Contemporary Folk Artist Thaylia releases new Alukura Single "Need 4 Greed"

ALUKURA (PROUNOUNCED A-LOOK-RA) MEANS 'WOMEN' IN THE ARRERNTE LANGUAGE OF CENTRAL AUSTRALIA

In 2015 Australia's renowned Aboriginal record label, CAAMA MUSIC, ran a nationwide competition to uncover a new crop of Aboriginal female talent. 
Eight winners from around Australia were flown to Alice Springs to record in CAAMA MUSIC's state of the art studio, which has launched many of Australia's most enduring Aboriginal acts.

The latest single from the compilation album is from emerging contemporary folk artist Thaylia. Originating from the red dusty plains of remote outback Australia, contemporary folk singer songwriter Thaylia was born in Darwin and then raised in a small outback town of Kununurra  in the far north Kimberleys of Western Australia. 

The single Need 4 Greed is a fusion of traditional Aboriginal music, electronic and folk and explores the world of corporatism and consumerism. The song was produced by Thaylia and the Stiff Gins and features a masterful and epic choir piece of the beautifully harmonised voices of the Stiff Gins and Alukura women from the album. Accompanying the single is a music video that was shot in the busy streets of Martin Place in Sydney  and the beautiful landscapes of the new Barangaroo Reserve.

Stream the new single >>>LISTEN ON SOUNDCLOUD - CLICK HERE

Thaylia's revamped website www.thayliamusic.com

Available for download on iTunes HERE

See previous posts on Thaylia:
Dec'15
May'15


                                         



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Matt Taylor...Straight As A Die...1973 album from Aussie blues legend

Matt Taylor was born in Brisbane, Queensland, in 1948. Taylor began listening to blues records in high school, and taught himself the guitar and harmonica. In February 1966 he joined the Bay City Union, one of Australia’s first electric blues bands. They moved to Melbourne in December 1966 and achieved some success playing in dance halls and clubs. They recorded a single "Mo’reen" and "Mary Mary" released on the Festival label in 1968. Among the other members of this band was Glenn Wheatley, who was also their manager.

The Bay City Union broke up in May 1968. Taylor joined the Wild Cherries in October 1968, but left the following month. During 1969 and 1970, he played with progressive heavy rock / blues bands Horse and Genesis (not the UK prog band of the same name).

From September 1970 to October 1971, Taylor was the front-man for the blues band Chain, which had a hit single ("Black and Blue") and album ("Toward the Blues") during this period. He then quit the music industry and went to live on a commune led by Fred and Mary Robinson at Beechworth.

In 1973 he returned to the music scene as a solo artist, releasing three albums over the next three years, and scoring a major hit with the single "I Remember When I Was Young". He was one of the first artists to record for Mushroom Records, and was managed by Michael Gudinski.

"Straight As A Die" was released in 1973 and features prominent Australian guitarist Phil Manning.

Matt Taylor...Straight As A Die

Billy T (w/Ross Hannaford)...No Definitions....1977 album...Funk,Soul,Reggae

After the demise of Daddy Cool and Mighty Kong, Ross Hannaford formed Billy T with Joe Creighton in Queensland, and later joined up with Russell Smith (Company Caine) and Mick Holden (The Mixtures), playing a mixture of Reggae, Soul, Funk and Rock in Melbourne. They released 3 singles and their debut LP 'No Definitions'.

As their bass player Joe Creighton recalls on his blog: "..around 1975, I hooked up with Ross Hannaford and we formed Billy T. Billy T was a unique band in that it broke the mold of standard Aussie rock in pubs. With our own brand of blue-eyed soul and reggae we had quite a successful run in the Australian pub circuit. Our tour support with legendary US band 'Little Feat' cemented our profile as the band most likely to do it in '76. Unfortunately Ross and I kept floating off to the US and Europe to play for Maharaj Ji and Billy T suffered the consequences of our absences. The rest of the band basically got jack of it and I can't remember if we got sacked or if we called it quits. But whatever, the band eventually dissolved."

Band Members:
Ross Hannaford (Guitar, Vocals)
Joe Creighton (Bass, Vocals)
Mick Holden (Drums, Vocals)
Geoff Maling (Percussion)
Russell Smith (Guitar, Vocals)
Neal McPherson (Keyboards)

Billy T

Jon English 1949-2016 Tribute Post

Jonathan James "Jon" English (26 March 1949 – 9 March 2016) was an English-born Australian singer, songwriter, musician and actor. He emigrated to Australia with his parents in 1961. He was an early vocalist and rhythm guitarist for Sebastian Hardie but left to take on the role of Judas Iscariot in the Australian version of the stage musical Jesus Christ Superstar from May 1972. English was also a noted solo singer; his Australian top twenty hit singles include "Turn the Page", "Hollywood Seven", "Words are Not Enough", "Six Ribbons" and "Hot Town".

English was acclaimed for his starring role in the 1978 Australian TV series Against the Wind – he won the TV Week Logie Award for 'Best New Talent in Australia'. He also co-wrote and performed the score with Mario Millo (ex-Sebastian Hardie). The series had international release, known as Mot alla vindar (1980) in Swedish, where both "Six Ribbons" and "Against the Wind" were released as singles, both singles and the soundtrack album peaked at No.1 on the Norwegian charts; the first single, "Six Ribbons" and the album, peaked at No.4 on the Swedish charts.

From 1983 to 1985, English won four Mo Awards with three consecutive 'Entertainer of the Year' awards and a further 'Male Vocal Performer' in 1985. English has performed in Gilbert and Sullivan's operettas The Pirates of Penzance, The Mikado and H.M.S. Pinafore from 1984.

In late February 2016, English was hospitalised due to "unexpected health problems" and he was forced to cancel several scheduled performances due to planned surgery for an aortic aneurysm. He died following post-operative complications late in the evening of 9 March 2016.

See also post at Vinyoleum

Tribute to Ross Hannaford, former Daddy Cool guitarist and Aussie music legend, 1950-2016

Daddy Cool band members Ross Wilson, Gary Young and Wayne Duncan were today devastated to learn of their long term friend and band mate Ross Hannaford’s death. “We’re gutted” says Wayne Duncan, before adding “We’ve lost a great friend today. He took me on many a journey”. Gary joined in “We’ve lost one of the world’s most unique guitarists” Ross Wilson said of his lifelong friend and musical colleague “We were so lucky to find each other in the wilds of 60’s suburban Melbourne. He was like my little brother, we grew up together in life and in music. He was truly one of a kind”

The band send deepest condolences to his family and many friends.

See previous post on Daddy Cool

                                            

Split Enz...Mental Notes...1975 release...underrated progressive rock album

Split Enz  formed in 1972 in New Zealand, by founding members Phil Judd and Tim Finn. One of the most successful New Zealand musical acts of the late 1970's and early 1980's, the band would go on to achieve chart success in New Zealand, Australia and Canada – most notably with their 1980 single "I Got You" – and built a cult following elsewhere. Their musical style was eclectic, incorporating influences from art rock, vaudeville, swing, punk, rock, new wave, and pop. Split Enz established a reputation for a distinctive visual style, thanks partly to their colourful, offbeat costumes and hairstyles.

The group's career falls into two phases. They began as an acoustic folk band in the early 1970's and by the time they recorded their first album they had changed to electric instruments and took on a progressive rock sound. From 1977 onward, with the departure of songwriter/guitarist Phil Judd and the arrival of Neil Finn, Split Enz' sound began to move from progressive rock towards new wave and pop.

In two weeks during May/June 1975 Split Enz recorded their debut album Mental Notes at Festival's Studio 24 in Sydney. It was produced by David Russell, who was also their tour manager in 1975 – 76. The engineer was Festival staffer Richard Batchens.

After its release in July it sold 12,000 copies in Australia, reaching No. 35 on the album chart for one week, and peaking at No. 7 in New Zealand. It was also a critical breakthrough. Much of the material derived from Tim Finn's and Phil Judd's fascination with the work of English writer and artist Mervyn Peake – notably "Spellbound", "Stranger Than Fiction" (their concert centrepiece) and "Titus", named after the hero of Peake's Gormenghast trilogy.

The album cover was painted by Phil Judd in 1973–74. The original painting is now in the collection of Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.

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Dragon....Sunshine and Running Free...breakthrough albums from 1977

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Dragon formed in Auckland, New Zealand in January 1972 with a line-up that featured Todd Hunter on bass guitar, guitarist Ray Goodwin, drummer Neil Reynolds and singer/pianist Graeme Collins. All had been in various short-lived bands in Auckland, Collins is credited with using I Ching to provide the name. By 1974 several personnel changes had occurred, with Todd Hunter's younger brother Marc Hunter joining on vocals and Neil Storey on drums. They relocated to Sydney in May 1975. Keyboard player Paul Hewson wrote or co-wrote most of the group's 1970' hits: "April Sun in Cuba" peaked at #2 on the 1977 Australian singles chart; "Are You Old Enough?" reached #1 in 1978; and "Still in Love with You" reached #15 also in 1978. 

On the recommendation of fellow NZ expatriate Mike Rudd, CBS house producer Peter Dawkins went to see the group at the Recovery Wine Bar in Camperdown, Sydney in early 1976 and he was so impressed by their performance and Hewson's material that he immediately signed them to a contract with CBS Records.

Between 1977 and 1979, the classic Dragon lineup - the Hunter brothers, Taylor, Hewson and Jacobson - had a string of major hits on the Australian charts with singles "April Sun in Cuba", "Are You Old Enough?" and "Still In Love with You" and albums Sunshine, Running Free and O Zambezi. These releases, and their dynamic concert performances, made them one of Australia's most popular rock acts.

See also previous post: first 2 albums...Universal Radio 1974 and Scented Gardens For the Blind 1975

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Sydney born, unsigned R'n'B Singer/Songwriter DANAH releases her debut single 'SIDE EFFECTS'

From Sydney's Bondi Beach, Singer/Songwriter, DANAH, has released her first single ‘Side Effects’.

"I am nervous, yet excited to be releasing my words and voice into the world! I'm so proud of the work I've put in for this release and I can't wait for everyone to hear it" - Danah 

DANAH is an emerging R'n'B singer and songwriter. Based in Sydney, where she was born and raised, Danah (Dana Gilden) found love for R'n'B music at an early age “I just connected to the soul in the voices and fell in love with all that R'n'B is”. There isn’t the biggest R'n'B scene in Australia, however Danah is hoping that can change with the release of her debut single ‘Side Effects’.

Danah, who holds a Bachelors degree in Music Performance has spent the last few years fine tuning her writing skills and takes inspiration from her studies in Roots, Jazz and Pop music. Earlier this year, Danah started working with Top 10 ARIA CHART producer Jhay Cabrera (Jhay C) on her track ‘Side Effects’, drawing on Cabrera’s expertise in R'n'B Music and showcasing Danah's abilities as a songwriter and a singer. 

Looking up to artists such as Jhene Aiko and Tinashe, the singer/songwriter stays unique with her own style, enhanced through the use of warm ethereal synths and pads to capture the mood of the song, along with reverse pianos, arpeggiated synths, orchestral strings, and 808's.

Watch the lyric video to 'Side Effects': here

Writing lyrics is where Danah prides herself, coming up with creative ways of weaving words together to create meaning. Melodically, lyrically and vocally Danah is inspired by artists such as Jhene Aiko, Lauryn Hill, Joss Stone, Toni Braxton, Melanie Fiona, Alicia Keys, India.Arie, Tinashe, Khelani, Frank Ocean, Eminem and The Weekend.

DANAH's Spotify playlist of 'Songs that Inspired 'Side Effects': here

Listen to Side Effects on Soundcloud: here

Available on iTunes: here + Spotify: here

Relevant Links: 

•  www.danagilden.com
•  www.facebook.com/gildendana
•  www.twitter.com/danagilden
•  www.instagram.com/danagilden
•  www.youtube.com/user/danagilden
•  www.soundcloud.com/danagilden

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Ayers Rock...Big Red Rock....1974 album

Ayers Rock were an Australian jazz fusion, progressive rock band which formed in August 1973. Ray Burton (guitar and vocals), Mark Kennedy (drums) and Duncan McGuire (bass), members of Leo de Castro and Friends, left to form the eponymous trio of Burton, McGuire & Kennedy. They added a guitarist, Jimmy Doyle, changed their name to Ayers Rock and invited Col Loughnan (saxophones and flutes) to join. The group signed with independent label Mushroom Records in December 1973. Burton left the following March, and was replaced by Chris Brown (guitar, vocals). With live appearances, coverage in print media and word of mouth the group had a high national profile despite little radio airplay, and journalists praised their musicianship, music and live energy.

The band's first album, Big Red Rock (November 1974), received positive reviews and peaked at number 32 on the Australian Kent Music Report album chart. It featured mainstream rock and three longer, instrumental tracks which introduced progressive styles, including jazz fusion. Label owner Michael Gudinski promoted Ayers Rock in Los Angeles and they signed with A&M Records, the first Mushroom Records artists to sign with an international label. 

The United States release of Big Red Rock in February 1975 was followed by a tour there, later that year. The band played to large crowds, supporting major international artists (including Bachman–Turner Overdrive) before 35,000 people – the first Australian band to perform in large US stadiums. Ayers Rock were named 1975 Musicians of the Year on RAM's "New Year's Honors List".

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Jo Jo Zep and The Falcons...Don't Waste It...1976 album

In late 1975, Jo Jo Zep and the Falcons were formed in Melbourne as Jo Jo Zep and His Little Helpers. The band was put together after Ross Wilson (ex-Daddy Cool, Mighty Kong), who was waiting out his recording contract, had turned to producing other artists for the label, Oz Records. He decided to produce a version of Chuck Berry's "Run Rudolph Run", as a one-off Christmas single for Mushroom Records. Contractually, Wilson could not perform the vocals himself, so he asked his friend, Joe Camilleri (ex-The Pelaco Brothers with Stephen Cummings) to sing and play on the recording. Camilleri's nickname was Jo Jo Zep, which was derived from a traditional Maltese nickname for "Joseph", so the group was named Jo Jo Zep and His Little Helpers. The line-up included bass guitarist, John Power (ex-Foreday Riders).

Jo Jo Zep and the Falcons signed with Oz Records and, in July 1976, released their first single, "Beating Around the Bush". The track was written and sung by Wayne Burt and peaked at No. 73 on the Australian Kent Music Report Singles Chart. The song was also one of two tracks by the group on Wilson's soundtrack for the feature film Oz (1976). The follow-up single was a cover of Otis Redding's "Security" sung by Camilleri, which peaked at No. 98. In February 1977, the band released their debut album, Don't Waste It, which was produced by Wilson and contained both singles. The album featured lead vocal turns by Camilleri, Burt and Power. The songwriting was mostly by Burt, with a few cover tunes, and one song by Camilleri. Although the intent was to be a serious R'n'B band, the musical direction was never set in stone.

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The Sports...All Sports..compilation album from popular 70's Melbourne band

The Sports performed and recorded between 1976 and 1981. Mainstay members were Stephen Cummings on lead vocals and Robert Glover on bass guitar, with long-term members as Paul Hitchins on drums, Andrew Pendlebury on lead guitar and vocals, and Martin Armiger on guitar. Their style was similar to both 1970's British pub rock bands (such as Brinsley Schwarz) and British new wave (such as Elvis Costello).

They originally formed in 1976 by Stephen Cummings, who was the lead singer of Melbourne rockabilly group, The Pelaco Brothers, (which also comprised Joe Camilleri, Peter Lillie and Johnny Topper). The original line-up were Cummings and ex-Pelaco Brothers band mate, Ed Bates, on guitar, Robert Glover (ex-Myriad) on bass guitar, Jim Niven (ex-The Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band)on piano and Paul Hitchins on drums. Their early sets contained covers of Chuck Berry, Billy Emerson, Don Covay, Company Caine and Graham Parker material. Original songs, mostly written by Cummings and Bates, completed their sets. The Sports' debut recording was a four-track extended play, Fair Game, which was released in early 1977 on the independent label, Zac Records. A friend in London posted the record to the New Musical Express which declared it 'Record of the Week'.

The Sports were in tune with music trends dominating London rock and had provided song-based rock as an antidote to punk, which was dubbed new wave. Cummings was compared favourably with Mick Jagger and Bates was praised for his slide guitar style: being similar to Little Feat. "We were totally surprised," Cummings said in 1997 of the NME review; he continued, "It was the last thing you'd expect. It was my making and my undoing in some ways. When you have everything go right so quickly you expect that everything after that is going to be good and that easy. It meant that I probably didn't put myself out as much as I should have."

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See also:

Stephen Cummings website

Fair Game EP at RockOnVinyl Blogspot

                                     

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Australian Legends...40 track collection by various artists...special Australia Day post

This 40 track collection brings together the cream of Aussie music from the 60's to the 90's from the Bee Gees' "Spicks and Specks", The Masters Apprentices' "Turn Up Your Radio" and Rusell Morrris' "The Real Thing" to LRB, The Angels, Men At Work, Farnsey and Barnesy, INXS, Crowded House, Kasey Chambers, Silverchair and everything else in between. Just perfect for that Australia Day barbecue!

So crank it up, and HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY!

Legends #1

Legends #2

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The Glorious release outstanding new album "Falcon" produced by Julian Mendelsohn

Three piece Melbourne folk/pop/rock outfit The Glorious have just released their second album, "Falcon". Produced by Julian Mendelsohn (Kate Bush, Paul McCartney), this album has leanings towards the sublime sounds of  artists like The Jayhawks and Real Estate with a nod towards the psychedelic sounds of 60's artists like The Byrds and Crosby, Stills and Nash. 

Marty's review: Combining jangling guitars and sweet harmonies with peddle steel, piano and strings, this smooth and tightly produced effort is an album that improves with each listen. It comes at you in a "full sound" which in some ways reminds one of the Phil Spector productions. With an overall feel that's not quite laid back but not overblown either, this collection of heartfelt and emotional tunes leaves you almost gasping after each track. Songwriter and guitarist Dave Mather has opened up some personal musings in his writing and these come across in a way that demands attention. Standout tracks for me are St Clare, Wheel of Confusion, The Wave and I Wake Up. Each track on the album does stand out on its own without being long winded and in some cases almost understated. 

Neil Rogers of The Australian Mood, notably said The Glorious create a “captivating sound with great songs, soaring harmonies, and heartfelt playing.”

Visit the band’s social media channels: OFFICIAL SITE| FACEBOOK|YOUTUBE  

                                                         

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Python Lee Jackson...In A Broken Dream...rare album from 1972

Python Lee Jackson were active in Australia from 1965 to 1968, before a brief sojourn in the United Kingdom. The group's most famous hit was "In a Broken Dream", featuring Rod Stewart as guest vocalist.

The original Python Lee Jackson formed in December 1965 in Sydney by two British men – singer Frank Kennington and guitarist Mick Liber – after meeting drummer David Montgomery. Together with bass player Roy James they played the underground circuit. A new Python Lee Jackson line-up came together around March 1966 when keyboard player and singer David Bentley left Sydney group Jeff St John & The Id to join Liber and Montgomery alongside former Unit 4 bass player Lloyd Hardy (aka Cadillac Lloyd Hudson).

Arriving in the UK in October 1968 Bentley, Liber and Montgomery (joined by former Levi Smith Clefs' bass player John Helman) played at the Vesuvio club on Tottenham Court Road. In early 1969 they performed at the Arts Lab on Drury Lane for several months where they were spotted by DJ John Peel. In April 1969 Bentley, Liber and Montgomery, joined by Jamie Byrne from The Groove, recorded three tracks in the studio with Rod Stewart.

Stewart was brought in to sing a few songs and one in particular, since Bentley had informed his band mates that he didn't think his own voice was right for it. Recorded by John Peel, "In a Broken Dream" and two other songs sung by Stewart, Doin' Fine (a version of Cloud Nine) and The Blues, remained unreleased until 1970 when Miki Dallon re-produced the track for his Youngblood label and released it, having bought the masters from John Peel. Rod Stewart was paid a set of seat covers for his car for doing the session. The single was not a success on its release but Dallon re-released it in August 1972 to coincide with Rod Stewart's release of "You Wear It Well", his second big solo single. With Rod being more famous by then, "In A Broken Dream" rose to number three in the UK Singles Chart and #56 in the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

The Album "In A Broken Dream" was originally released in 1972 and was then re-released under the title "Funny Blend".

See full bio at Wikipedia HERE

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