Arriving just after the doors opened, it was clearly going to be a great night. The band room was already well on its way to filling up, even with the headliner a while off. It is a rare treat these days to see a 10-piece band, and what a treat it was to witness Sydney local and R&B queen, Ruby Jackson, bring out the full band to launch her latest EP, This Love Thing, live at The Lansdowne in Sydney’s Inner West.
One could not be disappointed. In addition to Jackson on lead vocals and occasional acoustic guitar, the stage was laid out, Tetris-like, with two backup singers, guitar, bass, drums, keys, two saxophones, and finally, trumpet – all hail the trumpet, its contribution to the night was probably my favorite.
Early in the set, when Jackson brought out her acoustic guitar, you could see why. Holding the guitar as if classically trained, finger-plucking, I felt like I should be sitting on a Central American Playa, the sun setting, the afternoon winds having dropped, with warm air and cool beats just making you smile. Then dance. Then raise your arms in the air, laughing and singing with friends ahead of a long, fun night. People began to move. To groove.
After Jackson called for a brief ‘intermission,’ an appropriate term to describe the pause needed to introduce and credit her onstage collaborators, she introduced a new song about the early stages of romance. With its very funky guitar and perfect backing vocals hitting those high, high, HIGH notes, the crowd, in the limited space it had, continued to move. So it came as no surprise that when the sax and trumpet solos arrived, it was a sure thing – a lay down misere – if only each was longer. With a reaction like that, this will no doubt be a mainstay of Jackson’s live set in years to come.
Showcasing her diversity, Jackson also spoke about her love of jazz, particularly playing jazz-style interpretations of her R&B songs. While playing ‘My Friends,’ you could literally hear a pin drop. The song evoked the feeling of a 1950s love song, with the backup singers providing perfect harmony along with the ever-so-slightest touch of guitar. It was very moving and an appropriate lead into another heartfelt thanks to her band before the series of encores, with Jackson herself joining the chant “one more song” before deciding on a Mint Condition cover to close out the night.
Ruby Jackson was perfectly described to me by an audience member, Renee, as “really real & authentic.” That was certainly felt.
With a wonderful support set by Jade Steg ensuring the audience was as jammed as the stage, well before Ruby Jackson had even stepped on, it was clear that this wasn’t just any other gig, or indeed any other EP launch. People were here because they truly wanted to be.
Steg has an undeniable stage presence. The moment she walked on stage, early arrivals rushed forward and were treated to tracks that incorporated beautiful musical techniques that makes you want to dance and express yourself during each subtle pause. To describe her style, imagine a funky R&B sound, perhaps more mellow, with shades of Jewel or Dido. It’s truly compelling.
Her songs naturally possess depth, exemplified by a piece she wrote at 18 about visiting a club for the last time. With its soaring vocals, profound meaning, and wonderful composition (which further enhances the vocals), I would love to hear a “then versus now” rendition, as its meaning surely shifts for Steg with each performance.
It was a delight to see her perform. Beyond her immense talent, you could sense she would also be a pleasure to work with. When she mistakenly thought her set was being cut short, she politely and professionally began to wrap up. When the sound engineers told her to keep playing, you could feel their respect for her. Coupled with how she also built up the headliner, she is definitely the kind of artist who will be invited back.
Ruby Jackson’s Upcoming Shows
27 June 2026
Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy (Melbourne), Australia
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