Tag Archives: 2008

CD Review: Ash Grunwald – Live at the Fly by Night

Review by: Lana Harris

Ash Gunwald   Ash Grunwald has a new live band. He’s recently ditched his kit playing drummers and instead adopted a man who plays a car door with a hammer and an African percussionist. The resulting harmonies of this new musical collaboration are compiled on Grunwald’s latest release Live at the Fly by Night – a full length recording of a show played by the trio at a Fremantle pub late last year. Unlike a lot of live albums which are a compilation of tracks played across many tour venues, this is just one show, and is the second release of this type that Grunwald has produced (Live at the Corner was released in 2008).

The album opens with a wash of pre show noise and slowly building hand drumming that arcs up to a crescendo when Grunwald’s pipes are unleashed, his part African heritage evident in the resonance of his voice. If you’ve not heard Grunwald before, he’s a blues styled man. His vocal style on Live at the Fly by Night conveys emotion and soul in the tradition of great men such as Tom Waits, although on this recording his soul is a hippy’s jubilant run through the forest, rather than a wallow in a darkened mind swamp. The soulful singing and up-tempo beats are best represented on ‘Fish out of Water’ which sounds like John Butler jamming with Waits on a whisky soaked hotel balcony late on a summer’s eve. The depth and range of Grunwald’s singing on ‘Rosie’, where his voice soars and growls without the distraction of accompanying melody and just a spatter of soft drumming behind, it is one of the album’s finest moments.

Throughout the journey a range of percussion instruments are called upon to support Grunwald’s voice, including woodskin cajon, djembes, and the eccentric car door and hammer. The focus is clearly on rhythm – alongside the percussion, the guitar melodies played are often a series of repeated phrases. The drumming, which is more loose and inspired, feels fresh amongst the tighter repetitive melodies.

Lyrics are often repeated as well, with changes in tempo driving the songs to climaxes. The style of pace change is repeated through many of the tracks, which lends a sameness to the tunes once you’ve listened to the whole album a few times through.

Live at the Fly by Night brings funk to the blues, and the resultant combination is a highly danceable recording with sustained vocal interest. The recording boasts a commitment to energetic music, which can’t be said of too many blues based recordings, and gives Grunwald a unique sound. An album to put on when you want to encourage people to get up and dance at a party.

Related:
Ash Grunwald site
Ash GrunwaldAsh Grunwald available at iTunes


Woodford Folk Festival

The Woodford Folk Festival is almost beyond words. A festival fantasy land that will fill all of your senses. From it’s humble beginnings in 1987, known then as the Maleny Folk Festival, this yearly event has grown into one of the largest ‘folk’ festivals in the world.

Kate Miller-Heidke - Caloundra Music Festival 2008

Set in the picturesque countryside of Woodford and offering six days and nights of concerts, dances, workshops, circus acts, forums, street theatre, writers’ panels, film festival, comedy sessions, acoustic jams, social dialogue and debate, an entire children’s festival, art and craft workshops, late night cabarets and special events including a spectacular fire event.

The Herd @ Quicksilver Pro-Show

A total of 23 different venues will host 580 separate acts and 1600 events over the week. Continue reading Woodford Folk Festival

Photo Gallery: Open Arms Festival – November 2008

The inaugural Open Arms Festival took place on Saturday November 29, the eve of summer, where the cream of Australian music rocked, hopped, bopped and got down and dirty at the sunny (ok, sometimes a little wet) mid-north NSW coast town of Coffs Harbour:

www.openarmsfestival.com

Woodford Folk Festival 08/09 – Launch

The 23rd Woodford Folk Festival presents a resplendent program of 580 acts and 2600 performers.  Festival Director and futurist, Bill Hauritz says “it’s our most ambitious programme in our 23 year history…”.

The festival runs from Thursday the 27th December through till late on Monday the 1st January.

 

Featuring some of the planet’s finest artists, Woodford Folk Festival truly represents our modern Australian culture and The Queensland Folk Federation is representative of a dynamic community of 2000 volunteers, 160 department heads and 20 full time staff who create the festival.  Negotiating the balance between community and professionalism is a rewarding challenge for all involved.

Woodford Folk Festival has become known as an incubator of fresh talent and it’s not just musicians who are nurtured at Woodford, there are platforms for visual artists, comedians, circus, vaudeville, healers, environmental leaders and for patrons through workshops, forums, volunteering and performance involvement. The 360acre site is also being lovingly regenerated.

   

This years highlights include festival favourites such as Lior, John Williamson, Dya Singh, Doch, Katie Noonan, Ash Grunwald, Augie March, Katie Miller-Heidke, Josh Pyke, That 1 Guy, Kristina Olsen, Waiting For Guinness, Backsliders, The Bird, Jeff Lang, Alistair Hulett and David Rovics, Martin Pearson, Wild Marmalade, Ernie Dingo, The Herd, Miguel, Leah Cotterell, Mr Percival, Bluegrass Parkway, Mic Conway¹s National Junk Band, the Amazing Drumming Monkeys, and Oka. Also there’s the captivating Mama Kin and a solo appearance by Harry Angus, the Cat Empire¹s trumpeter and vocalist who this time will bring his guitar.

Continue reading Woodford Folk Festival 08/09 – Launch

DREAMING OF A NIGHT WHITE XMAS!

MIX IT UP AT WHITEWATER WORLD WITH NOVA’S MICHELLE AND SMALLZY’S “WHITE” XMAS PARTY!

• FRIDAY DECEMBER 12, 2008 FROM 6.30PM TO 10.00PM
• EXPERIENCE THE ULTIMATE XMAS POOL PARTY! GET IN THE XMAS SPIRIT, DON’T FORGET TO “DRESS UP IN WHITE” FOR THE NIGHT
• TICKET PRICE $25 OR GRAB FOUR MATES AND PAY JUST $20 EACH
• MIX IT UP WITH LIVE DJ BEATS AT WHITEWATER WORLD’S MASSIVE MOONLIGHT BEACH PARTY

Turn a December night into Christmas white when the Gold Coast’s newest water park opens its doors on December 12 for the Nova “WHITE” Christmas party. Gates open from 6.30pm until 10.00pm.

Wear your bikini, tankini, boardies or rashies – in any colour as long as it’s white – and slide right in for the party of the year as Michelle & Smallzy from Nova’s Launchpad broadcast live from WhiteWater World.
Continue reading DREAMING OF A NIGHT WHITE XMAS!

LifeMusicMedia World Exclusive: Pinky Beecroft interviews PINKY BEECROFT…

Pinky Beecroft interviews PINKY BEECROFT…  
for LifeMusicMedia

PB: So, Pinky, was this your idea, to do this interview?
PB: No. I don’t know whose idea it was. But I think it’s a very good idea, so I’m running with it.

PB: OK. Do you want firstly to talk about your time as the singer of Machine Gun Fellatio?
PB: No. Not if we can avoid it.

PB: Right. Well can you tell me a little bit about your new band, The White Russians?
PB: Yes they’re very good. A 4-piece, drums, bass, guitar and me. It’s very organic.  Kind of rockin’. Very exciting.

PB: You’ve just released your first album, Somethin’ Somewhere Better. How was that?
PB: How was what?

PB: How was that process?
PB:  You mean, how did we record it?

PB: I mean.. yeah. I guess. Um. I mean… what were your influences?
PB: My influences? That’s a very complicated question. I don’t know, gee, I expected this interview to be different.
Continue reading LifeMusicMedia World Exclusive: Pinky Beecroft interviews PINKY BEECROFT…

Stereosonic 08, Saturday November 22, Brisbane’s RNA Showgrounds

It’s the news party revellers have been waiting for; Stereosonic 08 is going on the road with Brisbane firmly in its sight.  After huge success last year, Melbourne’s festival of the year is set to infiltrate Brisbane’s RNA Showgrounds on Saturday November 22 in a Queensland first.  

     

Joining forces, Family nightclub, onelove, Hardware, inthemix, Channel [V] and Nova – the Stereosonic 08 juggernaut – officially announce Stereosonic, a showcase of the very best in new cutting-edge music and unrivalled state-of-the-art production.

Scouting the finest local and overseas talent, Stereosonic serves a festival of epic proportions, covering the entire spectrum of dance and electronic music, even spilling over into indie.

Continue reading Stereosonic 08, Saturday November 22, Brisbane’s RNA Showgrounds

BRISCOE CREATES HISTORY AT THE NIKON INDY 300 – Gold Coast – October 2008

Nikon Indy 300 - Gold Coast - October 2008 Nikon Indy 300 - Gold Coast - October 2008 Nikon Indy 300 - Gold Coast - October 2008  Nikon Indy 300 - Gold Coast - October 2008 Nikon Indy 300 - Gold Coast - October 2008 Nikon Indy 300 - Gold Coast - October 2008
(click image for larger version)

The final day of the Nikon Indy 300 on the streets of Surfers Paradise has concluded with the locals ‘FIRING UP’ to take the ultimate spoils today.

In the IndyCar Series, Australian Ryan Briscoe became the first driver from ‘Down Under’ to win on the Gold Coast in the Event’s 18 year history.

Originally from Sydney, Briscoe is also the first driver to win on the Gold Coast under the IndyCar Series category sanction, after the US open-wheel racing unification earlier this year.

Briscoe had the Brisbane-born Kiwi Scott Dixon in hot pursuit for the entire 60 lap race as he led the way from lap 17, before taking the chequered flag to be the 17th different winner of the Event.

While Briscoe was triumphant, his fellow Australian and fan favourite Will Power saw an early lead come to a cruel end after he led the opening 16 laps.

Power brushed the inside wall on the apex of Turn Five, breaking his steering and heading into the Turn 6 wall in what is the second part of the Bartercard Esses.

Power attempted to limp his mount back to the pits but was forced to park at Turn Eight, one day after making history by winning his third-consecutive pole position on the Gold Coast and becoming the first three-time polesitter for the Nikon Indy 300.

While Power met an unfortunate end, the polesitter in the Australian V8 Supercar Championship Series was untouchable – with the Gold Coast’s Jamie Whincup following up his pole and race one victory with two race wins today.

The results saw Whincup undeniably clinch his tenth career round win and further establish his championship lead over fellow Ford driver Mark Winterbottom and Holden driver Garth Tander.

While Whincup relinquished the lead for a short period early in the first of today’s two races, the majority of the weekend saw him well and truly in the leading position where, despite a continuously challenging Tander.

When it came to round wins in the Carrera Cup, the only support category to race today, it was James Moffat who stood on the top step, with David Wall second and the season champion Craig Baird – the Gold Coaster secured the championship before this weekend’s final round – in third.
Continue reading BRISCOE CREATES HISTORY AT THE NIKON INDY 300 – Gold Coast – October 2008

TRIPLE J TO BRING THE PARTY TO BRISBANE POWERHOUSE – 7 November 2008

Brisbane Powerhouse will give all music lovers an excuse to get out of bed before first light, when they host the triple j AusMusic Month Event on Friday 7 November, 2008.

Stagger out of bed at 5am and join the triple j breakfast team Robbie, Marieke and The Doctor as they broadcast live for the first time from the Turbine Platform on the final leg of their national tour as part of AusMusic Month.

triple j is all about homegrown talent and will celebrate all things local by putting on a huge show at Brisbane Powerhouse and rolling out the red carpet.

triple j will broadcast live with special guest performances and interviews with Josh Pyke, The Grates and the John Steel Singers, plus more surprise guests revealed closer to the date.

As the celebrations approach, keep listening to triple j for more information regarding this special event, J Award nominations and much, much more.

Remember, due to daylight savings, the event will begin at Brisbane Powerhouse at 5am, but will be broadcasted on Brisbane radio from 6am – 9am.

For more updates on the line up, go to triplej.net.au or tune in to 107.7 FM

Date: Friday 7 November 2008
Time: 5am – 9am
Venue: Turbine Platform
Tickets: FREE

More Info: 07 3358 8600 or brisbanepowerhouse.org

Caloundra Music Festival – 17-19 October 2008

The Caloundra Music Festival.  What a great experience! 
Vanessa Amorosi - Caloundra Music Festival  - 17-19 October 2008
Vanessa Amorosi

Caloundra Music Festival is certainly about music – but it’s also about celebrating our lifestyle and our environment. There is a range of other free activities planned during the three day festival, including…

  • Beach-side carnival
  • The Village
  • Workshops and interactive sessions
  • Street parade
  • Bulcock Street markets on the Sunday
  • Buskers
  • Roving Street performers
  • Kite surfing displays

2008 Linup (partial)
PETE MURRAY,THE WHITLAMS,LIOR,VANESSA AMOROSI,ROY AYERS,IAN MOSS,KATE MILLER-HEIDKE,JACKSON JACKSON,THE BAMBOOS,TRIPOD,DALLAS FRASCA,,LABJACD,PAUL GREENE,SYMBIOSIS,DARYL BRAITHWAITE,JOHNNY GREEN’S BLUES COWBOYS,And More…

http://www.caloundramusicfestival.com/

Gabriella Cilmi and The Presets sweep the 2008 ARIA Awards

The winners of the 2008 ARIA Awards, proudly presented by Motorola, have been announced and pop and electronic dance music have ruled the day in the form of multiple winners GABRIELLA CILMI and THE PRESETS. They join an eclectic group of ARIA Award recipients who include THE LIVING END, KASEY CHAMBERS and SHANE NICHOLSON, NICK CAVE and GEOFFREY GURRUMUL YUNUPINGU, THE PANICS and BLISS N’ ESO, among others.

In what is an extraordinary success story, vocal powerhouse GABRIELLA CILMI, a pop singer who had yet to emerge on the Australian music landscape this time last year, has taken out an incredible 6 ARIA Awards on the back of her debut album, Lessons To Be Learned, and her breakthrough smash hit single, Sweet About Me. The Melbourne-born, London-based Cilmi has received ARIA Awards in the categories of BEST FEMALE ARTIST, BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST – SINGLE (Sweet About Me), BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST – ALBUM (Lessons to be Learned), BEST POP RELEASE (Lessons to be Learned), HIGHEST SELLING SINGLE (Sweet About Me) and the coveted ARIA Award for SINGLE OF THE YEAR for Sweet About Me. With the world at her feet, GABRIELLA CILMI’s ARIA Awards triumph is nothing short of a phenomenal achievement for the Dandenong girl who has just celebrated her 17th birthday.

Electronic duo THE PRESETS has also had a cracking year with the release of their widely acclaimed second album Apocalypso. They fought off stiff competition in the prestigious categories of ALBUM OF THE YEAR and BEST GROUP to take out both for the hugely popular Apocalypso. The album has also seen THE PRESETS receive the pointy trophy in the category of BEST DANCE RELEASE taking their tally to 3 ARIA Awards (plus 2 ARIA Artisan Awards, including Producer of the Year for Julian Hamilton and Kim Moyes). The self-produced Apocalypso, which spawned the gritty hit single My People, has sealed THE PRESETS as Australia’s premiere electronic act.
Continue reading Gabriella Cilmi and The Presets sweep the 2008 ARIA Awards