Creative, innovative, intuitive – individual adjectives that, when utilised by themselves, could be applied to any number of DJs or producers who have made it big on the international circuit. Whereas most DJs are simply known for creating a great set, there is a handful of international DJs who stand above the rest as performers who possess these three qualities – the ability to create whole new sounds from existing beats, the tenacity to push technology and fundamentals further, and the musical mindset to take an audience on a magic carpet ride through sound. It almost goes without saying that the UK’s James Zabiela is one such DJ who is among this elite group of DJs, and Perth was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to see what the master could do at an intimate Thursday night gig at Ambar.

Much to the delight of several devoted (and persuasive!) JZ fans, event organisers Boomstick made the decision to switch the show from Villa Nightclub to Ambar. Now, if this was indeed a Friday night gig, Villa might very well have sold out; however being a Thursday night, the cavernous setting would create a vapid atmosphere of a venue only half-full. The prospect of a packed out or even near-full Ambar seemed fantastic for all concerned, and kudos to Boomstick for such a gallant effort – for doubtless, there would have been many headaches caused by such an eleventh-hour rescheduling process (particularly concerning VIP ticket holders who might have been disgruntled with the move).

Making our way through Ambar’s newly renovated entrance and down the stairs, James Zabiela was just getting things going with a rather smooth and sumptuous Chicago house inspired number. JZ playing Chicago house? Next Tiesto will… ... oh wait!

Throughout the first hour of Zabs’ set, the tempo, mood and direction of the music seemed to traverse all four seasons. From autumnal dry funk to chilly atmospheric melody and from rejuvenating, warm grooves to summery bongo-driven beats, the set never left us wanting a change in the weather.

As the clock struck midnight, James Zabiela began brewing up a storm, which came to a head when he dropped the absolutely magnificent Claude VonStroke’s Aundy – presumably he switched seamlessly between the original remix and that by DJ Marky & SPY. JZ plays drum & bass in his sets now? I suppose I should not be too surprised, since many of his past sets have featured early breakbeat influences – the sort you would expect New Yorkers to break-dance to. My jaw had hit the floor at both the tune itself and Zabiela’s technical wizardry behind the decks. And it wasn’t only me going absolutely mental – the rest of the crowd inside Ambar was generating enough electricity to power the national grid. Even the couches became makeshift podiums!

Another personal highlight of JZ’s set came in the form of Carl Craig’s At-Les. it really was a pleasure to hear such a blissful piece of music played live on a big soundystem. Time was flying by and the musical mood once again shifted to something a little more upbeat. As I danced, James Zabiela’s turntable trickery struck me in a way that suggested he was having as much fun as his audience. I did not even need to see him behind the turntables – though given my eyesight, I would need to stand fairly close to the decks in order to do so anyway.

Somehow midnight became 2am, at which point I found myself wondering – along with the rest of the crowd – if Zabiela would continue on long past his allotted set time. Indeed he did, treating his adoring fans to one encore tune after the other, going from remixes of tunes by Bjork and Depeche Mode and even another liquid drum & bass tune thrown in for good measure. Doubtless James Zabiela would have gone on for a fourth hour if he had not spent over a whole day tens of thousands of feet in the air. Three hours is plenty enough, given his hectic schedule (and the fact that most people had a Friday shift at the office awaiting them). Perth’s very own master of chunky tech house Darren J assumed control of the decks and FX to see out proceedings.

Massive props must go to Boomstick for hosting a gig that will surely be talked about for years to come. It has to be said that it is a refreshing change to see James Zabiela perform in an intimate setting, for he is usually featured as part of a large club night or festival bill. I only wish I could have arrived at Ambar in time to check out local support acts Progress Inn and Tom Budden. However, I will certainly be there front-row-centre upon James Zabiela’s return to Perth.