On May 19th, Justin Bernasconi releases Barefoot Wonderland, his second and fine new album of folk guitar music that explores bluegrass, country, the American Primitive style, folk and the blues. It’s a wonderful blend of English and American styles and a showcase for his exemplary playing – full of colour, control and tone, mixed with strong … Continue reading
Willie Watson + My Bubba + Imogen Clark @ Factory Theatre, Sydney March 16th 2017 To a smattering of punctual punters, Imogen Clark, accompanied by her father on bass, rode a wave of post-Nashville jet lag to showcase songs from her debut album and a preview of her next one. She’s a bubbly, confident performer … Continue reading
A long-time fixture on the Sydney folk music scene, The Morrisons have finally released their debut album and it both cements their status as a highly accomplished group of players and highlights the strength of their songwriting. Jimmy Daley contributes most of the songs with James Morrison penning three, before they round out the album … Continue reading
It feels like the week of The Morrisons around here. With their new self-titled album garnering great reviews they’re back in Sydney for their album launch this Sunday night (March 12th) at Newtown Social Club with guests Andy Golledge Band and Women’s Auxiliary Choir plus I’ll be spinning folk and alt-country tunes between sets. In fact … Continue reading
Double albums certainly aren’t in vogue these days but Kasey Chambers, Australia’s queen of Americana music, isn’t one to shortchange her muse. Dragonfly covers two recording sessions, the first helmed by Paul Kelly and the second by brother Nash Chambers. The first disc covers a range of styles, from the throwaway ‘Talkin’ Baby Blues’ to … Continue reading
The Morrisons have been a mainstay of the local Sydney Americana scene for a number of years now. They’ve played headline shows, supports, festivals and performed special tributes such as their acclaimed Brother Where Art Thou shows. Now they’ve finally released their debut, self-titled album and it both cements their status as a highly accomplished group … Continue reading
Born of a fractured and unsalvageable relationship, yet blessed by the birth of a child, Freya Josephine Hollick’s second album is a deep emotional record that sounds at times desperate and fragile, yet often also defiant and optimistic. The album dials into a sound of pure, unadorned folk and lonesome country music. With just three … Continue reading
It’s been five years since Gillian Welch released a new solo LP, though I guess we’ve been half-satiated with the recent Dave Rawlings Machine album. One hopes that this release is a stopgap collection to both celebrate the 20th anniversary of her debut Revival and reinvigorate her catalogue ahead of a new solo album. This … Continue reading
Taking the leap from being part of a band to standing on one’s own feet as a solo performer had never occurred to Dear Orphans’ Nick Payne. When it was suggested, he decided to approach the Rise Up Like A River project with 100% commitment and passion. As a founding member (with partner Lyn Taylor) … Continue reading
ALL STRUNG OUT Californian bluegrass exponents The Brothers Comatose are constantly on the road, visiting interesting places and mixing lifestyle with their job as working musicians. On the back of their appearance at this year’s Dashville Skyline festival, Chris Familton caught up with singer/guitarist Ben Morrison to find out more. They might have a name that … Continue reading
The folk, country and bluegrass string quintet return with their third album after a period on the sidelines due to Danny Widdicombe undergoing Leukaemia treatment. You get the strong sense these guys play for the thrill of creating communal music together and the chemistry between their voices is a natural fit while still allowing their … Continue reading
Heartbreaker Sessions returns to the bricked walls and sky-high shimmering stage of Freda’s for an Easter Special. Myself and Daz will be on the decks spinning classic and deep-cut country tunes all evening while The Sweet Jelly Rolls and Whiskey Jeff help kick off the long weekend with some fine live music. From 6PM and it’s … Continue reading
It’s been a long time, way too long, since Welch and Rawlings last toured Australia in November 2004. Finally the good folk at Love Police have managed to hook up a comprehensive tour that will see not one but two tours happening back to back. Starting in Perth the duo (plus 3-piece band) will drive … Continue reading
On the eve of the prestigious Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival and ahead of an intensive run of touring to promote his brand new album Nashville Obsolete, Dave Rawlings takes our call in the gregarious and generous manner he’s become known for. A passionate and generous interviewee, he talks enthusiastically about the genesis of the new record, its … Continue reading
The Morrisons have been a mainstay of the local Americana scene here in Sydney and wider afield for the last few years. Now they have a brand new debut single and video to match for ‘Wild Eleanor’. Showcasing their dextrous ensemble playing and way of crafting some soaring melodies, they find the sweet spot between … Continue reading
