Jeff Martin On Celebrating Neil Young From Harvest To Harvest Moon

A wonderful night of music and memories awaits fans as Celebrating Neil Young: From Harvest to Harvest Moon hits the stage to pay tribute to one of the most influential musicians in rock history, Neil Young. This highly anticipated event will feature a star-studded lineup of vocalists, including Jeff Martin (The Tea Party), Shane Nicholson (multiple ARIA and Golden Guitar winner), and Richie Lewis (Tumbleweed). Together, they will deliver a heartfelt celebration of Neil Young’s unparalleled legacy, bringing his classic hits to life in their own unique way.

For almost six decades, Neil Young’s soulful songwriting, distinctive voice, and ability to fuse rock, folk and country have made him a household name and inspired generations of musicians. Celebrating Neil Young: From Harvest to Harvest Moon will be an unforgettable journey through some of his most iconic songs, spanning his solo work and his collaborations with Neil Young & Crazy Horse. This event will not only highlight the profound influence of Young’s music but also honour the enduring impact he’s had on the lives of musicians and fans alike.

The night’s set list promises a rich selection of Neil Young’s most beloved tracks, capturing the essence of his long and illustrious career. Fans will be treated to renditions of hits like Harvest Moon, Old Man, Rockin’ in the Free World, Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black), Only Love Can Break Your Heart, Down by the River, Cinnamon Girl, and many more. Each song will be reinterpreted with passion, authenticity and the timeless spirit that Young is known for. Jeff Martin goes in to more detail about the show.

Are you looking forward to the next challenge, playing the songs of Neil Young?
Yeah, I’ve been challenging myself lately. I had a successful run performing the songs of David Bowie here in Australia, plus one big show in Toronto at the end of my solo tour earlier this year. I just want to keep myself on my musical toes, not rest on my laurels. Neil Young’s music is something I’ve cherished for a long time, so I’ve already started rehearsing the songs I’ll be performing.

It’s not a tribute, it’s an interpretation. My voice couldn’t be further from Neil’s, but that’s what makes it interesting. It’s going to be a wonderful evening with incredible musicians, some of whom I’ve worked with before on an R.E.M. tribute night. The band is fantastic, and I’m really looking forward to it.

Do you have a favorite Neil Young album or a particular period in his career that resonates with you?
For me, the bookends are Déjà Vu by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, that was my first real exposure to his music, and Harvest Moon, which became the go-to for campfire sessions and cottage weekends. Those two records hold a special place in my heart.

How did this tour come about? Was it something you discussed with Shane and Richie, or did the opportunity come out of the blue?
The idea came from Fraser at Metropolis Touring, he was the promoter when I did the R.E.M. tribute a few years ago. The band leader, Paul McDonald, and I had talked about how great it would be to do something with Neil Young’s music or even Crosby, Stills & Nash. Now, my schedule has opened up to make it possible, and everything lined up perfectly. Years later, here we are, and I’m excited to bring it to life.

Have you worked with Shane and Richie before? How is it collaborating with them on this project?
It’s going to be an incredible evening. Their talent speaks for itself, and it’s always a privilege to share the stage with them.

Did the songs naturally gravitate toward certain people, or did you get a say in which tracks you wanted to perform?
I was lucky enough to get first pick. I won’t reveal the full se tlist yet, but I chose five songs that span Neil’s career. These tracks represent huge moments for him, and they’re definitely ones that fans of his music will gravitate toward.

How do you find rehearsing these songs? Are they more challenging to play than they sound?
It’s a different process because Neil Young primarily wrote his songs in standard guitar tuning, whereas I’m known for my alternate tunings, especially with The Tea Party. For this project, I’ve applied my own approach to Neil’s songs, incorporating twelve-string acoustics to make them sound fuller and bigger. It adds a fresh dimension to the performance. Again, this isn’t about tribute, it’s about reverence and interpretation. I’m not trying to replicate Neil Young; I’m bringing something new to his music while still honoring its essence.

Will it become even more interesting once you start rehearsing with the full band?
Definitely. Paul McDonald and I spoke about it recently, and I think the dynamic will really start to take shape once we all come together in rehearsal. How I see it going and what guitars I’ll be using, because, you know, I’ve got quite the arsenal of electric guitars up here at the studio on the Sunshine Coast. A lot of them never really get to leave the recording studio, but I’m certainly going to allow it for this run. For instance, with some of the more country-tinged vibes that Neil Young songs have, I have a 1971 Fender Telecaster with a B-Bender. It allows the guitar to mimic the bends of a pedal steel guitar, the kind you’d find in country Western music. So things like that, I’m going to be bringing out of the woodwork.

So who else is in the band to round that out?
Well, I’m not sure actually, right now. Paul, being the leader of the band, has access to some of the finest musicians in Australia, like session players. So it’s a mystery to me right now as well, but I’m looking forward to the rehearsals in August. In the meantime, I’m just going to make sure that, for my part, I’m well rehearsed and ready to go.

It must have been quite a process narrowing down the set list. I’d imagine there are so many good songs to choose from that making a decision would be tough?
Yes and no. When I was offered this gig, I immediately said yes, and it only took me about a half hour to know exactly the five songs I wanted to do. Paul has spoken to the band, and they’re all very excited about the song choices I’ve made.

Beyond the tour, what’s next for you?
After the Neil Young shows, it’s pretty much going to be back to Tea Party land. We’re working on some touring situations, but I can’t let the cat out of the bag just yet. All I can say is that after the Neil Young shows, my focus will be back on The Tea Party. That last Australian tour was something very special. I felt like the band was firing on all cylinders. The thing about The Tea Party is that the three of us have known each other since we were kids. A three-piece band like ours, it’s like a fine wine; it gets better with age.

Interview By Rob Lyon

Catch ‘Celebrating Neil Young From Harvest To Harvest Moon’ on the following dates. Tickets from Metropolis Touring…