The music of Tim and Jeff Buckley will come to life once more for A State of Grace, Gary Lucas' legacy-inspired tribute to the father and son.
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The Australia-first event will showcase the timeless and transcending lives and works of the short-lived Jeff Buckley and his father, Tim.
Overseeing this is Lucas, a New York guitarist and composer who collaborated with Jeff on songs Grace and Mojo Pin, along with several other unreleased tracks.
"He was one of the most gifted musicians I've ever encountered," Lucas said. "Certainly the most gifted young musician I've been able to work with.
"It was the idea to do this show specifically to honour the legacies of Tim and Jeff that had me interested."
A State of Grace will be the first Australian tour to feature the music of Tim Buckley alongside his son's.
"There have been many tributes to Jeff all over the world, but this is the first that is inclusive in focusing on the work of Tim.
"The work of Tim Buckley – some of it is really beautiful, all of it is really, but it's not as well-known as Jeff's music."
Lucas began his dalliance with the Buckleys when he met Jeff while playing at a Tim Buckley memorial set. The long-time fan of Tim's work instantly recognised Jeff's talent.
"I've worked with quite a few stellar artists like Lou Reed and Nick Cave, but Jeff had a real brilliant incandescent quality in everything that he did.
"I thought he had it all."
Lucas has brought together a spectacular line-up of musicians to help in reimagining the musical works of the Buckleys, including Martha Wainwright, Casper Clausen, Willy Mason, Camille O'Sullivan, Steve Kilbey, Cold Specks, and Gods and Monsters, Jeff's former band.
"I'm heading up a great bunch of musicians, I would describe us as a little super group."
"I've got these marvellous singers, Martha Wainwright, one of the best contemporary vocalists out there, and Steve Kilby from The Church who is somebody I've looked up to for years – it's like a dream for me."
Lucas described it as an honour and a privilege to work with these artists. He has assured that the better known songs will be played as originally intended, but a handful of them will be reworked on the night.
"Some people will be coming along looking for something familiar, something that will resonate with them. But some of Tim Buckley's songs are a bit less known so we've taken a bit more creative liberty."
Opening in Melbourne on September 23, the travelling show will play its final night at Canberra Theatre Centre on September 30.
A State of Grace hopes to provide audiences with an uplifting experience, giving them a look into the musical works and tragic lives of the Buckley men.
"Tim and Jeff Buckley were absolutely great artists, whose works prove their timeless nature not just through music, but as cultural expression."
A State of Grace
When: Wednesday September 30, 7.30pm.
Where: Canberra Theatre Centre
Tickets: $89-$139 from canberratheatrecentre.com.au.
