classic and rare Australian popular music from the 1950's, 1960's. 1970's and beyond..including rock and roll, pop, beat, rock, surf and progressive, plus contemporary artists, new releases, reviews and other fun stuff

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Showing posts with label Roots. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Roots. Show all posts

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Folk-Roots singer-songwriter Michael Waugh new album release ‘The Weir’..insightful storytelling




Michael Waugh’s new album ‘The Weir’ reaches up from the dried, cracked heart of Gippsland’s irrigation reservoir - Lake Glenmaggie - asking what it means to grow up Australian. It is family ‘carguments’ on long holiday drives to see the big things of Australia, mozzie-bitten itches of first summer loves, Meldrum-fuelled familiarity of Aussie rock classics, and the lived-in love of dinner with your partner in front of Neighbours. But it is also about what lies underneath – our underbelly laid bare by the drought; the distances that drive us apart, the economic devastation of rural communities, the death-wish of boys in country towns, the spectres of colonisation, racism and homophobia.

The Weir’ is Michael Waugh’s third album. It follows ‘The Asphalt & The Oval’ (winner 2018 The Age Music Victoria Awards ‘Best Folk and Roots Album’) and 2016’s ‘What We Might Be’ (Golden Guitar Award nomination 2017) and is Michael’s third studio project with multiple ARIA and Golden Guitar winning producer Shane Nicholson.

Michael Waugh gives a profound new voice to the Australian experience. His insightful storytelling cuts to the heart of everyday life. It is honest, emotionally brave and compelling in its beauty. His insightful tributes to friends, family and parenthood are simultaneously deeply personal and nationally recognisable; audiences see their own brothers, parents, pubs, rivers, struggles and joys reflected in the faces of those characters who live large in Michael's songs.





You can catch Michael Waugh at one of his upcoming shows:

Saturday 14th September – The Palais (w/ Shane Nicholson) – Hepburn Springs, VIC
Saturday 21st September – Sandy Point Music Club (with Gretta Ziller) – Sandy Point, VIC
Friday 4th October – Oodies CafĂ© (w/ Scott Cook) – Bundaberg, QLD
Saturday 12th – Saturday 19th October – Cruisin Country 2019
Friday 1st – Sunday 3rd November – Maldon Folk Festival – Maldon, VIC
Saturday 16th November – Humph Hall (w/ Gretta Ziller) - Allambie Heights, NSW
Sunday 17th November – Illawarra Folk Club show (w/Gretta Ziller) – Kiama, NSW
Saturday 23rd November – Burke and Wills Winery – Heathcote, VIC
Saturday 30th November – By the Banks Festival – Albury, VIC
Wednesday 11th December – The Lomond Hotel - East Brunswick, VIC

The Weir - out now on Compass Bros Records through Universal Music Australia – buy here

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Sydney-based artist Nathan Cavaleri new single '29 Gold Stars' and EP Release Date


Following on from releasing a pair of critically praised singles, Sydney-based artist Nathan Cavaleri has just revealed tour dates and latest cut ’29 Gold Stars’ – another gripping number lifted from his forthcoming debut EP ‘Demons’ (due May 31).

Channeling the strut grooves of Prince, understated vintage tones of J.J. Cale and hybrid hip-hop type arrangements, ’29 Gold Stars’ shines a light on Nathan’s ability to shape songs eclectically, while still retaining apt cohesiveness.



Nathan describes the motivation behind ’29 Gold Stars’:

My head was in the gutter when I wrote this track. Fascinated by the relationship between desire and shame. The change in topic was a nice break from the usual emotive pieces I write. As an artist, I need this balance”.

Previous singles ‘Demons’ and ‘Rising Sun’ were widely embraced by Spotify and the likes of Australian radio stations triple j, double j, ABC Local Radio, SYN FM, JOY FM, RTR FM, Radio Adelaide, 4ZZZ, 979FM, Bay FM, Edge FM, 2XX FM, The Pulse and various others. The tracks also received support from Australian tastemakers and blogs such as Pilerats, Music Feeds, The Music, The AU Review, Savage Thrills, AAA Backstage and Forte Mag. 

SUPPORT FOR '29 GOLD STARS'

Dripping in an assured style and air of untouchability”. - 4/5 Stars
- Declan Byrne - triple j (AUS)

It's got the curveball touches of a fried Beck off-cut with this searing guitar circling overhead”. - 4/5 Stars
- Dave Ruby Howe - triple j (AUS)

"Cavaleri's vocals sizzle with a kind of self-assured swagger and sass that you don't see from many Aussie acts. We could have a future rockstar on our hands here".
- Music Feeds (AUS)

Premiered on triple j's Roots n All program 



FOLLOW NATHAN CAVALERI

Sunday, October 8, 2017

Melbourne trio The RECHORDS all fired up with a refined sound and renewed focus



Not what you would typically expect from a stripped down trio. The RECHORDS have a full sound for Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar and Upright Bass but it’s the 2 and 3 part harmonies and varied lead vocals that give this band it’s individuality and punch. Known for their live performance energy on stage and at times, hypnotic melodies and infectious rhythms. The song choices are as eclectic as the members that write them and it’s what gives the band it’s uniqueness and sound which, if needed, would be closely related to Americana. They’ve been influenced by Old Timey Hillbilly, Bluegrass, alternative Country, Traditional Rockabilly with hints of the classic vocal groups of the 60’s and even a twist of pop vibes.




The trio have worked hard since 2009, building quite a strong local and ever growing overseas following, performing in the realm of over 450+ shows. They can thrive in a small pub or feel just as comfortable gracing the festival stages, like Falls Festival, Meredith Music Festival, Gympie Music Muster & the Wave Rock Weekender to name a few. They’ve completed two successful self-funded European tours, one in 2011 and the other in 2013 both consisting of about 10 shows each including 2 major roots festivals each tour. With their overseas tours and constant online promotion and exposure they have followers in Spain, Germany, Austria, Nederlands, UK and many states throughout the USA which helped them win the Best Roots/Country EP Category 2014 on the Independent Music Awards website with their 4 track EP titled ‘It Won’t Be Long’.



Their latest recorded works, “Mockingbird" and "Seeing Things” were created with producer/engineer, David M Turner Esq. “Seeing Things” is a jangly country number driven by a pulsating bass line and mesmerizing vocals from singer Leo Francis as he mourns a far too fleeting taste of true love. “Mockingbird” stomps along with a garage swagger below the tale of singer/guitarist Felix Potier's encounter with trickery and other such monkey business. These are songs written and delivered with authenticity from a group taking their music in an exciting new direction.










Friday, April 3, 2015

Singer-Songwriter Boroko releases 2 new singles ahead of second album Western Child



Melbourne singer-songwriter, Boroko (aka Tim Fontaine), is set to release his second full-length album, Western Child, this year. He has released 2 singles from the album, "Because Life" and "Lonely Tower". 

2 stunning videos have also been released:


Because Life


                                            

Lonely Tower (filmed in New York City)

Marty's review: Boroko's music is roots rock based with a hard edged sound. He writes and sings about life as he sees it with well constructed lyrics and a musical backing that shines through with unbridled professionalism. Sometimes dark, sometimes poignant, these are songs that are delivered with a passion and come from the soul.

Stream Boroko's music on Soundcloud here

Visit my other music blogs here:
Soundtrack Heaven
The Aussie Music Blog
The Vintage Music Blog
The Jazz Music Blog
This Jukebox Rocks
The Blues and Roots Music Blog
Martin's Music Machine
Twitter @islandmanrocks





Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Daddy Who Daddy Cool...all time classic best selling Aussie album



Daddy Cool is an Australian rock band formed in Melbourne in 1970 with the original line-up of Wayne Duncan (bass, Vocals), Ross Hannaford (lead guitar, bass, vocals), Ross Wilson (lead vocals, rhythm guitar, harmonica) and Gary Young (drums, vocals) . Their debut single "Eagle Rock" was released in May 1971 and stayed at number 1 on the Australian singles chart for ten weeks. Their debut July 1971 LP Daddy Who? Daddy Cool also reached number 1 and became the first Australian album to sell more than 100,000 copies. Their name comes from the 1957 song "Daddy Cool" by US rock group The Rays, Daddy Cool included their version on Daddy Who? Daddy Cool.

The album was originally issued in a textured cover and featured a cartoon rendering of band members by Melbourne artist Ian McCausland which became the group's logo. While Daddy Cool's guitarist, Ross Hannaford, was responsible for overall album cover design, McCausland created the band's graphics and much of their visual image. Most of the original songs were written by guitarist, vocalist Ross Wilson except "Bom Bom", which was co-written with Hannaford. The rest of the album contained 1950s R&B covers - The Rivals' "Guided Missiles", Etta James' "Good Rockin' Daddy", Marvin & Johnny's "Cherry Pie", The Rays' "Daddy Cool" and Chuck Berry's "School Days".




Daddy Cool's music featured 1950s Doo-wop style rock cover versions and originals which were mostly written by Wilson. On stage they provided a danceable sound which was accessible and fun. Their second album was Sex, Dope, Rock'n'Roll: Teenage Heaven from January 1972 and reached the Top Ten. Breaking up in August 1972, Daddy Cool briefly reformed during 1974–1975 before disbanding again, they reformed with the band's original line-up in 2005. Their iconic status was confirmed when they were inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Hall of Fame on 16 August 2006.

Daddy Who?... Daddy Cool was also released in the US on the Warner/Reprise label and the band toured in support of its release. Two singles were lifted from the album: "Eagle Rock" #1 on the Australian national singles chart and "Come Back Again" which reached #3.

The album was re-issued in 1975 (with different sleeve under the title Daddy Who? Daddy Gold!) on Wizard Records (also owned by Porter) and in 1982, with the original artwork but non-gatefold sleeve.

The Australian release on Sparmac Records contains different tracks than the US Release on Reprise Records five months later. The Australian release includes the tracks "Good Rockin' Daddy" and "Cherry Pie" not found on the Reprise Records edition. The US release includes the tracks "Flip", "Lollipop" and "Just As Long As We're Together" not found on the Sparmac Records edition.

In October 2010, it was listed at No. 14 in the book, 100 Best Australian Albums


  1. "Daddy Cool" (Frank Slay/Bob Crewe) - 2:31
  2. "School Days" (Chuck Berry) - 3:03
  3. "Come Back Again" - 4:51
  4. "At The Rockhouse" - 3:42
  5. "Guided Missile" (Alfred Gaitwood) - 3:02
  6. "Good Rockin' Daddy" (Richard Berry/Joseph Bihari as "Joe Josea") - 2:21
  7. "Eagle Rock" - 4:07
  8. "Zoop Bop Gold Cadillac" - 3:56
  9. "Blind Date" - 4:12
  10. "Bom Bom" (Ross Wilson/Ross Hannaford) - 2:34
  11. "Cherry Pie" (Joseph Bihari as "Joe Josea"/Marvin Phillips) - 3:40
  12. "Flip" (Carl Green) - 2:26 (bonus track from US release)
  13. "Lollipop" (Beverly Ross/Julius Dixon) - 1:36 (bonus track from US release)
  14. "Just As Long As We're Together" - 2:32 (bonus track from US release)




                                         

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Great John Himself...roots rock from Melbourne..combining blues, ska and reggae



Great John Himself are a roots rock band, combining blues, ska, reggae and rock styles to develop a sound dedicated entirely to getting a crowd dancing and having a good time. 2013 has seen Great John Himself perform extensively at venues such as The Esplanade Hotel Front Bar and The Brunswick Hotel, develop a live show that has won them the Melbourne University Battle of the Bands and a position in the grand final of the FReeZA Push Start Battle Of The Bands at the Sydney Myer Music Bowl for Pushover 2014 and most recently, produce and record their debut EP which was launched at The Cornish Arms on December 7th 2013.

It has never been established who 'John' is, or what it is that makes him so particularly great. All that is for certain is that an ensemble of five males have emerged from Melbourne, Australia in his legacy to preach his message of good times and partying down, whilst refusing to conform to even the slightest of trends or expectations.

Marty's review: GJH have a unique sound that combines many elements of blues and roots music, with a few original features added in that make them stand out on their own. Soaring harmonica, tight and funky bass lines,chucka-wucka guitar licks, cool saxophone, sonic and spacey keyboards, quirky and sometimes amusing lyrics, a rollocking drum beat and vocals by all members that round out their combined talents. One thing these guys sound like they're doing is having lots of fun! Take some time out and listen to and/or download their debut EP.

listen to their 5 track EP here: http://greatjohnhimself.bandcamp.com/album/great-john-himself
...and find out more on Facebook: www.facebook.com/greatjohnhimself


Great John Himself  are:
Edward Williams - Vocals, Saxophone 
Francis Tait - Harmonica, Guitar, Vocals 
Damon Perillo - Bass Guitar, Guitar, Vocals 
William Fleming - Keys, Vocals 
Benjamin Borrelli - Drum Kit, Vocals


Monday, December 2, 2013

Cash Savage and The Last Drinks...The Hypnotiser...dark, country blues that cuts deep



Acclaimed jewel of dark country blues Cash Savage, and her band The Last Drinks, released their second LP The Hypnotiser on Friday 2 August. This stunning recording balances the soulful confessions of Cash’s compelling tales with evocative strings, triumphant horns, a 45-voice choir and the band leader’s impassioned cries of love, loss and despair.

The suite of songs on The Hypnotiser is at once beautiful, rugged, reckless, despairing, gentle, desperate, loving and raw. The cohesiveness of the words and music is a more collaborative effort than on the band’s debut album, Wolf [2011]. Having spent the gulf between albums on the road — in country theatres, urban venues, the Famous Speigeltent, Meredith Music Festival, Port Fairy Folk Festival and the willow-shrouded Riverboats Music Festival alongside Pete Murray, Clare Bowditch and James Reyne — the once fluid Last Drinks lineup has solidified. Together this group of musicians has created a work that alludes to an undercurrent of drunken kinship polished with hard yards, while still retaining the soul for which Cash is known.

Engineered by Melbourne-based Japanese-born Nao Anzai and produced by Nick Finch from Graveyard Train, Cash commenced recording with none of the preconceptions that framed Wolf. The result is a searingly honest, powerful release of uncompromising heartbreak and unbound love that becomes more alive and personal with each listen.

listen to the album here: https://soundcloud.com/savage-drinks/sets/the-hypnotiser/s-hV8uP
see also: http://cashsavage.com.au/