Folk Music's New Voice: Jo Davie Leads Sydney Festival's Tribute to Brett Whiteley's Eclectic Record Collection

In the vibrantly creative space of an old warehouse, once belonging to the acclaimed painter Brett Whiteley, the twirl of a paintbrush was often accompanied by a symphony of songs from a record player. It was 1985 when Whiteley purchased this Surry Hills warehouse, transforming it into his studio where he would create masterpieces alongside melodies from an extensive vinyl record selection. His assorted array of records, worn at their edges and echoing the voices of legends like Jim Morrison, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and Don McLean, played an integral role in his artistic process.

Inspired by a Vast Musical Landscape

Today, Whiteley's collection has been immortalized in a digital format, encapsulating over 6000 tunes that continue to inspire artists and musicians. In honor of this musical legacy, the Sydney Festival has curated the Brett Whiteley Studio sessions scheduled to run from January 6th through the 27th. The event will be housed in the very studio that Whiteley once filled with his eclectic taste in music and art.

This year's event will showcase the talents of world-renowned artists such as Anoushka Shankar on sitar and Harold Lopez-Nussa with his Cuban jazz piano. But the star who will kick off this exceptional event is none other than Brisbane's rising folk music talent, Jo Davie.

Jo Davie Steps into the Spotlight

Davie's foray into the realms of folk music and beyond has led her to this moment, carrying an ethereal voice likened to that of her inspiration, the late Eva Cassidy. Having already graced last year's Sydney Festival as a support act and now pursuing her PhD in songwriting technology, Davie is poised to take center stage with her performance on January 6th.

Her selection for the festival embodies the spirit of Whiteley's varied musical preferences. Davie has chosen to perform classics such as Joni Mitchell's 'Both Sides Now,' Leonard Cohen's 'Bird on a Wire,' and Eva Cassidy’s rendition of 'Songbird,' which resonates with her own upbringing and musical roots.

The emotional depth of her music also reflects her personal journey, as Davie turns to songwriting as a cathartic process to cope with her mother's early onset Alzheimer's diagnosis. Her songs reach out to listeners with similar experiences, offering a shared sense of solace and understanding.

Amid a bustling January filled with other performances and the launch of her band Cigany Weaver's second album, Davie is committed to offering festival-goers an interpretation of the classics, infused with her unique style and the profound influence of her musical heroes.

The 2024 Sydney Festival invites audiences to experience the nexus of art and music, celebrating Brett Whiteley's passion for both that continues to spark creativity in a new generation.

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