Review: The Ladysinger’s Record Parlour (Vol.3)

**Picture:** *The Ladysinger’s Record Parlour (Vol.3)* Image credit: Creative Futures Photography

I know I have said this before, but it is worth repeating: if you blink you will miss out on tickets for any of the ‘volumes’ of The Ladysinger’s Record Parlour. It’s not surprising that this show was the first to sell-out in the 2024, 2025, and 2026 Anywhere Festival programs—each time including extra events that also sold out in record time. The 2024 ‘Vol. 1’ won the Anywhere Festival Music Award, the 2025 Vol. 2’ was again nominated in the same category, and I am delighted to report that ‘Vol. 3’ would be a worthy winner of any Anywhere Festival award this year.

In the best traditions of the excellent Anywhere Festival format, The Ladysinger’s Record Parlour takes place in… well… the front parlour of a very famous lady singer. Somehow the band manage to find space for around 30 people to join them for the latest selection of music that holds meaning, memories, and moments from the life of Anje West (voice). Anje is joined in their home by Kym Ambrose (drums), and the band that comprises Jamie Clark (guitar), Helen Russell (bass), Joe Machen (keys), and Liz Pickering (backing vocals).

There is so much great music to choose from, across the 1960s, 70s, 80s and 90s. I am delighted to report that the Vol 3 selection is a special and eclectic mix of music that is both new and old for me. The performers are an experienced and talented group and, as they have been playing and singing together for many years (many decades in some cases), it is unsurprising that each number is greeted with warm applause.

I am finding it difficult to get to a top three list from this show, and there was a strong possibility I’d just list all thirteen numbers as my personal favourites. So, do indulge me, as I have picked a top five. Fans of The View from Madeline’s Couch will not be surprised to hear that the Ladysinger’s version of a Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 arrangement of The Fool on the Hill was the perfect way to open the show, thanks to the excellent keys, memorable guitar solo, and fabulous vocals.

Boz Scaggs’ I'll Be Long Gone is a new one for me, and this was a version I would love to hear again. My notes from the evening include ‘Anje really should record this one’: great jazz piano solo, atmospheric drums and bass and excellent vocals.

Anje introduced Bodhisattva (Steely Dan) as a moment for the full band to let their hair down. Or, as introduced on the opening night, a ‘fully sick’ opportunity for the singers and musicians. Excellent keys, lead guitar and bass, and of course a fabulous closing frum roll.

Marlene on the Wall (Suzanne Vega) is an old favourite of mine, and it was great to hear it performed live. A lovely introduction, full of personal memories from our host, made the moment even more special. And the vocals and keys were possibly an improvement on the original… which is probably the highest praise I can give, as I love the original so much.

The pacing of the music across the set was impressive, taking us from the spellbinding Seven Bridges Road A Capella vocals through to the thrilling soft-rock/disco-pop Ride Like the Wind. The proverbial pin could have been dropped during their performance of the Eagles’ arrangement of Steve Young’s song, thanks to the excellent harmonies by each of the performers. And Christopher Cross’s Ride Like the Wind was a fabulous choice: a crowd-pleasing ‘banger,’ to quote from our host, and another one I’d love them to record.

OK… that’s my top six, not five! Sorry, but The Ladysinger’s Record Parlour Vol.3 was another special experience. The Ladysingers’ series is fabulous, intimate, joyful musical journey. Yes, it’s a particularly special highlight of the Anywhere Festival when performed in The Fairfield Parlour; after all, how often do you have the chance to be part of a musical conversation in the home of talented artists. But I believe the show would translate to larger venues, as Anje West holds audiences close with those wonderful introductions, stories and memories. 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. 4). And, while you are waiting for the next Anywhere Festival to come around, why not see if you can catch any concerts that feature Anje West and Kym Ambrose.

Catherine Lawrence

Audience information: All four of the 2026 Anywhere Festival Brisbane performances of The Ladysinger’s Record Parlour (Vol.3) at The Fairfield Parlour sold out in record time (21-24 May 2026). Tickets $55. PG, no warnings (suggest 10+). 80 minutes. Our hosts suggest BYO for pre- and post-show conversation.

The reviewer attended the 21 May 2026 opening night.

Review: The Ladysinger’s Record Parlour (Vol.3)

Geoff Lawrence