You know how some albums become lifelong companions. You don’t listen to them every day, but every so often, you pull them out and they feel like coming home. For me, one of those albums is Blood Oranges by Melanie Oxley and Chris Abrahams.
I first discovered this album in 2003 and was immediately captivated. Though I knew of Melanie Oxley primarily through her family connections to the band The Sunnyboys, this album was such a revelation. Its songs explore deep emotions with beautiful, often melancholic instrumentals, but they also carry an undercurrent of optimism. It’s a masterful balance of sadness and hope.
For me, the highlight of tonight’s concert was their performance of several tracks from Blood Oranges, including my personal favorite, “If I Let It Go?”
It was a thrill to hear these songs live again. Interestingly, some of their more upbeat tracks, like the pop-oriented “Troublemaker” and the title track “Blood Oranges,” were reimagined with a more laid-back, intimate feel. As well as they songs I first heard twenty years ago, they did songs from their more recent releases, too.
Performing at the Annandale Arts Centre, a beautifully converted former church, the duo — accompanied by a fantastic jazz double bassist, Jonathan Zwartz – created a warm, intimate atmosphere. This was a far cry from the legendary Basement venue where I first saw them perform, but it was perfect for the occasion. The smaller crowd and stunning setting made for a truly special night.
Melanie’s voice is simply beautiful and ethereal, delivering lyrics that are at times dark, yet always seem to hold a glimmer of optimism. Chris’s piano work is wonderfully meandering, often exploring minor keys with a touch of Burt Bacharach-like flair on the more upbeat numbers. The interaction between him and the double bassist was fantastic, at times almost improvisational.
It was wonderful to hear that after 30 years of performing together, Melanie and Chris may be becoming more active again. They’ve even started an email list to keep fans updated on future performances. This concert felt less like a one-off gig and more like a sign of new beginnings. It was a beautiful evening of music and a lovely reunion with an album that has been part of my life for so long.
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