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These releases are
currently being played on BLU FM
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MICHAEL WALTON & COLIN DAY – Reflections on Guitar (right) Two excellent guitarists play a range of music from Vivaldi to traditional Latin tunes using arrangements by Len Williams (father of John Williams). The “reflections” of the title is the key to this CD. It is reflective in mood – no Latin passion or fire here – and a pleasant album to relax to. Contacts: mkwalton@optus.com.au cjdaymusic@gmail.com THE UNDERSIDED – Self titled (left)Three excellent mainstream rock tracks from a four-piece band that has attracted quite a following locally and across Sydney. Contact: www.the-undersided.com management@the-undersided.com FIONA JOY HAWKINS – Portrait of a Waterfall (right) Sub-titled “original romantic piano” this is a collection of original pieces that, in the words of the cover notes, lift the spirit and soothe the soul. Tasteful orchestration by Bruce Wheatley lend colour and depth to Fiona’s delicate compositions. Contact: www.holborne.com.au GEORG MERTENS-MOUSSA - Music at Jenolan Caves / Classical Guitar (left/right) Georg plays J.S. Bach’s suites for solo cello on an instrument built in Germany during Bach’s lifetime c.1700. Recorded live in Jenolan Cathedral Cave, the CD also has an original composition and pieces by de Falla, Rachmainov and others. The reissue of Georg’s classical guitar album, originally released in 1990 on cassette, has an intriguing variety of compositions including Bach and Villa-Lobos. Contact: www.georgcello.com.au FEAR OF FALLING – 5 Days Underground (right) This EP is by a talented rock trio of Patrick Dorahy, Matt Jones and Elise Williams (with Tarquin Halls sitting in on bass for the recording) gives highly skilled workouts to five songs written by Patrick. We particularly liked the first, Intro. Patrick handles the vocals with energy and assurance. This is a group we’ll hear a lot more of in the future. Contact: www.fearoffalling.cjb.net STANFIELD - Canvas'd Music (left) “Canvas’d Music” is a demonstration of Mountains youth band Stanfield’s unique style of music which has gradually surfaced through extensive playing, experimenting and listening. Influences range from Bob Dylan and Dire Straits, to the Living End, Powderfinger, and Silverchair. The album features the energetic rock of Something There, to jazz influences in Thinking Tunes and moments of funk rock in Political Jargon. An impressive debut release that will soon be available at local record stores. Contact: http://www.stanfield-band.com VARIOUS ARTISTS – Blue Mountains Music Volume 1 (right) This compilation of recently recorded instrumental tracks from a new label based in Springwood features music inspired by the unique landscape of the World Heritage Blue Mountains. It features some of our best-known local musicians, including Nigel Foote, Fiona Joy Hawkins, Matt Lyons, Phil Davidson, Greg McCauley, Phoenix (Gary Stowe and Peter McVie) and the Reluctant Friends of Steve. Contact: Blue Mountains Music, PO Box 383, Springwood, NSW, 2777 www.bluemountainsmusic.com NIGEL FOOTE – Home Before Dark (right)Nigel Foote’s long awaited second album is exceptional. Nigel is a gifted folk singer and songwriter and consummate guitarist. The songs were writing over the past ten years and each one is inspired and beautifully crafted. One of our finest musicians, Nigel demonstrates the creative form that made him a finalist in the forthcoming MusicOz Awards. Contact: Folksinger Pty Ltd,
PO Box 7001, Leura, NSW, 2780
ANNE RIDGWAY – Turn Your World Around (left) This is a fine album by one of our best local singers. If folk music is your thing, then this is an album to run out and grab immediately. Anne’s beautiful, complex music, sensitive lyrics and heartfelt vocal’s make this one of the best of recent releases. Anne was the receipient of the 2005 Blue Mountains Music Award for folk music, as well as Musician of the Year. Contact: anne_ridgway@hotmail.com www.anneridgway.com WILLO DRUMMOND - Demo (right) This three-track demo by a talented local singer-songwriter is a pleasant surprise. The songs are passionate and skillful ballads, performed with gusto and giving Willo's vocal dexterity a good workout. To Have & To Hold and Nighttime Castles are demo recordings. The More You Know was recorded live at The Basement. Contact: www.willodrummond.com FOR INTENTIONS - Think Again EP (left) For Intentions is a four piece punk pop/rock band hailing from the Lower Mountains/Penrith, consisting of vocalist/guitarist Aidan, guitarist Zac, bassist Morgan and drummer Jordan. The guys have recently recorded a 6 track EP entitled "Think Again EP" and is due for release very soon. Contact: www.forintentions.cjb.net; forintentions@hotmail.com; www.purevolume.com/forintentionsfi MARK TRAVERS - One (right) Mark Travers is a seasoned performer who seems to be drawn to what he calls "transient tourist-based towns" with songs like Byron and Snowy Town. So, landing in the Blue Mountains where he recorded this album at his Tranquillity Sound Studio seems almost inevitable. Mark is a gifted writer and singer who plays many of the instruments - bass, acoustic and electric guitars, keyboard. Ben from the Robertson Brothers play drums on a number of tracks. Highly recommended. Contact: www.looksharpmusic.com THE SLEUTHOUND FIASCO - Self-titled (left) Two local DJs team up for this surprisingly enjoyable album that combines sampling, hip-hop and funk-groove sounds - just the sort of thing we seem to excel at here in the Blue Mountains. These guys will have Hermitude looking over their shoulder. Contact: to come SCREAMING SILENCE - Weapons of Reason (right) A full-on rock group of students from a local school, this is a popular group with a large following. While this album will undoubtedly delight their fans, most listeners will find little to grab them. However, this is a group to watch in the future - they have enthusiasm, commitment and potential plus. Contact: www.screamingsilence.cjb.net LUCA - Tales from the Tea Leaves (right) Featuring the delightful vocals of Tara Luca who grew up and began her career in the Mountains, this excellent album has a folk-style purity that is at once charming and musically astute. Add some fine song writing and it adds up to an agreeable and listenable CD. Contact: tluca@hotmail.com GLISTER - Be There Soon (left) Samantha can certainly sing and the band play down-to-earth rock. This is a mixed bag, leaving us with the feeling they haven't quite found their own sound yet. Good musicians, mostly good material, adds up to a good CD that should be great. A group to be watched. Contact: www.glister.com.au HERMITUDE - Tales of the Drift (right) This brilliant album from one the most successful local bands is a soulful blend of jazz, funk, hip hop and sampling. It is low-key and surprisingly tuneful. There is an almost joyful feeling to the whole album. Local MCs Urthboy and Ozibatla guest on one track and on another there is an very effective brass section. Blu MC on vocal and flute is a stand out on yet another track. But, the glory belongs to the guys from Hermitude themselves who achieve a level of creativity on this that is all too rare. Contact: www.hermitude.com; www.elefanttraks.com NINA VAN DER KLEY - Left On The Corner Hung Dry (left) This EP has five tracks from this talented young singer-songwriter. Nina displays a nascent flair for the serious, socially conscious folk-style song which is at its best on "I Don't Like It" and the title track. Contact: ninavdk@aol.com INGA LILJESTRÖM – Elk (left) This jazz-based sound improvisation sets Inga’s remarkable, otherworldly voice against a compelling sound landscape. There are shades of Bjork and Beth Gibbons of Portishead here but Inga has a brilliantly individual delivery. A great album. Contact: www.ingaliljestrom.com FADE - Greed (right) Fade's talented vocalist Rebecca Voorn grew up in Blaxland and lived until recently in Katoomba. The group received a judges' commendation in BLU FM's recent National Demo Comp for the title track. There are a four compelling rock-pop songs on this outstanding EP. Contact: fade@zeromusic.com.au; www.fade-band.com THE MONSTROUS NOW - Self-titled (left) The Mountains' favourite jazz-funk-grooves group is at its inventive best on this new EP. Comprised of extended snippets from an improvised jam session recorded live at the UWS studios, they traverse the borders of old school funk, dub, house and free improvisation. Contact: ryan_squires1@hotmail.com TIM TOWNER - Ragas and Talas (right) Despite the title, Tim plays rock oriented pop music with a trance feel. Tim wrote the songs, plays guitar, bass, keyboard and does the vocals. The vocals are somewhere between a narration and a chant. The instrumentals have a dream-like quality with only a merest nod to the music of the sub-continent. Contact: Rivendell Music, 46c Birdwood Avenue Winmalee NSW 2777 GREGORY NORTH - Fully Sick Mate! (left) Greg is a BLU FM presenter and one of the most popular of local performance poets. This CD is sub-titled Australian Bush Poetry Old & New. He has won numerous awards for his original humorous poetry and was overall winner of the Clancy's Choice Award for his amazing recitation of The Man From Snowy River in 14 different accents. Contact: gnorth@hermes.net.au BOBBY LIPTAI – Breathings (right) Quality song writing and forceful voice makes Bobby’s album very appealing. Her sister, Marie has contributed three equally excellent songs. There is angst in some of the songs but some pleasant humour in others. This is easy listening pop but it has enough edge to be worth a listen. Contact: lizliptai@netscape.net BEN SCOTT – The Sydney Cove Project (left) This song writing project relates stories from the early history Sydney in the years following the arrival of the First Fleet. The songs draw on letters and journals to tell the stories of important characters from early colonial days, both indigenous and European. Sound dull? Well, it is in fact extremely compelling both in the writing and the excellence of the musical performances. Contact: info@sydneycoveproject.com PETER ILLICH – Magic Happens (right) Peter Illich is one of our best known local musicians – he has played in a myriad of bands and performed as a busker. Peter plays all instruments on this very assured 10-track album. It features nine original compositions and a nice cover of Steve Miller’s “Fly Like an Eagle”. The original songs include the title track and there are some fine instrumentals. AUTUMN PHASMID - Three (left) This EP features three fine songs by Ivy Jean who is best know for her work with the now-defunct Gelfling. She has also played with several other bands, Dazeye, Noon and Noria. Her first solo effort as Autumn Phasmid starts with the measured ballad Gone, followed by another ballad, Night Calls and Persuade, a more up tempo and catchy song. Ivy clear and unaffected voice is a delight. Contact: autumn_phasmid@hotmail.com I FLY - Untitled 8-track EP (right) This compilation of live recordings and re-recordings done in various parts of the UK over the past six months is testimony of IFly’s increasing skill and virtuosity with great new songs and re-workings of some familiar songs. Good to see the guys haven’t forgotten their Blue Mountains roots. The album sells at their UK gigs for seven quid, they say. They are back in the studio again in late May. Contact: www.iflyaway.net SONIC WAVE COMPENSATOR - Life Circuits (right) This long-awaited 8-track EP from one of our most popular local bands is quite a treat. There are live-performance favourites like The Other Side and You Got Me Dreamin' with some excellent new songs like Ink On Paper. Firmly in the 70s and 80s influenced trend but with more originality and better songs than many, this album can be recommended. Contact: band@sonicwavecompensator.com THE SESSION MEN - Live EP (left) This talented trio of Julien Castegnaro, John Moran and Jamie Neil give us a catchy original song, The President, a couple of tradition folk-blues and interesting covers of songs by Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, J.J. Cale and the Gershwins. Aris Dennis provides some pleasing electric guitar. The session was recorded live a couple of weeks ago in the Tracking Station Studio in Sydney. Contact: thesessionmen@yahoo.com.au THE MONSTROUS NOW - Live! (left) This improvised jam was recorded live at the University of Western Sydney studios. The combination of remixing, delays, drum triggers, tape manipulation and samples shows why this group was the incubator of Entropic and Down Under Beats Crew. The blending of these with their ingenious live instrumentation combines a jazz ethos with funk drums 'n' bass grooves. Contact: ryan_squires1@hotmail.com This is Robyne's fourth album recorded over three nights at Sydney's premier blues and jazz venue and released on the Laughing Outlaw label. The album really showcases Robyne's singing, musical and songwriting talents that have been justly acclaimed by critics. Contact: www.laughingoutlaw.com.au BAXTER STONE - It's the sound of you not coming round (right)This pleasantly infectious self-recorded album from Blackheath's Baxter Stone has some new material, including the catchy title track, and some old stuff from his Melbourne days (co-written with Adrian Morgan). It has Baxter on guitar and vocals - with some effective double tracking - accompanied by Simon Wilson on acoustic guitar. Contact: baxs2003@yahoo.com.au Thirteen is a five-piece band that incorporates rhythmic heavish-rock with a dark undercurrent of alternative beats. This single is from their soon-to-be-released EP. The group features the voice and keyboard of Sheree Waddington who made an impression at the BluFM Battle of the Bands fronting Sun Filter. Contact: theband-thirteen@hotmail.com THE MONSTROUS NOW - The Monstrous Now (left)The release features three tracks from this impressive and extremely popular 5-piece jazz-funk outfit. They describe their sound as "a nexus where free improvisation meets drums 'n' bass funk". The group, formed at the University of Western Sydney, features former BluFM presenter Phil Williams doing tape manipulation and sampling. The group was the incubator of Entropic and Triple J Unearthed winners Down Under Beats Crew. Contact: ryan_squires1@hotmail.com NICKI GILLIS - On the Mountain (right) A gifted vocalist who has been appearing regularly at local gigs, Nicki is a gifted vocalist who sings a quite soulful style of country. Back by an really excellent band, she gives us four tracks, including the irresistible bluegrass title track. Contact: www.nickigillis.com.au KAUTILYA - You Are the Reason (left) This laid-back contemporary folk-style group deliver some charming songs. Worth noting are Smile So Blue, A Million Stars, Hiroshima, and So Right. We were particularly impressed by the violin playing of Elizabeth Oakes. This is a quiet, but none the less striking album from a sincere and talented group of musicians. Contact: ruth@pnc.com.au HERB ROCK (right) Herb Rock is an independent MC/Beatmaker from Springwood in the Blue Mountains. He's been caught rapping at a few different venues around the Mountains as well as spitting freestyles at open mic nights in the City of Sydney. He's released two home made EP's: Herb is Better Than You and Knowledge Rock which are available for download from his site: www.herbterminal.com KING CURLY - Lullaby (left)Steve Appel from Lawson has received world-wide recognition with this
wonderful album.
"King Curly, fronted by rhythm guitarist and singer/songwriter Steve Appel,
is a much-talked about band from down under that proves itself be the very
antithesis of those familiar Antipodean macho rock stereotypes. His angst is
real life and his demons are instantly recognisable. He simply humanises
themes knowing that we can all identify with love handles, the precarious
job market, blinding moments of crass stupidity and those primitive teenage
urges in the trouser department ... remarkable confessions for an Australian
man to make." Contact: www.kingcurly.com RODEO DODO - The Redline Sessions This brilliant little EP shows the style and wit that won Rodeo Dodo first place in the 2004 BLU FM Singer-Songwriter Challenge. The duo of Kate Rowe and Julien Castegnaro write uniquely humorous songs and perform them with an appealing passion. All four songs on the EP are simply brilliant. Contact: kateandjulien@yahoo.com.au PHIL DAVIDSON - 5 Days / The Last Thing She Wanted To Hear (right / left) Phil Davidson emigrated with his family from Northern Ireland when he was 10 and eventually settled in the Blue Mountains. He is an exceptionally gifted songwriter, as these two releases demonstrate. Following a stand-out performance at the Blue Mountains Blues and Roots Festival last year, he has received extensive airplay on ABC 702, Channel Seven and globally on cable networks. These are two outstanding releases from one of our finest local musicians. Contact: www.phildavo.com pad@tpg.com THE SPOOKY MEN'S CHORALE - Tooled Up (right) Comprised of some of the finest male voices in the Blue Mountains - Tom Bridges, Tony Eardley, Peter Long and about 17 more - the Spooky Men's Chorale have been wowing audiences at festivals far and wide. With this release they can spook you in the comfort of your own home with crowd-pleasers like their arrangements of the Rolling Stone's Satisfaction, the Beatles' And I Love Her and Kasey Chambers' Not Pretty Enough. There are also some originals as well as a few traditional songs and Georgian sacred chants. A great album. Contact: taberner@tpg.com.au www.spookymen.com INDIGO HIGHWAY - White CranesThis single features White Cranes that has been getting rotation airplay on FBi in Sydney this month. It has a dense rock sound with an extraordinary vocal by Ian Tanner that lifts it out of the run of the mill. This group from Blackheath, where they recorded this, have a great future if they can keep coming up with killer tracks like this.
RELUCTANT FRIENDS OF STEVE - Mirrors of the Past (left) The second album from this unique Mountains group has ten excellent tracks, including their crowd-pleaser Must Be Dreaming. Not a huge advance on their first album but that's not really a criticism. This is a group with tremendous appeal and loaded with musical talent. Stephen Stockton's song writing is assured and engaging. Contact: www.therels.com DOCTOR & THE BADMAN - Did I Trouble You? Despite their name this is a three-piece group that has been entertaining us for more than 20 years here in the Mountains (most recently as regulars at the Royal in Springwood) and it is great to have a recording at long last. The highlight is Time on My Hands, a particularly skilful and compelling song written by the Badman (Patrick Hannan). This is an enjoyable album with earthy songs that blend folk roots and blues in a compelling mix with the Doctor (Rob Mann) and percussionist Peter Stack. Highly recommended. Contact: drandthebadman@yahoo.com.au THE WOODPICKERS - Me and Ned Kelly (right) The brilliant song writing of John Murphy shines through on this superb album. John and other Mountains locals - John Stuart, Martin Louis, Glenn Skarritt and Al Ward - are joined by some legends of Australian music - Broderick Smith, Bill Chambers, Doug Rowe, Kevin Bennett for starters - for a truly exceptional second album. It shows the same style and grace that made the first release of this studio group an international success with Alt Country fans. Contact: woodpicker@ozemail.com.au RELUCTANT FRIENDS OF STEVE - You Mist It... (right) This excellent album from the RELS is in a style described as Celtic blues with didgeridoo. The lead is Steve Stockton whose ‘reluctant friends’ include Ian Duncan and Dave Alexander from the legendary inner-city band Flaming Barstools, now living the healthy life in the Blue Mountains. The mountains figure prominently in the songs and the whole album has an off-the-wall appeal. Folk/rock. Contact: therels@therels.com BRONWYN LEAL HERBERT - Awake (right) Bronwyn is a particularly accomplished pianist, singer and songwriter who is completing her HSC at Katoomba High School this year. Her 4-track EP has three compelling originals and an inspired cover of Tori Amos’s Cornflake Girl. With harmonies from Monica Diercke and bass and guitar from Jimmi Carr who also produces, this is definitely one for your collection – we anticipate big things from Bronwyn. Singer/songwriter. Contact: cadence_bella@hotmail.com RACHEL HANNAN - The Sweetest Sound (right) Rachel's startlingly pure voice is set against some sparse and atmospheric
horn and rhythm arrangement. Some jazz standards and some original compositions. Jazz. SAUCEPAN BACH - Whose Say So (right) Katoomba singer and songwriter David Griffith is accompanied by the cream of mountain's musicians on this 9-track release, which has a compelling contemporary sound. Indie rhythms. DENIS RICE - Chindwin River Dreaming 22 songs from near and far sung by this mountain's folk-style singer. He has set some of his own poems to music as well as poems by some of the best
known local poets. Folk singer/songwriter. Singer/songwriter Jimmi Carr plays funky, acoustic-based music and has developed quite a following in the Blue Mountains and beyond. Indie rock. Contact: Shoestring Records, 164 Megalong Street, Leura, NSW, 2780 ANNE RIDGWAY - Angophora (right) Anne Ridgway’s song writing is directly inspired by the Blue Mountains’ environment, her childhood memories and her personal beliefs. Anne, well known as a performer at folk music clubs and festivals, accompanies herself with some tender finger-style guitar. This is her first album sensitively produced by Robin Janus. Folk singer/songwriter. Contact: anne_ridgway@hotmail.com T. MALFROY & THE GUESTS – Self-titled Tim Malfroy’s commanding vocals make him the hottest of emerging bands from the Blue Mountains. This gifted musician is just beginning to establish himself as a force in contemporary, blues-based music. A talented songwriter, rhythm and slide guitarist and harmonica player, Malfroy is backed on this 5-track EP by some fine musicians, including Aiden Roberts, Kim Poole and Daniel Holdsworth. Released late last year, this recording still enjoys airplay on BLU FM. Blues. Contact: tmalfroy@yahoo.com Official website for Blue
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BLU
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