of LA music heavyweights, who, even after many years, still know how to party.
Intimate gig
In a welcome return to the stage, Amorosi, who has been living in LA and working with Stewart for the past few years, joined the pair on stage along with Stevens’ rapper son, Levi.
“I’ve been living here for the last seven years and have been back and forward but I am just about to embark on a total new sound, thanks to Dave, which is a gospel soul record,” said Amorosi.
“Obviously it’s not my usual sound and it has been a difficult transition and isn’t going to be a walk in the park but it will be my masterpiece.”
Vanessa has sold more than two million records worldwide and her pop anthem, Absolutely Everybody, is still played around the world.
Melbourne is now on the launch agenda next month when Stevens and Stewart officially unveil Stevens’ album on Aussie turf.
After the Troubadour gig, musos and VIP guests ventured to the famous Sunset Marquis bar where true, rock-style partying went on until the early hours.
Vanessa Amorosi joins Jon Stevens and Dave Stewart on stage at the Troubadour in West Hollywood. Picture: Karl Larsen/Coleman-RaynerSource:Supplied
Dave Stewart on stage. Picture: Karl Larsen/Coleman-RaynerSource:Supplied