In a sold-out, Sunday-night show, Australian singer-songwriter Hazlett filled Cannery Hall with introspective lyrics and melancholic tunes. As part of his “The ‘Goodbye’ Tour,” he mesmerized Nashville’s vibrant and diverse music scene with his slow-paced and reflective melodies. Under the dimmed lights, Hazlett’s intimate acoustic performance took Nashville’s music lovers on an emotional journey.
Hazlett, who has risen to fame with the release of two acclaimed albums — “Bloom Mountain” and “Goodbye to the Valley Low” — performed a mixture of tracks from these LPs and a collection of singles. Hazlett’s rich voice and soft guitar-playing created a listening environment of comfortable vulnerability, which resonated throughout the small and densely packed venue.
This vulnerability was at the heart of Hazlett’s music, both in presentation and in meaning. Each song seemed to reflect his understanding that different people, events and things hold immense, incommunicable and personal meaning.
Several members of the crowd, particularly in the front row, could be seen singing along to Hazlett’s opening performance of “Please Don’t Be,” seemingly moved by the lyrics. The song explores a failed romantic relationship which left Hazlett hoping for a chance at reconciliation.
“People that mean a lot to you will probably never see just how much they mean to you,” Hazlett said between songs.
Each song seemed to be an attempt to communicate this intrinsic meaning through impactful lyricism and moving vocals.
Before his final performance of one of his most popular songs, “Blame The Moon,” Hazlett received a bouquet of flowers from the front row of the crowd. He emotionally remarked that it was his first time ever receiving flowers at an event, and he proceeded to articulate his praise for the crowd’s kindness and appearance at the show.
After seeing the show, we can confirm that Hazlett’s performance is not a show to miss. The beautiful rusticism of the performance, the energy and warmth of the crowd and the incredible depth of the lyricism make the show one to remember for a long time to come.
