20070508_oldman

Old Man River at the ANU bar

By Sally Crawshaw         

Every now and again, if you are paying close attention, you may witness something that has the potential to interrupt the path you are walking and inspire you. Watching Old Man River perform may serve as one such interruption. Listening to him speak will stop you dead in your tracks.

The Australian born, Israeli raised musician, whose real name is Ohad Rein, lit up the ANU refectory on Thursday night as the supporting act for Josh Pyke. With a fusion of psychedelic rock, pop and even a twinge of country, the singer and his equally impressive band captivated the audience, and more importantly made them smile, song after song.

What is notable when talking with Old Man River, or listening to the lyrics on his debut album, Good Morning, is not necessarily his humour, or his kindness but rather his interest in seeing the world from as many different angles as he can. It is this curiosity that gives depth to his music and makes it unique. 

Not surprising then, is Rein's passion for travel; a passion that has enabled him to play for audiences from Israel to India. However it was New York City that provided a setting for him to first realise his passion for performing. When the World Trade Center towers collapsed in 2001, while many people shut down with fear, Rein saw it as an opportunity to reassess life and embrace his own. He began busking the streets, hoping to get a reaction from the passers-by. Their reactions were obviously powerful enough to spur him on to where he is today.

His response to September 11 is an example of what wonderful things can happen when we look at adversity from a different angle. Currently living in Sydney, Old Man River offers another example of this with the volunteer work he undertakes teaching music to special needs children. It was with their help that his latest single La was born, a single that may best be described as a recording of joy.

Old Man River is not sure what his next album will be like or if it will be as upbeat as his first but he is nonetheless all too aware of the power of music to brighten people's days and of how lucky he is to get to do what he does. Judging by last Thursday's performance it seems only natural that he will continue to make music for a long time to come, brightening our days one song at a time.

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