Jo Davie, Influenced by Brett Whiteley's Eclectic Vinyl Collection, Leads Sydney Festival Sessions

In 1985, renowned Australian artist Brett Whiteley turned a Surry Hills warehouse into his creative sanctuary, painting amidst the melodies of scratchy LPs from his vast music collection. This treasure trove, holding thousands of albums with musical greats like Jim Morrison, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and Don McLean, set the ambiance for Whiteley's artistic endeavors.

Fast forward to the present, Whiteley’s impressive 6000-tune collection has been digitized, serving as the muse for the Brett Whiteley Studio sessions at the Sydney Festival from January 6 to 27 in 2024. A diverse lineup of artists will perform in the late painter's studio, bringing an intriguing musical experience to attendees.

Among them is the rising folk star Jo Davie, a Brisbane native, who kicks off the event with her soul-stirring performances. A Sydney Festival veteran, Davie has previously supported Katie Noonan and has gained recognition for her unique voice and heartfelt songwriting, reminiscent of her idol, Eva Cassidy.

Jo Davie's love for folk music and her academic pursuit of a PhD in songwriting technology are harmoniously intertwined, enriching her craft to new heights. She now steps into the limelight with own show, exploring the folkier side of Whiteley’s record collection. Davie has intricately picked songs that resonate with her own artistic expression, highlighting Whiteley's eclectic taste in music.

Davie's musical roots trace back to her childhood, evolving from a school chorister to mastering the piano, violin, and guitar. Her personal journey, marked by the challenge of her mother's early onset Alzheimer’s, has deeply influenced her original compositions, allowing her to channel her grief through the power of music.

January is set to be an event-packed month for Davie, with her band Cigany Weaver releasing their second album and multiple live performances scheduled, including the coveted slot at the Sydney Festival, where she will interpret classics by Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, James Taylor, Rickie Lee Jones, and an Eva Cassidy favorite, hoping to leave the audience with a fresh take on timeless songs.

The Sydney Festival, running from January 6 to 28, promises to celebrate music, art, and culture, through the legacy of Brett Whiteley's diverse music collection and the modern interpretations it inspires.

music, festival, inspiration