Reviewed by Ian Phillips.
By The Fabulous Capretos, Starr Special Events Australia 2023.
I recently had the pleasure of attending the final night performance of The Fabulous Capretos at the wonderful State Theatre in Sydney.
The Fabulous Capretos are Rai Thistlethwayte (Thirsty Merc), Jack Jones (Southern Sons), Daryl Braithwaite (Sherbet), and Russell Morris (Legend and The Real Thing).
Firstly, let me say it was one of the best concert’s that I’ve experienced. Each of these musicians is world-class and they are (or in the cases of Thistlethwayte and Jones) soon will be Aussie legends.
Let’s start with their name; The fabulous Capretos, a capreto is Italian for goat.
So, they are the fabulous goats… G.O.A.T. – Greatest Of All Time.
Just like Nathan Lyon, American surfer Kelly Slater, Michael Jordan etc.
It may seem a bit big headed to name yourselves thus but it’s all in keeping with the fun approach that these guys have to the venture.
The whole idea of the project was to get together and see what eventuated.
It was the brainchild of promoter John Starr and everyone should be thrilled with the outcome of their efforts.
The four individuals plus drums (Jackie James Barnes – Jimmy’s son) and bass (Jason Vorhemm) formed the band and they all played each other’s songs.
Rai Thistlethwayte is a brilliant singer and pianist and Jack Jones has become the guitarist of choice for touring artists (local and international) and he is also a fabulous singer.
The other two need little introduction. Daryl Braithwaite has spent more than 35 years in the business and Russell Morris 50+ years.
The performance was not just a nostalgia trip because they also wrote and recorded two new songs especially for the tour.
Highway of The Heart and Hit The Ground Running were written by Russell Morris and Jack Jones and they are great Aussie rock songs.
The souvenir program contains a CD with both songs.
In a way The Fabulous Capretos have the potential to become Australia’s Traveling Wilburys and, considering the fun the lads were having on stage I’m sure they’d be up for it.
The songs should be available from their individual websites or wherever you source music.