[Jigzag Live!]

I suppose you'd have to call this more of a testimony than a review. I can't pretend to be objective - I have the dubious honour of having laughed, cried and danced to Jigzag simultaneously. But it is unsolicited, unremunerated, and not even for Jigzag would I lie. Indeed, you could say that because of Jigzag I wouldn't.

Their music has been a consistent source of inspiration and life guidance for me ever since first I had the joyful experience of meeting Liz Frencham at Woodford Folk Festival in 2000, and shortly thereafter became Jigzag's #2 fan (#1 honour goes to Jane Faulkner I believe). That was of course before they were Jigzag - when they were playing celtic tunes and pop covers in a pub at Manly every Sunday afternoon. Even then they were inspiringly optimistic and energetic and great value live entertainment.

So, this album has been long time coming, and for those of us who have loved Jigzag's music for many years, this compilation of their favourite live recordings could easily be a soundtrack to an authentic life. For that is what they offer - with no shame or embarrassment for not being 'cool'
(although of course they are in their own perky way J).

They write songs that tackle issues that most pop artists wouldn't touch with a barge pole - with Liz's darkly powerful Stronger The Tree; Greg's no-holds-barred gentility in Take It Like a Man; and Caroline's auspicious first songwriting offering "Feel Like a Child" - all illuminating life experiences that many of us have struggled with.

And of course it wouldn't be a Jigzag album if it wasn't also filled to the brim with joyous, lighthearted celebrations of life - Liz's bluesy, smooth as silk Man of Wood and the cheeky romp of Little Things are testaments to Jigzag's ever present dedication to making love, not war.

And then there are the tune sets, which more than anything highlight the sheer extraordinary musicianship of these three individuals - old favourites like Miserlou rejigged, along with new explorations of their musical capacities like The Chainsaw Wedding Arrangement (you had to be there J). For someone like me who has been a longtime fan - what strikes me most about this album is how awesomely tight these three friends are. Instrumentally and vocally, it is clearly evident how much music they have made together over the past 9 years.

And more than this, there is a clear reflection - an almost palpable sense - in this album of the warmth, comaraderie and generosity of spirit that characterises their playing together.

Jigzag are touring less these days - with Liz spreading her solo wings with her exquisite first recording Jericho (yes folks, there's finally a chance to get a recorded version of this most beautiful song), (& moving to Melbourne & and soon touring overseas with her sister Karen Lynne) - but don't be mistaken, Jigzag is still a vibrant, shining entity. Greg, Caroline and Liz are just honouring the maxim that 'making a living is best undertaken as part of the more important business of making a life'.

We hope to see them back in top gear later this year, and they'll always get together whenever they can. If you know how much joy Jigzag offer us in their music, and miss seeing them play more often, buying this album is a great way to keep musical company with them in the meantime.

Maree Robertson, Folk Rag