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Other Projects
In addition to my regular working situations I also like to do shows with other friends when when we can. These are mostly old friends , often interstate , and these gigs add a great spice to my musical life. I feel blessed to do this work. I am also lucky to work sometimes with my old friend -slide player Kirk Lorange,Aussie rock legend Brian Cadd, percussion guru Greg Sheehan, viollinist Cleis Pearce, saxaphonist Dave Ades, trumpet player John Hoffman , pianist /singer Sharney Russell , guitarist /producer Steve Berry, guitarists Geoff Wright and Matt Hanley , sax player Andy Thompson ,trumpeter/vocalist Shannon Marshall- and other wonderful musicians who live in the area.
Jojo Smith
Jojo is a fabulous singer and writer, originally from New Zealand, now lives in Mansfield rural Victoria near Wangaratta .We met in Byron Bay in the 80's and played together for several years in the Hip-Pocket band, recording two albums and writing music together. Her latest solo CD - Live at The Blue Birdy- was recorded at a club gig in Byron Bay we did a couple of years ago with her great band. We've played Port Fairy Folk Festival , and other shows in Melbourne and up north. The couple of shows I did with the wonderful David Jones on drums were real special. Jojo writes great tunes and has a feel and groove that touches people deeply - I have had tears falling down my cheeks while doing the gig. A joyful sound ... www.jojosmithsoul.com JOJO SMITH "Tempt me with love" |
Georgie Fame
Englishman Georgie Fame is one of my favourite musicians . His 60's albums in many ways turned me on to black music styles and the Hammond organ , and his sythesis of jazz, RnB and cool vocals still serve as a model for me . I had the pleasure of touring Australia with him for many years in the 70's and 80's , and and a couple of years ago did some shows for the Bluesfest in Byron[ and some Basement shows in Sydney ] I recorded one album with him at the old Albert's studio in Sydney with Russell Dunlop and the Aussie Blue Flames , 'No Worries' , [one track in Audio player] but also was happy to be able to introduce him to Ben Sidran , who went on to produce several great cd's for him on Ben's GoJazz label [with Steve Gadd , Robben Ford and others ].Georgie is wonderful entertainer as well as organist and singer and I learnt a lot about engaging an audience in a musical situation working with him. He now lives in Sweden . I was very happy to surprise him a few years back by turning up in the band at his son's wedding in the Cotswolds in England [ I was visiting my friend Rick Fenn [10cc ] who offered me the gig with his band - Georgie did a few songs.] I hope it's not too long til the next time ... |
Elizabeth Lord and Leigh James
These two beautiful singer/songwriters also work independently and I have had the pleasure to play music with them on many occasions over the years . I recorded their album 'Share' at Sony studios in Sydney with Doug Gallacher on drums, Michel Rose on pedal steel and dobro , and Gary Steele on keys. I have been to Tamworth with their band the Border Rangers , and do some enjoyable gigs with Leigh's Tribute to James Taylor Show. As well , I introduced them to each other and was best man at their wedding ...They now live in Nurwillumbah, have 4 children between them , and somehow run complicated musician's lives as well. lordjamesmusic.com |
David Bentley
Is a wonderfully eccentric pianist, singer, and composer from Brisbane . He plays great jazz and blues , and is a witty and eloquent wordsmith , having worked for many years in journalism . This combined with a Mose Allison -like vocal style makes for very sophisticated music . I co-proced his album 'Last Man Standing' a few years back [see Rythmns review ] and sometimes do gigs with him , usually with Kerry Jacobson on drums and Jim Kelly on guitar or maybe Ric Halstead on sax. David has been around since the band Python Lee Jackson in the 1960's and continues to make great music. davidbentley.com.au |