Review: The Ladysinger’s Record Parlour (Vol. 2)
Sometimes I worry that revisiting a show that I have loved before is a bad idea: will it be as good the second time around? did I really love the music/actor/dancer/play quite that much? is it possible to improve on the first experience? Last year, my personal favourite Anywhere Festival show was The Ladysinger’s Record Parlour (Vol. 1). Which means that I have been counting down to the promised 2025 ‘Vol. 2.’ And wondering if it will live up to expectations.
I am delighted to report that the answers to those questions of mine are yes, definitely, and absolutely. The Ladysinger’s Parlour (Vol. 2) shares many similarities with ‘Vol.1’: talented musicians playing in the ‘parlour’ of a Fairfield home, in an intimate concert that draws on memories of music that has been formative or important for Anje West. The differences are in the new numbers selected from an extensive personal playlist, and the latest stories and memories shared by our favourite ‘Ladysinger.’
The Ladysinger’s Record Parlour (Vol. 2) features Anje West (voice), Kym Ambrose (drums), Jamie Clark (guitar), Helen Russell (bass), Joe Machen (keys), and Liz Pickering (backing vocals). Having had the opportunity to sit in on a final rehearsal ahead of the all-too-short ‘Vol. 2’ run, I can confirm that they are a talented, highly-professional and collaborative team—and I am sure that everyone attending each of the four shows will have had a wonderful experience.
The Ladysinger’s playlist is a fabulous collection of ’70s, ’80s and ’90s soul, blues, and rock that features music that is new to me—this time including music by Bruce Cockburn. I have a feeling that there will not have been a dry eye in the house at the end of this version of Pacing the Cage, thanks to fantastic lead vocals, and beautiful work on acoustic guitar and keys.
The set-list also features several ‘old favourites,’ made extra special when hearing Anje West’s memories and reasons for including them in the show. With everything that is now going on in the world, George Harrison’s Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth) is a perfect choice to open the show, as the audience settles in to enjoy Anje West’s lead vocals and Jamie Clark’s excellent lead guitar. And my apologies for even thinking about singing along with the Wings Silly Love Songs; fortunately the band didn’t need my accompanying gargle.
Picture: Amazing vocals and great storytelling by Anje West (Credit: Creative Futures Photography)
Picture: Helen Russell (bass). Image credit: Creative Futures Photography.
Picture: The Ladysinger’s Record Parlour (Vol. 2), Image credit: Creative Futures Photography.
Picture: Kym Ambrose. Credit: Creative Futures Photography.
Picture: Excellent keys and backing vocals by Joe Machen. Image credit: Creative Futures Photography.
Picture: Jamie Clark (lead guitar). Image credit: Creative Futures Photography.
However, my Vol.2 standout is Rapture (perhaps we should start to lobby for a Blondie show … and next for a Steely Dan evening?). My close second choice is the fabulous version of Ernestine Anderson’s Someone Else is Stepping In, which demonstrates just what a fabulous blues singer Anje West is, and just how tight a jazz/blues band they are.
Sadly, the closing “so very cool” number comes round too quickly. And what a great choice Steely Dan’s Reelin’ In the Years is for the final song. I’m not surprised to hear that Jamie Clark suggested this one, as it features a fabulous guitar solo.
The Ladysingers’ series is an upbeat and joyful celebration of music and life; a fantastic format, performed by a great band and enhanced with the stories and memories that add to the musical experience. It’s not surprising that this show was the first to sell-out in the 2024 and 2025 Anywhere Festival programs (including extra events also selling out in record time). Follow Madcouch Productions/The View From Madeleine’s Couch, to make sure that you get in quick for the eagerly anticipated The Ladysinger’s Parlour (Vol. 3). And, while you are waiting for the next Anywhere Festival to come around, why not see if you can catch any concerts featuring Anje West and Kym Ambrose.
Picture: The Ladysinger’s Record Parlour (Vol. 2). Image Credit: Creative Futures Photography.
Audience information: All four of the 2025 Anywhere Festival Brisbane performances of The Ladysinger’s Record Parlour (Vol. 2), at The Fairfield Parlour sold out in record time (25-27 July 2025). Tickets $45. PG (suggest 10+). 75 minutes.
The reviewer sat in on a July 2025 preview.