The 2011 CD from Australian Ado Barker showcases his interpretations of Irish traditional music. Ado is well known down under as a leading light in Trouble in the Kitchen, one of Australia's best Irish trad bands. Here he is accompanied by the sensitive and Alex Finn style bouzouki of Ruairi McGorman.
Allan Giuseppe Badalassi - Mandala of Sayla and Ava Order Number - agbcd2009
Meditative music for piano and flute, mostly original except for Erik Satie's classic Gymnopedie. This album is really modern classical music and will appeal to many who do not often listen to classical music.
Murrumbidgee Jones - The Same Joke Twice Order Number - gecko003
The new release from Murrumbidgee Jones - The Same Joke Twice - is in stock now."The CD is a collection of ordinary, everyday images, but ones too often missed as we go about the exercise wheels of our lives, exemplified in "Brown Champagne"; and in "From an Aussie"; "fish and chips should be eaten down by the sea", or "when you're coffee's cold and the butter on your toast is stale" from "Magpie in the Distance". Amongst the everyday, there are some delightfully perceptive descriptions: "Catch a brace of currawongs/they'll fly like black angels in the sky", and "there's a shadow on a toenail moon" from "Toenail Moon"." - MR 2009
The Bard - In A Golden Dawn Order Number - SWCD2008
Following on from his first album, the acoustic/folk Sands of Time, [2005] and the limited release live album Speak the Truth, [2006] the Bard has now released his third album, In a Golden Dawn. This latest work confronts and deals with universal issues, backed up by a heavier rock style in some songs, departing from his earlier album which was more introspective and moody.
Jay Fraser - 3 days 7 lovers & the philistine Order Number - ja9002
"To stand out from the horde of singer-songwriters in the world of music you need something that marks you as being special; something that causes listeners to realise that they are not hearing more ho-hummery from wailing, angst-ridden, guitar-toting hopefuls. Jay Fraser demonstrates on this CD that he does have something special; that particular something having been developed over the years, and which is reflected in his impressive credentials prior to this release."
Balding and Croft - 40-40 Blues Order Number - merino0107
In 2007, blues veterans Gerry “GB” Balding and Ian “Croft” Beecroft recorded this collection of tracks at Croft’s bush property at Molesworth, with musician and mixer Malcolm Brooks engineering the live recording onto tape. The result is thirteen tracks of raw, natural and unpretentious blues, cutting a fat slice across this genre. This is a great CD, rounded off eloquently by the “Sporting Life Blues” (which, in an allegorical way, seems to sum up the whole genre), and would make a wonderful addition to the library of any blues aficionado. - Mike Raine 2008
Trouble in the Kitchen - The Next Turn Order Number - TVLCD0803
The Next Turn, the long awaited third CD release from Melbourne-based Trouble in the Kitchen amply demonstrates why they are now widely considered to be Australia's finest trad Irish band. The selection of tunes range from driving reels to beautiful waltzes and marches. Traditional material is complemented by newly composed tunes of great beauty and vigour, which will surely be accepted into the tradition. An essential CD for any lover of traditional music, played on acoustic instruments, with verve, attack, joy and precision.
Phil Gunter is a Melbourne-based musician who specialises in Turkish and Arabic oud music, as well as medieval and renaissance music for lute. Philip was a founding member of the medieval group Cantigas, and has also contributed to the Al Jadida and Yalla! ensembles. On this album he presents a captivating collection of solo pieces for oud (Arabic lute), with occasional self-accompaniment on various Arabic and Indian percussion. This is a very intimate recording, capturing the oud at its purest, unadorned by other instrumentation and laid bare to the ear in all its beauty.
Enola Fall - I made a new friend Order Number - ef003
I made a new friend is the debut EP from one of the rising stars of the Australian indie scene. Enola Fall - an indie/folk/whatever band from Hobart, Tasmania. Described by Triple J's Robbie Buck as "One of the top ten independent bands to watch out for this year." They have supported the likes of Eskimo Joe and Something for Kate among others, and toured Germany with UK band Turin Brakes. Enola Fall play music best described as 'howling, melancholy drenched indie pop, with just enough humour and romance to keep the wolves off'. In stock now.
Mozambique born Kobya (AKA Carlos X Panguana) is a gifted performer, singer, songwriter and versatile multi-instrumentalist. He mixes roots (marrabenta, the Mozambiquan popular dance music) with reggae, occasionally throwing in some lovers rock to create his own original sound and performance.This is one of two selections of music released under the artist name Kobya. He also records as Carlos X Panguana.
Carlos Panguana - I'm Sorry Order Number - cxpcd003
This release of African music from Melbourne based musician Carlos X. Panguana (a.k.a. Kobya) is a well crafted release featuring reggae and rock style songs. Carlos Panguana comes from the rich and diverse cultural Ronga tribes of Mozambique in South East Africa. Through his music, he breaks barriers by exploring new sounds with his strongest messages expressing love and concern for humanity while celebrating life. "Panguana is a gifted musician an performer in his own right, this message is one of hope and strength to his fellows." George K-Okai, the African Magazine.
Carlos Panguana - Vaka Hina Order Number - cxpcd1999
This 1999 CD release from Melbourne based African artist Carlos Panguana is now in stock. Carlos Panguana comes from the rich and diverse cultural Ronga tribes of Mozambique in South East Africa. Through his music, he breaks barriers by exploring new sounds with his strongest messages expressing love and concern for humanity while celebrating life.His family are exponents of dance, theatre, visual arts and traditional healers. This 1999 release is of African style music from Mozambique.
Ronald & Anna-Wendy Stevenson - Gowd and Silver Order Number - eclcd0518
For many reasons, this can be claimed as a very special recording. Grand-father and grand-daughter, teacher and pupil, the composer and the performer - all these forms are embraced and the threads connecting them explored. As a virtuoso pianist and composer of international stature, Ronald Stevenson's place in the annals is assured. ... His grand-daughter is Anna-Wendy Stevenson, a professional musician in her own right, who has sustained the connection between Scottish and classical with her proficiency in both idioms. An orchestral leader and internationally travelled "fiddler", she has recently added a composing dimension with her forthcoming "new voices" commission for Celtic Connections Festival. Together then in harmony, two musicians at different stages of their lives and careers, connected over two generations with an appreciation of music lovingly handed down, this is indeed an unusual recording. - Simon Bradley.
Nick Tsiavos - all that is solid melts into air Order Number - ts001
Nick Tsiavos is a bassist and composer whose work operates at the intersections of a number of cultural boundaries: from 8th century chant to contemporary minimalism, from church to pub to concert hall. His CD of solo bass compositions, all that is solid melts into air , combines elements of minimalism while being strongly reminiscent of mediaeval music. Dreamy and unsettling by turns, this a modern music informed by a rich knowledge of music history. "These bare, yet lush pieces let the emotions soar - the use of a single instrument creates an unparalleled immediacy and closeness. This is music that speaks very directly to the soul." - Andrew Hollo, Hybrid, 3PBS FM
Ron Nagorcka & Sarah Lloyd- Rhythms of the Tarkine Order Number - rncd04
This unique CD and book package take the listener and reader into the heart of one of the most remarkable and little known areas of the island state of Tasmania. Sound recordings by noted wildlife call recorder and musician Ron Nagorcka complement a beautifully produced small format book of 100 pages with colour photos and illustrations. Sarah's text describes the many journeys into this wilderness area, documenting its natural and human history in a very readable way.
Barb Dwyer - La Langue Sauvage Order Number - cdbd500
a sublime album of fiddle tunes' - The Irish Times.
'His music speaks a language as accustomed to reaching back as it is to looking forward, fingering its history with the same loving care that it does the present.' - The Ticket ...
'an excellent set of tunes' - Sunday Herald ...
'he puts his considerable talents entirely at the service of the tune, letting the melody suggest the pace and ornamentation.' - Hotpress ...
'the best Irish album of 2004' - irishmusicreview.com
Jan Boland Trio -Trios for Flute, Viola & Guitar Order Number - fds57945
Matiegka & Beethoven: Trios for flute, viola & guitar.
Jan Boland, flute, John Dowdall, guitar, David Miller, viola. The same trio that brought you "Matiegka: Czech Chamber Music" (FDS 57927) named "Best of the Year" by American Record Guide.
Annawendy Stevenson - self titled CD Order Number - eclcd0619
"This is a lovely CD featuring Scots fiddler Annawendy Stevenson with piano accompaniment from James Ross. Much of
the material is traditional but there are also some notable self-penned
compositions - for example Midsummer Star a tender tune written for her father. With her gorgeous tone, execution and feeling for the music she brings a wealth of understanding to the old tunes as, for example in her touchingly beautiful version of the after Culloden tune, Hard Is My Fate. review from Footstompin'
Gerry O'Connor & Gilles le Bigot - Live in Concert Order Number - LUGCD963
Gerry O'Connor is a leading player of traditional music in his home country of Ireland. This live concert CD captures the brilliance of his playing in the duo format. Here on this CD Gerry is accompanied by Breton guitarist Gilles le Bigot, a player with many credits over a number of years with the distinction of being the person to really develop the open tuning style of accompaniment on guitar for traditional music.
Stephen "The Bard" Whitehead - Sands of Time Order Number - indie0201
In Sands of Time, Australian singer and guitarist Stephen 'The
Bard' Whitehead presents a collection of original folk/country/rock
tunes. Whitehead's influences might be Australian greats of the folk
scene, Archie Roach, Neil Murray and Shane Howard or even Troy
Cassar-Daley. There's sadness and hopefulness to the music on this
album and the lyrics are very personal. Whitehead prides himself on
being a storyteller of great soulfulness and there is certainly
earnestness in his work. Guitar - acoustic and electric, dominates the
arrangements, with piano, organ, synth, strings, and drums giving the
arrangements a very full and dynamic 80s sound. There are a few
instrumentals which show off Whiteheads guitaring dexterity and offer
an interesting contrast to the vocal based songs.
David Hickey - Crystal Journey Order Number - dhcrystal
Canadian born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, David Hickey has long had a love for music and crystals. After being introduced to his first crystal bowl in 2002 he began to assemble his own set which now includes over 30 different crystal tones. He plays these bowls in combination with vocals, Tibetan bowls, oriental wind gongs, chimes and various drums to create beautiful meditative and healing music.
Balvinder Singh - Reaching for Home Order Number - indie0202
Balvinder Singh is a Sikh artist producing contemporary style devotional music, that the general listener to more meditative and trance-like styles will also enjoy. Listeners may well detect influences from Talvin Singh or Nitin Sawhney - this is modern music with a spiritual centre. This is an EP length CD with two bonus remix tracks, and is in a slimline case.
Glór na mBan - The Sound of Women Order Number - indie0196
Glor na mBan means The Sound of Women, and a very fine sound you'll hear on this excellent debut full-length album from New Zealand's new all-girl Celtic band. Emerging from Wellington's rich folk culture for an intended one-off performance back in 2004, Glor na mBan's talent shone out, guiding the band to regular performances round the country and a trip to Australia's 2005 National Folk Festival. - JB, 2006
Live Bait - Gone By Lunchtime Order Number - indie0195
Gone By Lunchtime is a gentle lyrical collection of mostly original songs and instrumentals by this whimsical New Zealand trio. Live Bait tell their tales of life, love and liberty against a rich tapestry of guitars, flutes and fiddles. Live Bait are Bernard Wells, Paddy Bergin and Ruairidh Morrison.
various artists - "Salt & Pepper" Showcase 2005 Order Number - faa006
This double CD from the Folk Alliance of Australia 2005 National Convention is now in stock. Features 27 different artists covering folk world and roots music. More information on this CD soon.
Stylish jazz from Australian singer Rebecca Rennie with band FREYjA. This siren's velvet voice & folk/latin/lounge style has transported audiences across the world - London, Japan, Montreux (Festival 2000, Switzerland), Rome & New York. "The Siren's Odyssey is a rich album, with some great tunes and
diverse arrangements that really work.Rennie's vocal delivery shows a
wider range and more presence than her previous album. A pleasure to listen to." Oonagh Sherrard 2005.
"From the opening Peace Creature, with its danceable insistence and jazzy Latin emotive brass section featuring adventurous contemporary composer and saxophonist Jeff Henderson, Nick van Dijk - trombone and Tahu Tikimaui - trumpet, I'm hooked to the last note of the final song, Aah." - NZ Musician
Oonagh Sherrard - Mouth of the Sky Order Number - os003
The second EP from Australian singer, instrumentalist and sound designer Oonagh Sherrard. "If you like smooth, this EP is for you. Contemporary Australian with a cool jazz-standard feel and a few twists ... " SM 2005
Sharp Practise - Radiocity Order Number - rising005
"The album is essentially just a great rock album with tunes to kill for and words that take you into the minutiae of love affairs, to the heartland of Australia, back to childhood and across imaginary bridges to safe havens. It is essentially an album about travel - in both the literal and emotional sense. Beautifully produced, the album is a master class in musicianship and singing." - Mudhutter mag UK
Roger Scannura & Ritmo Flamenco - Encore Order Number - 622
This CD of flamenco-style music from Canadian based guitarist Roger Scannura and his ensemble Ritmo Flamenco is available now. "...a gifted composer whose music is as beautiful as it is haunting." - The Globe And Mail, Canada. "Rarely is Flamenco guitar played so eloquently with just the right amount of passion and grace." - 20th Century Guitar Magazine
"Tonchi McIntosh, remember the name. If all things are equal in the music industry, especially in Australia, McIntosh's name would
not need to be remembered. It would be before the public's eye simply for the talent associated with it.Bridges is his debut album and its maturity of songs and their impressive execution belies his relative recording inexperience." - Warwick MacFadyen, The Age. "Thank you, I understand the soul of Australia a bit better after listening to you." - Dick Gaughan.
Tonchi Macintosh and Andrew Hull - Firestone Order Number - ind188
Australian stories written and sung by one of the better of the current crop of Australian songwriters - and that's a major compliment considering the depth of talent on offer just now. "What a groove! This set will get you bopping, smiling and grinning with its intentional and joyous heart. Everyone on this CD loved what they were doing. It?s infectious. You?ll love it too. " IP 2005
Ajak Kwai - Why Not Peace and Love? Order Number - ind183
Ajak Kwai is from the Dinka tribe in South Sudan. Her heartfelt songs tell of freedom, peace, love, marriage, and cows - the source of Dinka life! She now lives in Tasmania where she is becoming well known as a singer and performer. She has released her first CD: "Why Not Peace and Love?" with kora and oud player Martin Tucker. Available now...
Khaled Sabsabi - Disctionary Order Number - kscd002
Disctionary is the work of Sydney-based sound artist Khaled Sabsabi who works more generally with visual mediums. He has been good enough to provide us with what sound like the tracks to his instillations, a series of churning sound-pieces designed to disturb.
Khaled Sabsabi - Peacefender Order Number - kscd001
The music of Misinterprotato is composed completely by the trio, full of clarity and space with strong melodies and surprising contrasts from one moment to the next. A distinct and strong aesthetic based on the band's appreciation of contemporary European jazz such as Bobo Stenson Trio, Tord Gustavsen and Esbjorn Svennson Trio is evident in Misinterprotato. However, while Foran's compositions frequently explore dense harmony and odd time signatures Misinterprotato also enjoy the freedom of groove and vamp based interaction and "Minimalist' style free improvisation and compositional techniques.
Tony Gorman - Songs Of Hope Order Number - TGCD0012
This is an album of intensely beautiful and meditative music on clarinet from Tony Gorman - this is sparse, dreamy, immaculate, drifting music with great power. "The long, beautiful notes ooze from the instrument, then hang reverberating in the air, as if to further emphasise their emotional power. Multiphonics are frequently employed to profound effect, fleshing out each of Gorman's tales, which carry such reflective titles as Live With the Sea in My Dreams, Country Winds and Unfulfilled Dreams. Fans of Jan Garbarek will be among those likely to be mesmerised." review by John Shand, for "Limelight" June 2004
Chris Jacobson - A Jake's Progress Order Number - ind161
"Chris Jacobson is an acoustic guitarist living in Launceston, Tasmania. The music presented on this his debut CD is all his own instrumental compositions, for solo acoustic guitar. A fine album, that I immediately wanted to hear again." - Malcolm Fielding, indie-cds.com
Ian McDowall - In My Father's Land Order Number - pit101
"Ian McDowall presents a very pleasant set of songs. He's recorded and arranged his music with a clear understanding of his genre and audience. If you're into a light folk/country mix, you'll really enjoy this set. My Father's Land is good company." - Ian Paulin
Dave McFarlane - Sometimes the Best Laid Plans Order Number - IND137
Dave McFarlane has spent half a lifetime writing and performing vibrant and uniquely Australian 'musical snapshots'... powerful and entertaining conversations about life and issues that can be related to universally.
Backed by band 'ONE DAY' unplugged folk energises into dynamic acoustic rock with trademark roots instruments, infectious rhythm and soaring harmonies.
Chris Sprague & Glen Kneibeiss - Resonance Order Number - IND136
On this debut CD, Melbourne based musicians Chris Sprague and Glenn Kneibeiss explore the concept of crossing musical boundaries, or blending elements from different traditions.
Sprague plays the oud, and brings material from the traditions of Morocco, Algeria, Turkey and Iran. To these he adds improvisational playing in the maqams (or scales) of music from the southern and eastern end of the Mediterranean, where the oud has been established for centuries as the chosen instrument of the finest players of classical and traditional styles. Percussionist Glen Kneibeiss, whose chosen instrument is the Indian tablas, is steeped in the rhythmic methods, beat patterns and techniques of traditional Indian music.
"Resonance is that rare thing, a truly creative and unexpected crossing of different cultures." - fROOTS
Various artists - Talloonne - double CD Order Number - HVEC01
Tal.loon.ne is a local indigenous name for the Huon River, in Southern Tasmania, which twists and turns through a landscape of ancient forests and wild valleys. This is a landscape that is currently being destroyed at an alarming rate by industrial forestry. Woodchips are the main export from Tasmania's forests. Tasmania produces more than double the amount of woodchips than any other state of territory in Australia. Tal.loon.ne is a double CD compilation of music donated by Tasmanian, Australian and international artists who are concerned for the future of Tasmania's forests. The funds raised from this CD will go to The Huon Valley Environment Centre and the Native Forest Network, who will fund campaigns for the protection of Tasmania's high conservation value forests.
Daniel McKay - Daniel McKay Order Number - AMC2350
On this CD classical guitarist Daniel McKay treats us to a collection of works from Brouwer, Bogdanovich, Castelnuovo-Tedesco and Piazzolla.
Daniel is considered one of Australia's finest guitarists of the younger generation. This, along with his interest in contemporary Australian music and considerable ensemble playing skills, led in 1998 to an invitation to join Guitar Trek, widely recognised as among the very best of Australia's chamber ensembles. Daniel has been a major prizewinner in many competitions, most recently the 2002 Australian Guitar Competition, and has been heard in numerous live broadcasts for ABC radio in solo (including his prizewinning performance in the Australian Guitar Competition), duo and quartet performances.
Barb Dwyer - Riding the Wild Gurdy Gander Order Number - IND134
An inspired combination of traditional tunes and songs from different genres, combined with Barb's own tunes and inimitable style. Wild women in them there hills in NSW... From a fabulous version of the Greek song "My Aching Breast" to Turkish songs about frolicking sheep, and Barb's song sung in gnome language, this a rich and diverse mix presented with rich arrangements and fine musicianship.
A unique sound and style from this talented artist based in the Northern Rivers area of New South Wales. Her music is an eclectic and contemporary tapestry of strands from various areas and styles. The hurdy-gurdy, Barb's feature instrument, lends a mediaeval feel, and guest players that include Linsey Pollak and Mal Webb, add a quality edge. Highly individual music that doesn't fit neatly into categories.
Brisbane duo Jeremiah is both traditional and contemporary. The music is comfortably familiar yet completely fresh, combining a respect for the past with a desire to say something new, continuing the best story-telling tradition of the singer-songwriter. Their sound is stripped back and intimate, making use of fiddle, accordion, mandolin and threadbare acoustic guitar. It's a kind of back verandah folk/country/roots music inspired by the likes of Gillian Welsh, Steve Earle, Johnny Cash and Townes Van Zandt.
This CD features Lori Bailey, a descendant of the Bidjara clan of the Kunja nation of Central Queensland. This is a compilation of songs collected from different places around the world, featuring Lori Bailey's haunting, ethereal voice. This is a beautifully arranged and produced recording.
Mike Raine - The Ranelagh Collection Order Number - AI0001
Mike's personal take on the world, conveyed in original songs and tunes. Mike collaborates with several other musicians on this album, which cover material written over several years. Mike is well known in his home area of the Huon Valley as a fine bass player and sound engineer. Here he collects together early examples of is own songwriting and performance.
The selection of music on this CD conveys well the sense of involvement and dedication that Ian brings to his music. This is another assured production from an artist who already has many CD releases to his credit. All of the tracks were recorded live in concert, and this immediacy and sharpness add to the sense of presence and vitality of his music. Listen to the sample track, here, and order the CD from our secure server.
Clare Gray's first CD is a remarkably strong and varied collection of songs, all from the pen of this young Tasmanian singer/guitarist. Her songs have depth and maturity - this is a very polished performance. With some excellent supporting musicians (Randal Muir on accordion and keyboards stands out here), Clare's CD looks set to be the first of many from a very talented and confident artist.
Nic Meredith - Lost in the Rhythm Order Number - NM0001
A first CD release from Cygnet-based rock musician Nic Meredith. Superb production and a big sound, and lyrics with interest, make Nic's CD stand out from the crowd. A variety of musical textures and moods is covered, all to great effect. Some great dancy tunes here, plus some more relaxed listening.
Ben Mackenzie - Let's Live as One Order Number - BM0302
The music on this family album is intended for upper primary school children through to adults (family album), and has been written over the past ten years. As a primary school teacher (State and Steiner trained with a musical-drama background), Ben wrote most of the songs in conjunction with a specific class he was teaching or for children in general.
The music on "Little Star" was created for pre-school aged children through to 9 year olds. This compilation of songs and stories, will meet the different moods of the child on his/her journey from morning to bedtime. It is designed to fully engage the child, not just as a source of entertainment, but to initiate learning and creativity through listening, talking, playing, imagining and singing.
Brendyn Montgomery & Mike Considine - Mountain Air Order Number - NM0001
Two talented players here add another recording in the tradition of the instrumental duo, playing Irish traditional music. Brendyn Montgomery is a talented young player on flute and whistle, accompanied here in fine style by Mike Considine on bouzouki, an instrument once rare in Irish music but increasingly employed for its clarity of sound and percussive drive.
The Cockies - A Sackful of Ferrets Order Number - CDBA02
A great band from the Cygnet area of southern Tasmania. The Cockies play regularly to audiences at concerts and festivals around Australia, delighting audiences with their renderings of traditional material from various nations, particularly the Celtic and American dance and song traditions.
The first CD from electronica act Aurora Project. Influences from drum & bass, techno, ambient music.
"What I like in music is that the pieces that appeal most to me are those things that can wash past your ears and you may not even notice the sound, but if you concentrate, you can hear all the layers of complexity and aural intrigue.... Aurora does that for me." (Tim Ritchie, ABC Radio National "Sound Quality")
John Hughes - Nocturnal Crustacean Order Number - JHCD01
This is a fine first album from Tasmanian-based singer and guitarist John Hughes. His accomplished guitar style is attractive listening in its own right, and his singing voice is relaxed and mellow, suiting his chosen material well. This ranges from the Jagger'Richards classic Ruby Tuesday, a Martin Carthy arrangement of the Bedmaking, and the lovely song Jeannie C.