March Birthdays

Brooks & Magee - Update

Hi Every one

Just a brief note to let you all know that we head out to Longreach on Thursday 18th March to begin our 6 month residency at the Discovery Holiday Park (formerly the Gunnadoo).   Shows will commence in the Woolshed from the beginning of April through until the end of September and we look forward to meeting anyone and everyone passing through.

Sunday March 7th despite the wet weather saw Denise & Bob “tie the knot” and what an absolute stunning bride she made.   Family and friends came from everywhere to join the happy couple in their celebrations, as they look forward to a honeymoon in Bali after Longreach.

The new CD has been delayed and will now not be released until the end of the year, but there will be a couple of singles from the album released to radio throughout the coming months.

Brooks and Magee sincerely thank all the dj’s playing their music both here and overseas, for their support and dedication.   Tracks from our On Tour and For Old Time’s Sake CD’s have been doing extremely well, particularly overseas with Saddle Boy peaking at #2 in the ECMA Charts and The Calling (Home) going to #1 in Ireland.   There are also new updates coming to the websites.

Anyone interesting in purchasing CD’s can send an email to:
matlow.230@bigpond.com

So until next time,
Take special care always
Denise & Bob

www.brooksandmagee.com

Col Millington Has A New Recording Studio

After 12 months of being out of action my new studio is now open and ready to go. In the past I have had studios in Melbourne, Canberra, Albury and now Charters Towers.

After 40 years in the  music industry I have produced and promoted albums for myself and fellow Australia artist’s including, Johnny Chester, Judy Stone, Jean Stafford, Wayne Horsbrugh and many more, as well as local artist’s, Owen Smith, Ray Carbis and Joy Deane.

If you are a singer, songwriter, poet, or established entertainer, then I can offer you professional experience at no extra expense. Being a Musician, Producer, and Sound Engineer I can write all of your music record it and finish it to CD with printing in a case ready for sale.  I also specialize in midi file reconstruction. Please do not hesitate to give me a call to discuss your recording future.

Col

News On Alby Poole

Alby Pool returns to his old country music stomping ground in Perth for a one show only spectacular on Thursday April 8 at the Swan Yacht Club.

Presented by WA Country Music Promotions and hosted by country radio personality Brendon T Moylan, the evening promises to be a sell out with Alby playing a selection of only his best.

Joining Alby will be his original band; No City Limits as well as his extra special guests, Melody and Ann Pool.

Opening the evening is one of Perth's most popular country artists, Pete Busher and his band; The Lone Rangers.

To top off a fantastic line up, Milton Quakenbush will be sitting in for the evening playing Pedal Steel.

See below for details of an evening not to be missed.


When: Thursday April 8, 2010
Time: 7.30 pm
Where: Swan Yacht Club, Riverside Drive Fremantle
Tickets: $30.00
Available from:
Swan Yacht Club: (08) 93393520
Abbotts Records: (08) 9390 5552
The Purple Ear: (08) 9276 7127

KM Publicity

A Rose Fit For A King!

A brand new rose, bearing the name of Australia’s King of Country Music, will be officially launched on March 24th at the opening of the 2010 Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show.

The Slim Dusty Rose, named after the Aussie music Icon, will be unveiled at this year’s International Flower and Garden Show by Slim Dusty’s wife, manager and co-songwriter... Joy McKean OAM.  Joy is herself a 6 time  Golden Guitar / CMAA Award winning artist and regarded as a pioneer of our Australian music industry

The Rose has been introduced into Australia by Landsdale Rose Gardens of Perth W.A. and will be made available from leading rose growers around the country. The Slim Dusty Rose is a rich golden orange colour with copper bronze tonings that blend with the outback colours of Slim’s beloved Australian bush.

Joy McKean, Slim's wife and partner of over 50 years, will be in Melbourne especially for the launch of the Slim Dusty Rose. Joy McKean (who turned 80 in January!) is also the Chair for the Slim Dusty Foundation Ltd, the organisation established to build and operate the Slim Dusty Centre in Slim’s home town of Kempsey, NSW. Lansdale Rose Gardens will donate part proceeds from the sale of each rose towards the Slim Dusty Foundation. The Slim Dusty Rose will also be a special feature in the garden landscape around the Slim Dusty Centre.

The Slim Dusty Centre which opens later this year, will be a cultural centre Featuring a museum celebrating Slim Dusty’s life and his many extraordinary achievements over his long and successful career...a career covering 6 decades and a staggering 7 million sales. Slim passed away in 2003.

 For further information on the Slim Dusty Rose launch please contact:

Re: The Slim Dusty Rose Contact: Peter Nosow (Landsdale Roses) Phone # 0407441555
or email:  landsdalerose@westnet.com.au RE: Joy McKean Contact: Leon Concannon (Slim Dusty Enterprises P/L)  on Phone # 0404075545 or email: leoncon@bigpond.com
re: the slim dusty foundation contact : Phone # 02 6562 6533 or email:  slimdustycentre@midcoast.com.au
RE: THE Flower & garden show contact Georgie Cavanagh / Haystac Events Phone : 03 86892220
OR EMAIL:  g. cavanagh@haystac.com.au

Brenda Fritsch

Smoky Dawson Memorial

Hello there,

This is just a quick note to remind you that the Smoky Dawson Memorial Appeal is nearing its end.

At this stage we have had an excellent response and are close to our target. But, of course, the more funds we have the more opportunity we have to expand the actual memorial and its setting.

For example, we have talked to the sculptor about incorporating an additional feature which would commemorate Smoky’s horse “Flash”.

If you have not already contributed and would like to help future Australians remember the Smoky Dawson we knew and loved, please consider making a tax exempt donation to the Appeal.

Details of how to contribute are included below.

Thanks again for your support.

With kind regards,

Mary Chapman
Smoky Dawson Memorial Appeal Chair

How to contribute :    
By cheque, payable to: Smoky Dawson Memorial Appeal, PO Box 1842, Tamworth 2340.
By direct deposit to Smoky Appeal: BSB 032621 account 373885
To download a form for card payment, visit http://www.smokydawsonmemorial.com

Eric Bogle’s Small Pot
(Pension Optimisation Tour)

One of Australia’s eminent singer-songwriters to undertake his final tour!

Eric Bogle is probably best known for his song ‘The Band Played Waltzing Matilda’, which confirmed its iconic status by appearing as a question in the Australian version of Trivial Pursuit!  But he is far from being a one-hit wonder. Some of his other songs: ‘No Man's Land (The Green Fields of France)’, ‘Leaving Nancy’, ‘Now I'm Easy’, ‘Shelter’, ‘My Youngest Son Came Home Toady’ and ‘If Wishes were Fishes’ are now beginning to rival “Matilda” in the icon stakes.

After years of non-stop touring, which has included no less than eight tours of North America, 10 times round Europe and multiple Australian shows, Eric has decided that it is time to take it easy.  Eric’s Bogle’s Small POT (Pension Optimisation Tour) will be his last extensive tour in Australia.

With 14 albums to his credit, appearances at every major Folk & Country Music Festival in Australia and overseas including Port Fairy, Woodford, Tamworth, Gympie Muster, Philadelphia Festival, Newport Folk Festival, Toronto, New Orleans, Vancouver, Edinburgh. You name it, he's done them all, and many times as well. A recipient of an Order of Australia medal for services to the entertainment industry Eric was also awarded a United Nations Peace Medal for his efforts, through music, to promote peace and racial harmony.

His songs have been recorded by artists as varied as Joan Baez, Mary Black, Donovan, Slim Dusty, John Williamson, The Dubliners, Peter Paul & Mary, Billy Bragg, The Pogues and The Dropkick Murphy’s just to name a few. The Fureys’ rendition of ‘No Man's Land’ (Green Fields of France) spent 26 weeks on the Irish music charts, including ten weeks at the #1 position.

Country Music Capital News correspondent Jon Wolfe said recently, “I recommend that if you haven’t seen him live, put it on your to-do list and immerse yourself in the majesty of Eric Bogle and his music.”

Proudly presented by Laing Entertainment in association with Square One Entertainment.

Gigs are on Tours page

Linda Chamarette

Johanna Hemara Wins The Frank Ifield International Spur Award

Young Sydney Independent Country artist Johanna Hemara was last night Awarded The Frank Ifield International Spur Award For 2010 sponsored by the Rotary Club of Galston since 1998. This unique award, presented to an Australian recording artist each year, focuses on the artist’s potential international appeal, individuality of style and professionalism on and off the stage, as well as the potential global appeal of the artist’s recorded songs. This international appeal is a high priority, as a significant component of the award involves the release of Johanna’s recordings to international airplay, particularly in the UK and Europe. Her first Single, Starting Over, which is also the title of her new album, was released in the UK last week, and it has made its debut at No. 18 on the HOTDISC Chart in the UK. The single is distributed to over 800 radio stations, magazines and booking agents in the UK and Europe. Frank Ifield will oversee promotion and assist Johanna with touring opportunities in 2010 and beyond. Johanna will tour the UK and Europe, and perform at various showcases and Festivals throughout the region.

Her album, Starting Over, is produced by renowned Producer, Herm Kovac, and will no doubt be released in the region in 2010. The single, Starting Over, reached No 21 on the NfS Country Tracks Top 30 in Australia in February. Johanna will also be touring extensively throughout Australia during 2010.

News of this event may be seen on website www.frankifield.com

Alan Skeed

Chambers, Reyne, Matthews & The Waifs Just Some Saluting
John Williamson

Celebrated Australian John Williamson will be honoured by his peers from the industry in celebration of his 40th year in the business with the release of his Absolute Greatest John Williamson ~ 40 Years True Blue album.

Released on March 19th, the double CD highlights the singer/songwriter’s musical contribution over four decades and showcases a range of prominent artists interpreting the multi-award winning artist’s songs in their own style.

The album release comes on the back of the musical poet being recognised in January by the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce, as well as the Golden Guitar awards which paid special tribute to Williamson’s career to date in front of a 5,000 strong capacity crowd and broadcast nationally on TV.

As the name implies, the double CD features Williamson’s most popular recorded tracks such as True Blue, Raining On The Rock, Cootamundra Wattle, Galleries Of Pink Galahs and his latest original recording Island Of Oceans duet with Shannon Noll.

The unreleased duet with the ex-Australian Idol graduate is Williamson’s stirring creation that could easily become the national song of the country he loves. ‘I have written many songs over my forty years as a recording artist in an attempt to capture the enormous spiritual power of our huge, ancient land. At last, here it is; an anthem aimed to inspire pride in our place on earth. My final song on the subject! Only time will tell whether I have succeeded,’ said John.

Whilst the duet with Noll is the only new inclusion on the ‘Absolute Greatest John Williamson ~ 40 YEARS TRUE BLUE release, the Condobolin boy also adds star power to the Tribute album with his emotional delivery of Galleries Of Pink Galahs, the song played at his father’s funeral.

Noll is only one of the artists who volunteered their time and talent to recognise Williamson. Joining him on the TRIBUTE album is Wendy Matthews, Kasey Chambers, The Waifs, James Reyne, Troy Cassar-Daley, Tommy Emmanuel, Adam Harvey, Sara And Greg Storer, Ash Grunwald, The Songbirds (Gina Jeffreys, Beccy Cole and Sara Storer), The Ordinary Fear Of God and Williamson’s musical daughter Ami Williamsion.

From Old Man Emu to Mallee Boy, Rip Rip Woodchip through to his unofficial anthems such as True Blue and Australia Is Another Word For Free, Williamson has remained a constant in the Australian recording industry over four decades. Whilst many artists immediately expressed interest in contributing to the TRIBUTE album, the final selection was made based on John’s friends old and new.

One such friend is legendary guitar virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel who was given the honour of recording the song that introduced John Williamson to Australia, Old Man Emu.

“I have known JW since the beginning of his career in music and I saw him grow to become a powerful force in music and songs about Australia and its people and culture, nobody has captured Australian life in song like him, to me he stands tall as a true blue bloke, one whose clever wit, open hearted love and genuine love of country will always inspire me and many generations of young songwriters, to reach for excellence in their gift of song. Long Live JW ...I'm a true fan!!!!” said Tommy Emmanuel.

The double CD celebration ’Absolute Greatest John Williamson ~ 40 Years True Blue and Tribute album’ is released nationally on Friday 19th March 2010. The CD is released through EMI Music Australia.

A national tour celebrating John Williamson’s 40 Years will be announced soon.

Further quotes from artists included on the album are available upon request.

For more information, quotes or to arrange an interview please contact David Woodward on:
PH: 0413748167
E: reputation.marketin@bigpond.com

John Williamson Marks 40th Year

Call him what you want, ‘Mallee Boy’, ‘True Blue’ or just plain ‘Fair Dinkum’, there is no denying that after 40 years in the music industry, John Williamson is an Australian icon.

Three ARIA Awards, 24 Golden Guitars, MO Awards, APRA Awards, Platinum and Gold albums, over 4 million album sales and the list goes on . . . he has earnt the title whether he likes it or not.

This year John Williamson will celebrate a milestone regarded as a significant achievement in the entertainment industry, 40 years of success, four decades of hits, of celebrity and of sharing his love of Australia and poetry in song with its people.

It was June 4th 1970 that John Williamson made his debut. On the talent quest TV show, New Faces, Williamson competed with his self-penned and still much loved “silly song” ‘Old Man Emu’. He won, and since then has inspired pride in country, love of land and touched millions regardless of age, sex or creed.

This is the man famous for stirring classics such as Cootamundra Wattle, Raining On The Rock, Salisbury Street, Galleries Of Pink Galahs and public outcries like Rip Rip Woodchip, A Flag Of Our Own and let’s not forget his anthemic deliveries such as of True Blue, Glory To Australia and romantic ballads like Wintergreen, Hawkesbury River Lovin’ to name but a few.

His resume and catalogue would make any songwriter envious; not bad for a kid from Quambatook in Victoria’s Mallee country.

Look at some of the most significant events in Australia in the past few decades and he has been there. The 2000 Sydney Olympics, Steve Irwin’s memorial, the Bledlisloe Cup, Sir Donald Bradman’s memorial, the Rugby World Cup, the first Bali Bombings memorial service and the list goes on. He is ingrained in Australia’s history as much as its future.

But accolades and awards have never been a huge deal to John Williamson; it has always been about the fans to the ever humble ex-farmer. Even after what he has achieved, or what he has been invited to be a part of, he remains nonchalant about it all.

2010 is a year to celebrate John Williamson and his 40 years of contribution.

In March 2010 he will release his ultimate Best Of Album, aptly titled “Absolute Greatest John Williamson: 40 Years True Blue”. The CD contains his biggest hits and most requested songs, along with a new track recorded with Shannon Noll, ‘Island Of Oceans’ which could be Williamson’s ultimate gift yet. Inspiring, stirring and as patriotic as you can get, this is two loved Aussies singing for their country.

Accompanying the “Absolute Greatest John Williamson: 40 Years True Blue” is a special Tribute Album making the 2-disc pack a must have product. Kasey Chambers, James Reyne, Tommy Emmanuel, The Waifs, TOFOG, singing his songs in their own style, are just some of the artists who volunteered to appear on the 13 track special addition to honour his fortieth year.

In 2010, John Williamson’s music turns forty. He and his EMU can both celebrate. In one of the toughest industries and businesses, he has not only survived but soared.

As he says in one of his songs, “There's all the colours of the rainbow in the garden, woman, and symphonies of music in the sky. Heaven's all around us if you're looking, But how can you see it if you cry”.

Whilst his optimism has no doubt helped, coupled by determination and will, his words alone give you an insight into the passion this True Blue, Fair Dinkum Mallee Boy has.

David Woodward

News From Tracy Killeen

Hi Everyone,
 
Hope you are great! This is just a quick one as I have been flat out getting my 2nd solo album organized – so much to do, such little time…
 
I am so excited about my forthcoming album ‘Drivers Seat’, & will be previewing some of the new songs at my upcoming gigs, I would love to see you – check out my gig guide.  The album launch is set for May

20th at the spectacular Rooty Hill RSL in Sydney – I would love you to come along, so write that date in your diary/Iphone/blackberry!
 
I have recently filmed the clip for my first single ‘Brave’ with none other than the 2010 Golden Guitar winner for Video Clip of the Year, Duncan Toombs, so I can’t wait for it to hit your screens on the Country Music Channel – I will let you know when you can start voting for it.
 
‘Brave’ is one of my favorites tracks on my forthcoming album, of course the title is pretty self explanatory, but there is all kinds of brave, & I think so many people will be able to relate to this song. You could’ve lost someone close to you, left an unhealthy relationship to start again, took a totally different career path – anything, but there comes a time in life for us all where we have to find that inner courage & move forward, be ‘Brave’.
 
Hope to see you at a show soon!
 
Take care
Love
Tracy

Michael Fix News

Hello everyone,
Isn't the year speeding by?

It's been a busy time for me at home, and in my studio; writing, practicing, creating, and generally having fun.

But, once again it's time to board the silver bird and head north to escape the Brisbane heat.

As many of you would know, I'm a long-time, proud endorsee of Australian made Maton guitars. Maton are developing an international reputation and now have dealers in the UK, Germany, Italy and Japan. This tour is primarily to present clinics and in-store concerts at some of the key German Maton dealers, culminating in 5 days at the Frankfurt Music Messe, one of the world's largest music trade shows.

So, you'll find me in Germany this month:

Wed 17 Berlin, Just guitars Pariser Str. 49 Wilmersdorf 19:00 tel (0)30 8877 5528
Thu 18 Würzburg, Musik-Butik, Neubaustr. 22 19:00 t (0)931 46 52 464
Fri 19 Munich, Just guitars & Basses, Hanauer Str. 91a 19:00 tel (89) 38 38 8417
Mon 22 Cologne, Guitar Center, Aachener Str. 317 19:00 tel (0221)282 7540
24 - 27 Frankfurt Musikmesse Halle 3.1 D68 iMusic Network Ludwig-Erhard-Anlage 1

Fri April 2 Concert: Schlachthof Bruchsal Württemberger Straße 119 Bruchsal
Tel: +49 72513024581, 20:00

Hope to see you soon!
Michael Fix

Tennessee Legislature
Honors George Hamilton IV
Reception At State Capitol Building Follows European Tour

Upon his return from a non-stop European tour, George Hamilton IV was thrilled to have received an invitation to the Tennessee State Capitol, honoring the entertainer’s 50 years with the Grand Ole Opry. The event – Joint Resolution #813 of the Senate and House of Legislature – will take place at 9.00am on March 25, 2010.

Accompanying George IV will be his wife Tink, George V and wife Lillian and grandson George VI. Pete Fisher, manager of the Grand Ole Opry, has also been invited.

Previous country music entertainers to have received this honor have included Elvis Presley, Eddy Arnold and Bill Anderson.

Earlier, in celebration of his fiftieth anniversary with the Grand Ole Opry (February 6, 2010), George Hamilton IV had completed a month long “solo acoustic” tour of British churches - with side trips to Northern Ireland for further concerts and a little detour to Tenerife in the Canary Islands, off the African coast, for two fund raising concerts in aid of the Haiti earthquake disaster.

Following his February-March tour (without a single night off!), the “International Ambassador of Country Music” flew from Dublin to Nashville – and straight from the airport to a Gordon Lightfoot concert at the Ryman Auditorium, the historic home of the Grand Ole Opry.

Although George IV has recorded more Gordon Lightfoot songs than any other artist, (other from Gordon himself, of course!), this was the first time that he had seen his friend and “folk-country” inspiration in concert.

“Gordon Lightfoot introduced me to Canadian ‘folk-country’ music and made me aware of other songwriters from the North Country like Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen” George explains. “It was because of his inspiration and friendship that I recorded five albums of all Canadian music and had my own Canadian television series for several years. In my humble opinion, when it comes to Canadian songwriters and poets, he is the master, the teacher and the best of them all.”

(George Hamilton IV’s Canadian tv series enjoyed extensive international exposure and was seen in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa).

All of George IV’s recordings of Gordon Lightfoot material, along with other Canadian compositions, are included in a new Bear Family cd set, details to be announced shortly.

Marty Martel

A Night Of Coutry With The Stars

One Tree Pub, with our host Sally Smith  38 klm north of Hay towards Ivanhoe on 20/21st March Saturday nite and Sunday morning, tickets at Hay Tourism or at the Gate, free camping but you must go to both shows. With Reg Poole, Dianne Lindsay, Peter Simpson, Cousin Dipstick, Allan Luscombe, Ted Thompson, Alisha Smith, Caitlyn Jane and me (Jammo),  also a bush poet Sunday morning.

Bring water, chair and own generator, parking for Motorhomes, caravans, campers, aeroplanes? and motorbikes also cars and tractors and swags … hope to see yas there.

Jammo
0427731088 or 0749340950

Selling Fast, Get In Early To Avoid Disappointment.

Oz Country Music Festival
Be part of
Fiji’s First Country Music Festival

Featuring
John Williamson, Bill Chambers, Felicity Urquhart & Glen Hannah, Jonah’s Road, Ashleigh Dallas Band and more to be announced.

August 1st – 7th 2010
Cost from $2299.00 per person

Twin Share includes:
Return Airfares from Sydney
Return transfers, 7 nights at a 4 Star Resort in Fiji
All Meals, Country Music Festival Tickets
Nightly entertainment, Firewalking Show
Welcome cocktail party
Canapes every afternoon during happy hour
Free Scuba Lesson, Free Snorkel Hire and more.

For more details call Country Music Holidays 1300 799 987

News Submission
If you have any news items that you would like to contribute to this page, please submit your information to the editor by forwarding your articles to Admin@joysmusicworld.com

The deadline is 5.00pm on Tuesdays
Content of the Music World News is at the discretion of the Editor