Gary Shearston
As we write this month's news, the sounds of Gary Shearston's new double album, The Best of All Trades, sing out loudly and proudly around the office. One of the nation's most eulogized singer/songwriters, he "...occupies a singular place in Australian music history" (Keith Glass, The Australian) and his work has been likened to that of both Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan. On the new double album he delivers 24 previously unreleased songs that are among the best he has ever written or recorded.
Accompanied by David Hume on acoustic, slide and electric guitars, the production is deliberately stripped back, allowing the songs and Shearston's unique vocal style to take centre stage, and that they do in their most inimitable style.
Gary will be featured throughout February on ‘Australia All Over’ with Ian McNamara who traveled all the way to his home town of Tenterfield to catch up with the great man.
The Best of All Trades (RRR46) has been some time in the making and will not disappoint. It is due for release in early April 2009.
Mic Conway's National Junk Band
In January, audiences from Woodford Folk Festival (QLD) down to Cygnet Folk Festival (TAS) saw the Junk Band in all their finery. Next Mic performed with Robbie Long at Illawarra Folk Festival (NSW), and then solo outside of The Spiegeltent for Festival of Sydney.
The big news is that the Junk Band has been invited to perform at Blues Fest (Byron Bay) - Easter 9-13 April 2009. They will be playing every night of the festival. Also appearingon the bill are Eric Bib, Ben Harper, Lucinda Williams, Blind Boys of Alabama, Angelique Kidjo, Ruthie Foster, Geoffrey Gurrumul, CW Stoneking, Paul Kelly, and more.
"The king of vaudeville in Australia today."
(Lucky Oceans, ABC Radio)
Corporate Chook (RRR45) is available now on Rouseabout Records through MGM Distribution.
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Fiddlers Feast
Fiddlers Feast play at Fairlight Folk on February 14th, 2009 with the Fagans.
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Forte (RRR44) is out now on Rouseabout Records through MGM Distribution.
Bondi Cigars
One of Australia’s hardest working bands, the Cigars continue touring nationally and have upcoming shows in WA and Queensland
Check our Gig Guide (top right) for details and UCM Radio for a classic track from the 12th Anniversary double live album Down in the Valley (RRR2).
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Warren Fahey
2009 marks Warren’s 40th year of collecting and performing bush songs and stories and he is delighted to advise he has what looks like his busiest year to date.
The highlight will undoubtedly be the release of ‘Australia: Folk Songs and Bush Verse’ – a 10 CD series – which will be released by ABC Music and launched at the National Folk Festival this Easter. His diary is already looking solid, especially for performances with my musical larrikin mates.
22nd – 30th January
Manilla, Philippines. Musica Viva/Department of Foreign Affairs Tour. Various concerts and workshops coordinated by the Australian Embassy, Manilla. Performing with Clare o’Meara, Marty Halley and that veteran of bush music, his old cobber, Dave de Hugard.
6th February
Talk to students of the Australian Institute of Music students at Sydney Opera House.
20th/21st/22nd February
Warren Fahey & The Larrikins at Cobago Folk Festival.
Marcus Holden, Clare O’Meara, Garry Steel.
24th/25th/26th/27th/28th February
South Eastern Arts Region Tour. The Larrikins.
March 9
Epping Probis. Talk.
13th/14th/15th March
Blue Mountains Folk Festival. The Larrikins – Marcus Holden, Clare O’Meara, Garry Steel and Mark ‘Fiddlin’ Oats.
15th March
Senior’s Week special concert at Blue Mountains Folk Festival. The Larrikins.
16th/17th March
Senior’s Week Ambassador duties. Warren is honoured to be an Ambassador for Senior’s Week proving one gets ‘riper’ not older!
18th March
Hunter Valley Gardens. Concert with The Larrikins.
19th March
Senior’s Week Concert Stanton Library, North Sydney. The Larrikins.
20th March
10am Senior’s Week Concert St George Bank Auditorium, Kogarah (returning to my old turf). The Larrikins.
2pm Senior’s Week Concert, Kings Cross Community Centre for City of Sydney. The Larrikins.
21st March
Beating Around The Bush – Free Outdoor Concert at Darling Harbour . Produced and hosted by Warren Fahey with The Larrikins, Mic Conway, Jim Haynes, George Washingmachine’s Wondrous Strings and featuring the Heritage Dancers.
7th/8th/9th April
National Folk Music School. Canberra. A three-day course in Australian folklore and bush music. See the National Folk Festival website for full details or email us direct for full particulars.
8th April
Early evening concert ‘Down The Track With Henry Lawson’. Devised by and featuring Martyn Wyndham-Read with special guests including Fahey himself!
9th April
National Folklore Conference. National Library of Australia.
Presenting a Paper on his ABC CD series and approach to recording the bush repertoire.
10th/11th/12th/13th April
National Folk Festival. Various performances with The Larrikins and special guests. The ABC 10 CD set will also be launched at the festival with a celebration concert.
6th May
Art Gallery of NSW. Gallery After Dark Concert for the Archibald Prize.
The Larrikins return to the wonderful Art Gallery of NSW for a concert inspired by Mr Archibald and his famous art prize.
7th May
Kings Cross Library. Free concert in the library celebrating its 50th anniversary.
20th May
University of the Third Age. Lecture on Folklore.
24th May
The Harp. The Larrikins – the Sydney launch of the 10 CD set.
June WEA
As part of the WEA Autumn adult education program Warren will be presenting two short, three week courses on folklore. ‘Tucker Track’ will look at the folklore and curious history of Australian food – from colonial days to takeaways. ‘Ratbags & Rabblerousers’ will deal with 20th century eccentrics, politicians and social change as seen through parody.
For more information on Warren Fahey and Australian Folklore please visit the Australian Folklore Unit website.
Warren Fahey can be contacted via email.
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