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Australian
Artists Review Archives from Rosie Adsett's reviews for Country Update |
A DELICATE
BALANCE - Graeme Connors - ABC
As a songwriter, Graeme Connors has few equals and with this album, A Delicate Balance, he puts together a collection of songs that once again tap into the lives of everyday Aussies. This is one of those typical Connors albums complete with tender love ballads, social commentaries, a touch of humour and a good old Aussie theme song which will get audiences singing along. As is the case with much of his work, Graeme couples strong and descriptive lyrics with plenty of harmonies and one of the features is that it tends to be more acoustic in its accompaniment making it a little mellower and intimate. Not that there aren't the gutsy songs which allow both Graeme and the audience to raise their voices. The first single "These Uncertain Times" is in the tradition of "the Great Australian Dream" and reflects on what people are feeling, especially those in rural areas as the millennium draws to a close. There are songs close to the heart of Graeme such as "I Still Enjoy The View", "I Notice These Things" and "Paul Robeson On the Steps of the Sydney Opera House". However, after some slower tracks, he manages to save a good old rollicking sing-a-long number "the Land Boys We Live In" for last just to get the Aussie blood stirring. Perhaps a little mellower than some previous albums but A Delicate Balance still provides the high quality and content we have come to expect from him. Bob Anthony May 99. Top of Page
AND
WHEN
MORNING COMES - Graeme Connors - Interfusion/Festival
I don’t think you’ll mistake this for Graeme’s brand new album ‘A Delicate Balance’, as it is in fact material from his first recording life, in the early 70’s, when he was just starting out, and making a name for himself in the world of popular music. He was doing pretty well too, touring with Kris Kristofferson, Rita Coolidge and Billy Swan, so It’s great to finally get these tracks on CD. His choice of material even then, was classy. Songs by Dave Loggins, Troy Seals, Larry Gatlin, David Gates right there alongside the G.Connors songwriting credits and alongside Graeme in the studio on several songs is the great Rita Coolidge singing backing vocals, and even a hint of Kristofferson himself. Nine additional tracks have been added to the original issue making it a real bargain for Graeme’s growing legion of fans, even if as Graeme says in the liner notes "I was unsure… would they be a source of embarrassment or pride?" Well, I don’t think he has anything to worry him there. As he says, these are "the hopes and the dreams" that blossomed into one of our consistently remarkable songwriter/singers. May 99 Top of Page
TROY CASSAR-DALEY
TRUE BELIEVER
Sony
Having the chance to record an album in Nashville is the 'impossible dream' for most young country singers. Late last year that dream came true for Troy Cassar-Daley, when Sony Music gave him the green light to record his second album, "True Believer", in the USA. This is an album that showcases the diversity and talent of a young man who's love of life, and a passion for the music he plays, is unmistakable. At the helm of the project was noted producer/ songwriter Steve Dorff, who among other things, was responsible for George Strait's "Pure Country" soundtrack.
Some of Nashville's best musicians volunteered or were recruited to work on this album, John Jarvis on Piano, Paul Franklin on Steel, Leland Sklar on bass, Brent Mason on Electric Guitar, and Billy Joe Walker on acoustic Guitar. What a thrill it must have been for a kid from Down-Under to record with these guys. The album has good timing songs like "Bar Room Roses", "Lay Down and Dance", and "Good Time Friday Night". Troy does great honky tonk, but it's the big ballads on this album that will take your breath away. The beautiful "You Will Believe in Me", or the song inspired by a note from his mother called "The Wind Blows Over (the lonely of heart)", are shining examples of Troy's ability to write and perform country ballads from deep in his soul. The delicate "Ladies In My Life" is a heartfelt song about his Grandmother, mother, and wife. The baby girl in the last verse of this gorgeous song, is a vision for the future. When Troy sang the title track "True Believer", to his bride at their wedding in Brisbane late last year, there was hardly a dry eye in the church. This is an Australian album of outstanding production and mature songwriting enhanced by the clean clear vocals of one of Country Music's finest talents. I believe that it has a real chance at being successful, not just in Australia, but around the world.
Dead Ringer Band - Living In a Circle
This year the talented Chambers family packed up their recording gear and heading off to Norfolk Island, the result is another wonderful Dead Ringer Band album called "Living In The Circle". If they never sang another song in their life, the Chambers family could make a comfortable living from song writing. Together and separately, they have written eight of the 14 tracks on this album, including the energetic opening track "Too Confused" and the lovely tribute to Gram Parsons "Just Like Yesterday". The title track " Living In The Circle", is a delightful song written by ABC radio presenter Richard Porteous. It and the classic song "If I Needed You", written by the late Townes Van Zant, are perfect vehicles for the amazing voice of Kasey Chambers. Bill & Nash Chambers do a terrific rendition of the AP Carter song "No Depression" and Kasey and Nash share the singing on the beautiful "Loop Around Atlanta". While this album maintains a distinct Dead Ringer sound, this album is sometimes reminiscent of the Carter family, Hank Williams and Emmylou Harris. Australia has come to expect quality recordings from this band and Living In The Circle certainly lives up to their reputation. Top of Page
MY OWN SWEET
TIME - Shanley Del - BMG
One of the best albums of 1997 may be a bold statement but I believe it applies to "My Own Sweet Time". Shanley’s delivery and presentation on this her second album is nothing short of brilliant. The arrangements of the songs are stunning and the instrumentation is perfect, those who know the good players should check out the "who’s- who" on this recording. It’s hard to favour any particular songs here, they are all so good, but I loved "Some Walls" and Shanley’s version of Rodney Crowell’s beautiful "Shame On The Moon" is a pure delight. Shanley Del is one of the most underrated talents in country music and I personally believe she runs rings around some other female artists with million selling albums. Top of Page
SLIM DUSTY - A
TIME TO REMEMBER
Slim Dusty is one of Australia's true heroes, his remarkable recording career has spanned more than 50 years and he is still kicking goals. Slim has earned the right to please himself, and recently he has done a few things that are slightly left of centre. The latest in these little side trips is Slim's latest album "A Time To Remember" and believe me, it's a delightful journey back in time. Most of the songs were big hits before my time but still I found that I knew all the words and couldn't help but sing along. Slim sings these timeless classics with great style. The shock of the first track "Don't get Around Much Anymore" softens to pleasure by the time he gets to "As Time Goes By", then you can't keep the smile from your face when Slime sings "Ain't Misbehavin'". I thought I may be slightly disappointed with a Slim Dusty version of one of my old Favourites "What A Wonderful World", but I wasn't. Slims rendition of "Red Sails In The Sunset" and "Up The Lazy River" make you wish you still lived in the era where ladies wore ball gowns and gloves, and men never went out without a coat and tie. I can't wait to see the video clip from this CD, will Slim be wearing a top hat, tails and spats? This is one cool album, I have felt more joy listening to these songs, than I have in a long long time.
"Not So
Dusty". Various Artists
EMI
A tribute album recorded from across the musical spectrum of Australia. Featuring our best country acts, Graeme Connors, Troy Cassar-Daley, Lee Kernaghan, Tania Kernaghan duets with father Ray Kernaghan for the first time on disc, plus the Crosby sisters, Dead Ringer Band, John Williamson and many more, and from the world of pop and rock, Midnight Oil, Paul Kelly and others. 16 classic Slim Dusty tracks like Saddle Boy, When The Rain Tumbles Down In July, Biggest Disappointment and more, given a bit of a tweek!. Add this tribute to your Slim collection
NOTHING TO
HIDE - Felicity - EMI
For Aussie Country singer/songwriter Felicity, the title of her new album, Nothing to Hide, may also typify here approach to her music. And just like this artist, this album is fresh enthusiastic and very appealing. Felicity has certainly come of age with this album, and for those expecting an album full of songs in the vein of her hit "Sugar Town", you'll be pleasantly surprised. There are 13 tracks on the album plus a bonus "dance version" of "Sugar Town". The first couple of tracks "Amazing", and "Counting Back The Days" have a distinct Olivia Newton John sound to them. Felicity says that this was completely unintentional but for the listener it is uncanny. She continues the rural theme with the current hit "Country Girl" and then goes on to show that she is an artist of substance with some very strong ballads, especially the duet with Rick Price "If You Were My Baby". She ventures off the path with a mariachi number called "That's What I Call Love" which has hit potential as well and then includes a tribute to one of her idols, John Williamson, and to warmer climates, "Tropical Fever". Nothing To Hide is one of those albums which could have as much appeal to contemporary charts as it will to country and should win Felicity plenty of fans, no matter what their musical tastes. Bob Anthony May 99
RATBAGS - Jim
Haynes - ABC
Jim Haynes is one of country music’s leading comic entertainers. He packs out venues wherever he works, and he has graced Australia with classic songs such as ‘Don’t Call Wagga Wagga, Wagga’ and ‘Since Cheryl Went Feral’. Jim describes himself as having obtained "a string of useless qualifications from universities" and adds "I was killing myself by degrees". The first track on Ratbags called ‘Where There’s A Will’ is a killer song that looks at the humour in death. ‘Please Explain’ gives the pollies a well deserved razz , and even the that all too familiar part of our ever-day life, the computer, comes under attack. Jim is joined by world famous yodeller Mary Schneider, and her sister Rita on ‘The Video Song’ and enormously talented Beccy Cole joins Jim on ‘I Wish I’d Met You Sooner’. This album is full to the brim with clever ditties, double entendre’s and social commentary. It ‘s Australian through and through... well nobody else would understand the humour. Often this album even goes past the laughing stage, and there are times when only a groan will do.
BLUE THE SHEARER - Jim Haynes Presents - ABC
This is the third in a series of Australian Poets releases from ABC under the baton of Jim Haynes. The first already released was Dipso Dan & other Silly Buggers. The second went into a younger market as Rhymin’ Verse for Aussie kids, and again, Jim Haynes is the medium, but the message is in the verse. This time it’s Col Wilson behind the mike and writing the lines. For a supporting cast Jim calls on Shanley Del contributing ‘The Crosseyed Bull’ and ‘Fowl Play’ with Paddy Ryan also tossing in on ‘Down Boy’ and ‘Spitting Image’. It’s mostly an acquired taste is Bush verse. But to judge by the queue each morning at the Bush Poets breakfasts at the Muster, there’s no shortage of disciples. Amusing stories tall and true continue to amaze me. John Kane and Mark Walmsley has done another fine job as producers and provider of the musical background. Just enough to keep it fresh each time you wheel out the cd for the rellies, and not enough to overpower the story.
PIXIE & HIS WHITE ROSE ORCHESTRA
THE LAST ANZAC
ABC
Paul Jenkins or Pixie as he is more commonly known, has emerged as one of Australia's great Entertainers. He is more than a fine fiddle player and it's not his vocal ability that keeps his audiences yelling for more. Pixie knows what the audiences wants, he is a born entertainer. Much of his success in the past few years has come because he has managed to give his audiences a little glimmer of a past they loved but thought was long gone. His Pixieland theatre in Tamworth is packed to the rafters each year and his tribute show to Buddy Willliams was the talk of the town during the 1997 Festival. Pixie says that this album is his own personal tribute to the Anzac legend and the Diggers of the Great War. He was inspired to undertake the project when he heard about the death of our last Anzac. The Last Anzac features songs from the war years like "Pack Up Your Troubles" or "It's a Long Way To Tipperary" . there are old Favourites like "A Nightingale Sang In Berkley Square" and "We'll Meet Again". Although "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda" is a relatively recent song by Eric Bogle, no tribute to our troups would be complete without it. It's hard to imagine how our young men felt as they sang these songs on the battlefields, their courage must have been enormous.
The first time I met Gina Jeffreys, she was so shy she barely spoke more than a few words...... boy have times changed ! Gina has not only developed into a confident young woman, her music has grown and developed at the same rate. "Somebody's Daughter" is the musical reflection of the maturity of Gina Jeffreys. Part of that development is Gina's partnership with one of Australia's finest musicians, Rod McCormack. Together they have written more than half the songs on this album including the very moving "That'll Be Me" which takes it's title from a line in a letter to Gina from a young fan, Louisa, who subsequently died from Leukaemia before Gina got to meet her. The first single from this album "Dancin' With Elvis" has captured the media's imagination with it's catchy tune and clever lyric. Gina's duet with Billy Dean "Have We Forgotten What Love Is" is sure to be all over the airwaves after Billy's visit "down-under" to perform at the Gympie Muster. This is the first album Gina has recorded in Nashville and it has given her the opportunity to work with some of the all time great country musicians. Eddy Bayers on Drums, Brent Mason on Guitar, Sam Bush on Mandolin, Dave Pomeroy on Bass, Mat Rollings on Piano, and that's just some of the Nashville crew. They are joined by Aussies Michel Rose on steel , Jeff McCormack on bass, and Rod McCormack on guitar. All those involved with this work have good reason to be proud. It sounds like it was a pleasure to make this CD but it's evident that there was an enormous amount of work and talent invested in it.
EAST OF
THE SCRUB - Glenn Jones - SELECTION
Glen Jones records on the Selection label and that is enough to tell most people that this CD will be Australian through and through. Glen sings in the traditional bush ballad style, he has a robust and pleasant voice that is easy to understand and best of all it isn't artificially "Strine". The only song Glen wrote on East Of The Scrub is the first song "A Suburban Ringer's Dream" but has included the Slim Dusty/P Muir song "End of the Canning Stock Route", Chad Morgan's "Duckinwilla Dance", Stan Coster's "Old Gilbert", Norma O'Hara Murphy's "R.M." and Tex Morton's "Good Old Droving Days". Eric Watson wrote both my two Favourites on this album “Timber Town” and “West Of The Diamantina”.
LABOUR OF
LOVE - Karen Lynn - INDEPENDENT
What a fine debut Karen has made with this album. Obviously a long time in preparation, it shines on the turntable (do we still have turntables?). Karen’s worked over the years at her singing and writing and has now reached such maturity as a performer that she has produced an excellent album. Included are songs from proven
American writers like Gary Harrison, Paul Overstreet and Dolly Parton, that haven’t been worked to death, and provide such a wide choice of styles as to satisfy everyone. Her own songs, and there are three on this album, are well up to standard, avoiding a mistake often made by first timers who try to do everything on their first effort for fear it might be their only chance, and the result is that it usually is. Karen has enlisted some accomplished help for the project, James Gillard who also helped out on the songwriting side with Heather Field, plays his heart out, especially on Karen’s song ‘Grandma Used To Say’ playing every instrument. This song, by the way, won Karen a songwriting Award from the Tamworth Songwriters and you’ll also find it on another album we review here Open Road 11. Also along for the ride, Kym Warner on banjo, and Mike Kerin on fiddle, to name but a few. Worth mentioning in the song list is a lilting version of Henry Lawson’s ‘Water Lilly’. 16 nicely recorded tracks from a voice you’ll hear a lot more of in year’s to come.
BALLADS
'ROUND THE COALS - Ian Quinn - LBS
If you love the Aussie Bush Ballad, you just have to go and buy Ballads Round The Coals.
The vocals are strong and clear and the songs are easy to comprehend. Quinn relates the tales of the bush in the tradition of Stan Coster and Slim Dusty and his tribute to Stan called "Coster" has had lots of air-play and it's drawn a lot of attention to this album. All the tracks were recorded at the Lindsay Butler Studios with Lindsay taking on many roles including guitarist and engineer. Pixie Jenkins plays fiddle while Matt Harrison features on both mandolin and fiddle. The multi-talented Lawrie Minson plays guitar, harp and dobro while Wayne Saunders is responsible for the moving sound of the bagpipes on "One Day a Year". Although this album has lots of references to our homeland, it's not the kind of flag-waving nonsense that can be very off-putting. It reflects in a subtle way, the pride that most of us feel about our country and the people who live in it.
You can't help but admire the hard work and determination of Keith Urban, Peter Clarke, and Jerry Flowers.
They have travelled a long and hard road to realise their dream of having an album release in America, and after five years of knocking on doors in Nashville it has finally happened for them. These guys have such an exciting live show that it's difficult to imagine how that electricity could be so successfully captured in the recording studio. There is a raw energy and a drive that's not typical Nashville, but Nashville sure needs a new sound at the moment. The first single off the album "Walkin' The Country" is a typical example of the punch that the band injects into the songs. The same raw edge and great beat is found on "Homespun Love" and "Some Days You Gotta Dance". There are also some very pretty songs like "Just Some Love", it's full of American icons and images that the buying public in the USA should relate to. Another is "My Last Name", featuring a haunting fiddle played by Joe Spivey. To my mind, the most beautiful song on this CD is co-written by Keith Urban and Vernon Rust and is simply titled "Desiree". One song that has been around in Keith's live shows for some time is "Clutterbilly", this showcase for the Ranch's instrumental wizardry is also included on this new album. My only criticism is CD slick. The photo's are great, but when are the people who put these things together, going to realise that it's almost impossible for the average person doesn't want to hunt for the bands name in the album spine when your flicking through hundreds of albums in a record store. Top of Page
LIVE IN BUNDABERG
- Norma O'Hara Murphy - INDEPENDENT
Norma's been off the scene too long. A Golden Guitar winner in the past, and like her many fans around the world, I think it's great to see her back, even with a Live CD. Recorded as the name implies during a 1998 Qld tour at the Brothers Club in Bundy with house band A2ZED, it was also recorded to video and the tape of the show will also be available shortly. Norma has selected a dozen songs, only one oldie 'Take a Cutting' and a whole bunch of newly blooming songs. Songs from the road, written in Ireland 'Come Away Home', London 'This Old Town' and the Alice 'Alicetown', about bold Ben Hall the bushranger 'Fresh Horses', lady rodeo champs 'Roughrider', and a woman's lot on the land 'Shackles & Chains'. Norma throws in a couple of tributes to more well known people as well with her Slim Dusty song 'Travellin Man' and a timely tribute to the late Mort Fist 'Strange Strange Man'. Always worth a listen, a new Norma O'Hara Murphy album, and this one will probably even be worth a look, shortly, too. For Norma fans I should also note that her biggest selling album Vanishing Horsemen has now been issued on CD for the first time. May 99
ALBY POOL
Alby
Pool INDEPENDANT
Alby’s first album impressed me a lot as a well recorded American Traditional style album. His second, the Self Titled Alby Pool, makes more of a statement about Alby Pool and is not quite so derivative. Good uncluttered backing give a good platform to show his identifiable vocals to the best, and while there’s still a fair share of Lefty Frizell (I Never Go Around Mirrors), and Hank Cochran (The Chair). Alby’s got a couple of his own songs as well, ‘Gotta Get Outta the Rain’ as my pick here. Talented guitarist Kevin Nolan, who produced this outing, also contributes ‘Check 1,2’. Now resettled on the East coast, he likes the touring in Country Music, so you’re more than likely to see him in your neck of the woods in the next 12 months. Go along and check him out, Alby’s been a crowd pleaser at the Tamworth Festival for quite a few years now, since he first started making the big trip across the Nullabor.
EVERY PLACE I GO
Kedron Taylor Massive
Records
I guess the history of Kedron "Buck" Taylor has been told before but it doesn't hurt to restate here that young "Buck" was being groomed as the future of the defender of the Bush Ballad in the early 80's round the time of the Slim Dusty Movie, and though it's taken him a bit of time to get to grips with the task, it's still not something that you'd consider off the menu just yet. Sure we've got plenty of princes to the throne who have come along in the years since he appeared on the Slim Dusty show and produced his first album on Slim's own Nulla Records. Singers like Glenn Jones, Ian Quinn, and not least the Man from WA, Brian Letton, are turning out fair dinkum music but make no mistake, Buck is back. The new album is an easy trip through modern life for a battler in the bush through his eyes. 'Tears of a Country Dad' came close to knocking off a gong in Tamworth this year, as did 'The Old Holden Waltz' and the 9 other Kedron Taylor originals here will satisfy any test. Other songs that impress are 'Two Solid Weeks of Rain', 'I Love It Here' and Joy McKean's 'Biggest Disappointment'. It's well produced with a top line up of musicians, and well presented, but its really the material on this one that shines. Put it in your collection, and get an order in for his next album right now.
THE
BUSH
BALLADEER - Buddy Williams - BMG
Buddy Williams, was our first Australian Born country music star. For too many years now, Buddy's catalogue of recorded material has been languishing in the vaults of our record companies. His RCA recordings, made when moved with producer Ron Wills to that label in the mid 60's, have been out of print for some years and none have ever appeared on CD. So it's with wondrous relief that this compilation arrived on my desk, thanks to the persistence of Country Music Radio Network announcer Garry Coxhead. Garry has been a long-time devotee of Buddy's work, and in fact was involved in production of his last albums, so who better to bring these song to life again. 20 songs that typify his work. Included are his classics like "Wingie the Railway Cop", "Over Hilltop & Hollow", "Where the White-faced Cattle Roamed", and other much sought after songs like the "Condamine bell" , the Overlander Trail, and from his last recordings, "The Happiest Days of my Life". 20 Aussie Ballads on a mid price collection will make a valuable addition to any Aussie collection
JOHN WILLIAMSON -
PIPE DREAM
EMI)
John Williamson put in the ground-work for this album in much the same way an author would write a book. He went to the places he was interested in, experienced the life style,
and then sat down and wrote. The upshot is a collection of songs that paint vivid images of this country and it's lifestyle. Each track tells a wonderful story, the first on the album "On the Improve", is a bitter-sweet look and the coming of the good times on the land, happy for those who could stick it out but sad for those who didn't make it. "Coolabah Blue" gives us a glimpse of the beauty of an outback night . "The Girl I Met" is a love song to John's long time wife Mary Kay, and there's a beautiful tribute to rural woman called "Woman on the Land". The final song "Sir Don" is a gem that was originally written for the television program 'A Rare Interview with Sir Donald Bradman'. The fifteen new tracks on Pipe Dream are great value but the package also contains a bonus CD with four extra tracks including "Raining on the Rock" and "Old Farts in Caravan Parks". Top of Page
They might look like Hell, but these angels put on a children’s show in Tamworth to raise money for charity. And who else but the Wolverines would have an album launch in a motorcycle shop in Tamworth? Recorded in Nashville Tennessee, Feel The Need To Ride has 15 great tracks, 14 of which are written by the Wolves themselves. The band has again used producer Louis Shelton to oversee the recording of album. This energetic and powerful album with songs with titles like ‘Hog Heaven’, ‘Movin’ On Down The Highway’, ‘H.O.G.’ and ‘Nobody Rides My Harley But Me”, generates a feeling of freedom. At times there is more gravel in the vocals than there is on the roads they ride, but this only adds to the appeal of the recording. (March 2000 re-release with bonus track ‘The Bikes Are Back” a special for the Easter Bike racers at Bathurst) Top of Page
THE
WINNERS
7 Various Artists
ABC
Each year those performers who make the final nominations of the Country Music Association Awards are included on a CD titled The Winners. This is the seventh year a Winners CD has been released and it is full to the brim with the best Country performers in Australia. Lee Kernaghan was the big winner on the night and this album features the track that won the heritage award, ‘Changi Banjo’. The Female vocalist, Gina Jeffreys’ included track is ‘Fool Like That. Newcomer Adam Brand was the Winner of the New Talent, and Video Clip of the Year. He also picked up a third golden guitar for the song on this album called ‘Last Man Standing’. Michael Fix won his first golden guitar for the track inspired by his baby son, ‘Mr Wonglepong’. The haunting Graeme Connors version of ‘When The Rain Tumbles Down In July’ and Troy Cassar-Daley and Slim Dusty’s enjoyable collaboration of ‘The Biggest Disappointment’ help make this a must have CD. John Willamson & Warren H. Williams’ ‘Raining On The Rock’, Vanya and Elizabeth Lord’s ‘Everything’s Gonna Change’ and Michael O’Rourke’s ‘Mining Dust Burning Sun’ are just some of the songs on this album that were also worthy of winning. Unfortunately this year the price has risen on this double CD set, but it does include the best 31 country music tracks from 1999. Top of Page
COUNTRY RADIO REQUEST HOUR VOL 8
SELECTION
This collection of old re-issued Country classics has been a long time coming, Volume seven was released way back in 1982. The copyright on a recording runs out after 50 years.
The Country music fan benefits here because so much of the early historic material has been locked in the vaults of the large record companies, seldom to see the light of day. With the restrictions lifted after 50 years, we all get to enjoy this classic Country Music History. "Country Radio Request Hour Vol 8" has 20 tracks, all recorded more that 50 years ago, and all of them by big names artists of the time. Jimmie Rodgers' "Mother The Queen of My Heart", Tex Morton's "Freight Train Yodel", June Holms "Song of Queensland, and Shirley Thoms "Call of the Ranges", are included on this CD. The Carter Family, Elton Britt, Hank Snow, Wilf Carter and Bradley Kincaid are just some of the other artists on this historic compilation. Just about all are first time on CD. This is an important addition to any collector who has an interest in the history of Country Music and for those who want to know where it all began.
Here is a collection of songs from Ian McNamara's very popular "Australia All Over" radio program on the ABC. It includes some tracks that have been much sought after by Macca's listeners, particularly the "Port Augusta School of the Air Song" recorded by the Woden Valley Youth Choir, and the Waratah Girls Choir singing "I Am Australia". Digger Revell has a couple of songs on this collection (Australia All Over & Worlds Gone Crazy Cotillion), it also features Gary Shearston (Shopping on a Saturday), which has been just about impossible to pick up in recent years, Mary Schneider (Silver Bell Yodel), Tex Morton (The Travelling Showman) another hard to get song, Neil Adam (Pickers' Train) , Dermot Dorgan (Cockroach Rap), Dennis Rose (Yarrabah), Jim Low (Bogan Gate) and numerous others. This recording is available on CD, Cassette and even on Vinyl LP (from a couple of specialist Country Music stores like us).
THE
LBS COUNTRY
COLLECTION V4
- Various Artists - LBS
This very popular series from of CD's from LBS Records is much sort after by those who love traditional Australian Country music. It not only features LBS's regular artists like Brian Letton, Owen Blundell and Lindsay Butler, it also enables some relatively unknowns a chance to be heard on a major release. The first track "Rolling Wagons" is a duet featuring Brian Letton and Owen Blundell and it will be a joy for those who love yodelling. The Ian Quinn contribution is a trucking song called sings "Just in Time". Lindsay Butler’s guitar is featured on the instrumental track of "The Breeze and I". For Ernie Constance fans, the delightful "Every Road I Travel" is included on this sixteen track album.
THE
LBS COUNTRY COLLECTION V5 - Various Artists - LBS
Here's the old Lindsay Butler touch again on this winning combination of top Bush Ballads and established performers from his studio based label. From his very successful Bush Ballad Series of releases come Graham Rodger, Jeff Brown, Ernie Constance, Brian Letton, and Tom Maxwell to name a few, and he takes the opportunity on this, the 5th volume of the series, to introduce newcomers 16 year old Tarscha, 19 year old Craig Stringer and the young at heart Warren Mahoney. A great way to get a 16 song collection of real Aussie performers. May 99
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