Song and dance man
The all-singing all-dancing Ed Kuepper returns to the live arena this May-June for a series of acoustic ‘Solo and By Request’ shows in support of his new release entitled Return Of The Mail-Order Bridegroom.
His new CD features acoustic rewordings of earlier Kuepper classics spanning material by The Saints, Laughing Clowns and of course Ed’s lengthy solo career. The CD was inspired in part by the success of 2013′s inaugural ‘Solo and By Request’ show, and also Ed’s first acoustic recording from the nineties.
‘Back in the mid 90s I recorded what was in essence my first truly solo album…meaning just myself and a couple of acoustic guitars. It was called ”I was a Mail-order Bridegroom”. It came about after my first European and North American solo tour. I’d toured lots with some very talented people but doing a solo show that actually works was something special for me’, Ed says.
‘The first Bridegroom album was an attempt to capture the nature of those shows. Last year, I decided to go out solo again …this time on a totally by request basis… meaning no set list… I’d just play what was requested. The tour went better than I expected and I wanted to capture how things had changed musically in what was essentially the same format. I’m pretty happy with how it turned out.’
Ed brings his ‘Solo and By Request’ show to parts new and old this winter, performing for upwards of two hours each evening.
Currumbin SoundLounge Friday. Doors open from 7:30pm, show begins at 8:30pm
Tickets $25 online, or $30 at the door unless sold out.
Country in the blood
Guy Kachel grew up in Tamworth, the country music capital of Australia. Music was always one of his first loves and it was the music that inspired him to pick up the guitar and start to emulate his heroes.
He pays homage to, and embellishes, the legacy of icons such as JJ Cale, John Hiatt, Rodney Crowell and Little Feat with his style of playing and writing. This sometimes so-called country blues rock artist left Tamworth in 2004 and moved to the northern rivers in search of stories and tales to enhance his songwriting repertoire.
Guy’s live shows leave you with no doubt this passionate performer’s heart and soul are committed to his music.
Make Rage Against Abbott Your Rock ’n’ Roll Habit
Feeling lied to? Feeling cheated? Don’t sit home venting your spleen at a TV screen.
Come down to the Italo Club on Saturday and join the crew as they Rage Against Abbott. Of course, there will be some of you, as Joe Hockey has noted, who don’t own cars and will have to walk, so make sure you set off early!
There will be music, clowns, circus performers, poets, comics and general merriment to celebrate the stand against the inhumane Liberal Party agenda and to rally for a better life and a more noble country. The afternoon will begin with family-friendly entertainment and rage on into the night.
Punters are encouraged to bring along a placard with their favourite slogan.
There will be prizes for the most creative placard. All proceeds go towards the Northern Rivers Greens. With S Sorrensen as MC and featuring performances by The New Christs, Mick Daley and the Democratic Outbursts, Davey Bob Ramsey, The Blue Skillet Rovers and more.
Italo Club in Lismore , this Saturday, where dissent never felt so good!
Guy plays Sphinx Rock Cafe in Mt Burrell on Sunday.
Cash on Delivery
Superstar Johnny Cash was a music industry legend for more than half a century, with an instantly recognisable voice and style.
The hit movie Walk the Line introduced his dramatic life story and his unmistakable, tough music to a younger generation of music lovers.
Johnny Cash fans now cover three generations. Even people who might attest to hating country music are nevertheless enthusiastic about his legendary up-tempo hits such as Folsom Prison Blues, Ring of Fire, Get Rhythm, I Walk the Line – there are just so many great and unique songs in the Johnny Cash repertoire.
Those familiar with the highly successful bio-pic will know of the enduring love story between Johnny Cash and June Carter. A member of the iconic country music group The Carter Family, June grew up in showbiz and became an accomplished comedienne, singer, and songwriter – a true music professional.
Together they were a towering force in American music. Vocalist and writer Barry Ferrier has brought together a team of talented musicians to create an immersive show based on the interaction between these two gifted and unique musical artists. Barry has the vocal depth to emulate the unique Johnny Cash sound and the vivacious Ilona Harker ‘hoots and hollers’ her way through this toe-tapping, side-slapping mix of great songs and stories.
Johnny covered songs by many of the greatest 20th-century songwriters such as Bob Dylan, Kris Kristofferson, and Willie Nelson and in later life he brought his unique authority to a later generation of songwriters such U2 and Tom Petty, so the repertoire is extremely broad and interesting, including some of the greatest popular songs written over the past 60 years.
I Hear that Train a-Comin’ plays the Ballina RSL on Saturday at 8.30pm. Tickets for sale at the club.
Trombone Kellie and her Muddy Roaders!
Trombone Kellie and her Muddy Roaders will swing their way into South Tweed Sports Club this Saturday from 7.30pm, bringing the swing and their dynamic sound to the dancefloor.
Always giving their all, the band will play the downstairs auditorium for the very first time to the delight of homegrown fans after their successful gigs in and around the northern rivers and jazz clubs of NSW. Bringing a rich blend of vocals and classic swing big-band style, the Muddy Roaders will delight the senses and thrill with their dynamic upbeat style and melodies.
Bookings www.trybooking.com/97811 or at the door. Group bookings available for 15 or more. Book early – 0418 723 908.
The Good Life of Tracy McNeil
It’s almost three years since the Tracy McNeil Band last played Mullumbimby, but those who caught her set at Mullum Music Festival on the Rhythms Stage back in 2011 will remember a stunning performance! She is returning to showcase her superb new album Nobody Ever Leaves.
Tracy’s voice is strong and pure, and her latest songs have a gritty road-worn pop sensibility not previously evident in her writing.
She has surrounded herself with a band of musicians, The Good Life, so complementary that they magnify her strengths tenfold.
Canadian-born Tracy McNeil arrived in Melbourne in 2008 and teamed up with Jordie Lane as Fireside Bellows (alt country/folk duo), releasing their only album No Time To Die to rave reviews across the country.
Going their separate ways to pursue solo careers, Tracy then put together a band of sympathetic musicians and recorded Fire From Burning, which cemented her reputation as a respected and formidable force on the alt country circuit, and saw her go on to support international artists such as Old Crow Medicine Show, Eilen Jewell, Mary Gauthier and Tony Joe White among others.
Supported by Mr Cassidy, you can catch this show on Saturday at the Court House Hotel in Mullumbimby at 7.30pm. To Pre-Book tickets visit the website www.trybooking.com/86533.
Give Music a Kooii at the Hotel Brunswick
Kooii are a band pushing boundaries in contemporary Australian music. Their compelling fusion of afrobeat, reggae and world rhythms has earned them a glowing reputation, both on record and on stage. Their music brings together soulful vocals, three-part harmony and a deeply set rhythm section in an ageless and familiar sound that echoes through city and country.
Over the last ten years, they have toured extensively throughout the Australia and New Zealand, gathering a devoted following along the way. Other festivals they have played include Island Vibe, Reggaetown, Kuranda Roots and Parihaka (NZ).The group’s lead singer and trumpet player, Peter Hunt, seeds the majority of their songs, influencing their distinct feeling and message.
Cultivating these as well as group compositions are the group’s core members, all of whom are highly expressive and skilled musos well travelled through many musical lands where they have collected the parts for their art.
They are Dom Hede (drums), Tom Hinchliffe (bass), Lachlan Mitchell (guitar) and Conan Griffiths (guitar). Individual creativity shines strongly while a unity between them serves the creation of music that moves on many levels.
Sunday at the Hotel Brunswick.
On your Neem
After only one year of performing together as an official band, Neem has created a captivating sound that has attracted thousands of fans to admire their innovative and soulful songwriting.
With more than 50,000 hits on SoundCloud on their first single Ray of Sunshine in only one month, and their newest single Purple Days currently trending as well as ranking number one in their area on Reverbnation, Neem is already taking the world by storm.
With their lively retro overtones this four-piece Gold Coast band plays a mixture of folk, blues, pop and country with a hit of rock to keep your blood pumping.
Their live act is just as charismatic and upbeat as their songwriting and it awakens the audience to their solid beats and melodic sound.
While this is just the beginning for Nim and Nathan, Sally and Rick have had colourful careers working beside industry legends such as Daryl Braithwaite, Paul Kelly, Vika, Linda Bull, Ray Young and many more. Sally is currently completing her next album The 11th Hour, produced by Govinda Doyle, who previously won an Aria for producing Big Jet Plane by Angus and Julia Stone.
Also these four musical prodigies are happy to announce that they are working with Govinda once more on their debut EP.
While Nim and Nathan are just beginning their music careers, don’t underestimate them. Nim is a born musician and has been stealing the spotlight from his mother Sally since he was 10 years old.
Nathan also comes from a musical family; he has been playing the drums and singing from the early age of nine and has performed in numerous productions.
With Sally’s earthy passionate voice, Nathan’s tasty drum beats, Rick kicking it on the bass, Nim’s soulful sound and unbeatable guitar hooks, Neem will have every foot tapping Saturday at the Byron Brewery from 8pm. Free entry.