Totally Biased Fan Review: Self titled – Alexis and Suzie

At the last official Tamworth, I met this duo. Inside of one song, I named them my ‘discovery’ of the festival. Inside of one song, they had tough old cowboys crying and women rushing off to the bathroom to fix their make up.

I saw them a few times and the love spread like super on a windy day. They were literally the talk of the town. Alexis and Suzie had arrived. Tamworth crowds can be unforgiving, unaccepting of change and wary of the new kids in town. However, when they love you, they love you well.

Duos have been the popular trend lately. Not only are there a lot of them but they are all bloody good.

Everyone knows that My taste leads to folktry and Celtic and the more traditional stylings . There is definitely a lot of that here, but there is humour and blues and soul too.

Luke O’Shea invited them on his show . Pixie Jenkins played on this album, it says a lot.

After Where there’s Smoke, which I reviewed back then and just re-read – I waited patiently for their next offering.

Every song is different. The most poignant song, Precious Life, is a gentle bluegrass/folk song which I am going to have played at my funeral. it is also a fitting song for today after losing Naomi Judd.

More Country is more hard hitting, gutsy fusion of country stomp and bluegrass.

Blank Paper has that sweet fiddle of Pixie and a sad refrain. My kind of song, of course.

NeverWanted to love is very soulful like something Renee Geyer or a 60’s Motown singer would perform.

Gus McKinstray guests on the last two songs, adding another dimension with some sax (I think) – With you is a bit more upbeat with that happy bluesy/happy soul feel.

The other track, the last, is aptly called Show is Over which is more Alexis than Suzie. It is very 50’s. Very cool.

I am doing this all over the place but it helps to clarify the different stylings of this talented pair if I go random.

The album opens up with a Luke O’Shea Wellllll and a very country tune, Roll Outta this Town. Their harmonies are at a peak here.

Pixie’s fiddle playing is dancing on Fixer Upper, a cheeky little ditty which is catchy and will have your toes tapping.

Tamworth gets a mention in Tamworth Rain which I think may have been written after the red dust storm and the consequent rain that we had at the festival 2020.

It is a very full on bluegrass/country song.

Hey Grandma is a gentle, sweet song . I was close to my grandma and I can relate.

This is a wonderful album, more varied than I expected, which only enhances the depth and talent of their repertoire.

The songs are there for the taking, so take. They wrote all the songs and they play on all of the songs. Alexis and Suzie produced the album as well with that Michael Carpenter fella mastering.

They are not only talented folks, they are lovely people. I think that they are here fir the long run.

Done and Dustyed – Tamworth Festival, 2022

My lead up to Tamworth was much like what the Festival went through! I had to transfer flights, rejigger my schedule, had accomodation problems, change my holidays, had flights cancelled, luggage lost, extra expenses, but the festival itself was awesome.

I started it with going to see my dear Melbourne troops at the Tamworth Hotel pre- Festival. Ben Mastwyk and his Trillions (also known as Millions and Billions but they get so much more amazing every time) and finishing off Festival proper with my mates Ian Burns and Benny Allen at their Whiskey Barrel Sessions at the Servies with Logan Hoswell.

In between, I crammed in as much as possible, with the usual clashes preventing me from going to everything.

Covid and artist rescheduling and conflicting festivals led to drop outs and shortened lists of appearances, but there was more than enough to see and do.

I was so pleased for Michael Waugh, Angus Gill, The Weeping Willows, Brendan Radford and the amazing Beccy Cole for their GG honours in particular.

Adam and Beccy should host every year.

Melinda Schneider’s Love Songs was incredible. Is there anything that this woman can’t sing? Lyn Bowtell’s gig was enormous and just brilliant. Della, Dan, Andy and Willow were fabulous. Sally-Anne Whitten and Wendy Wood were amazing as always. Lukie, Mike and the boys at The Long lunch, Lynchburg and Allan Caswell’s co-write show and my April Family were highlights. Seeing and hearing Col Finley, Kora and Kerry Kennedy was good for the heart and chatting with old pals and heroes was off the charts.

It was fantastic that Duncan Phillips could change his gig to The Peel Inn – I hadn’t been there since I was 16. My heart exploded when my Tamworth sister, Allison Forbes, walked in, as I didn’t expect to see or hear her at Tamworth. It was a beaut gig, shared with good pals.

The Weeping Willows and Brad Butcher were magnificent. Was there any doubt?

I loved everything that I saw, but I have to reserve special mention for a few people. Aleyce Simmonds, it was so beaut to hear you sing after such a long time, especially in our hometown. Alexis and Suzie, who were bloody amazing to me and their album is magic – review pending. Kelly Brouhaha who with DCaf and Bradley Bergen must have been the busiest at the festival. Renee Jonas for providing one of the most magical moments of the festival – making me like Dolly’s I will always love you again and shocking everyone into drinking milk at the Servies. Mike Carr for being Mike Carr, Melinda and Angus and To my Melbourne family of musos who were great on stage and off.

Well done for having something for Tamworth’s 50th. It must have been challenging and difficult to reconstruct. I still think that it belongs in January- history and tradition and all that, plus it clashed with four or five other festivals and without daylight savings it got dark early. Thank you to all of the musos for entertaining me and keeping me sane for a week. Thanks to my landlady for taking care of me and to all of the venues and the Bus service and Cathy and John Dobson and Phillips Perkins and Kaylene and Wendy for carting me around.

Suz Dorahy was my pick of artists that I hadn’t seen before.

Also, special mention to Bradley Christmas and Copperline – finally got to see them LIVE and talk to them, great stuff.

My trips down memory lane were sweet for me.

The Ladies in Country gig was awesome as always, led by Gina Timms.

My fuzzy, flu ridden brain can’t think of everything right now. Sorry for those that I didn’t get to see, I tried!

Please don’t compare the weather for April and January. If you think of Tamworth and can only think of the temperature, then you are missing the point.

Finally, a very special thanks to two of my very special Melbourne gals, Sandee Facy and my CMD, Michelle Gardiner who were great on stage and off and especially Michelle who said some beautiful words on stage to the crowd about a simple, greying cowgirl from Tamworth who loves and appreciates her country music family.

And James Stewart Keene, go strong and eye off the two golds – GG and Oscar!

Get well, everybody. Congrats to all of you and your 94 types of country music.

Totally Biased Fan Review – Redemption is Real – Suz Dorahy EEP

N.B – EEP – more than 4 tracks, less than 10

You know that an artist is special when your smile appears when you accidentally come across her/him at another gig and practically lasso them to grab an EEP.

I loved Suz’s music before I knew that she was part of the Catherine Britt team or knew the musos on her recordings. When Natalie Henry put a big Woo Hoo on a LIVE pic, I knew that I was onto a good thing.

In the LIVE gigs, none of these awesome peeps were with Suz, it was just her and another guitar player and it was just as good.

There seems to be a growing trend for paramedics and nurses to venture into country music! This brings a level of sensitivity and a reality chip into a lot of music.

I have always been drawn to the country folk side of things and Suz is right up my alley.

While the team and spot on production on this EEP are world class, it all starts with the songs and Suz has written all 5. Her voice fits her songs perfectly. The mood, genre and stylings of the songs are all beautifully and thoughtfully delivered by Suz.

I am always drawn to the lyrics first. My love of poetry, literature in general and appreciation of storytellers who tell it like it is are all the major reasons why I love this kind of music.

There is something very familiar about Suz’s voice, there is that Carole King/ Marianne Faithfull thing going there but it is an honest, heartfelt voice.

I love every track, some for the same reasons, some for different reasons. The tempo changes with some but what is constant is that quality and storytelling value of each song.

It is hard to pick a favourite. 40 years is a wonderful tribute to female paramedics. The bluesy sound of Dark Stranger is epic. The country/Paul Kellyish/Heather Myles sound of Tell you is awesome. Redemption is Real sounds very different on the EEP than it did LIVE (Suz warned us about that!) – both versions are terrific. Luke Moller’s fiddle/violin adds something. Something about you is definitely 60’s/early 70’s style folk.

If I had to pick an artist from the Tamworth festival that I hadn’t heard before that I was eager to hear more of, it would be Suz Dorahy. This is a pretty special EEP. May there be many more.

Totally Biased Fan Review: Wild – Kirsty Lee Akers EEP

There’s no mistaking this pocket dynamo’s music as pure country. The country stylings vary, but the big voice which is distinctive amongst other Aussie gals has its roots firmly planted in the teachings of Loretta, Dolly and co.

Kirsty has a hand in all 7 tracks. Most of Kirsty’s music makes you feel happy and uplifted. The songs that are sad just make you feel.

The 7 tracks on this EEP (more than 4 songs, less than 10) are a modern twist on an old formula. They are also not enough! I want more!

I am not new to Kirsty Lee Akers’ music. I have followed her since she made her first steps into country many years ago as a young girl. I am a serious fan, have all her albums and I have been to a lot of her gigs.

She never disappoints. I think that this EEP is on a new level though. The things that have always made her great and reliable are still there but there is a new power, a new confidence.

Cold as You is kinda grunge country with this rocking vibe and some Dolly power. I’ll be dancing in the shower to this one.

For Love is one of Kirsty’s best songs ever and the video is amazing too. It had a beaut reaction as a single and it is a standout here.

Let the girls sing is a rippa, with other leading ladies, Amber Lawrence and Ashleigh Dallas helping out. It has to be up there next year at the GGs for collaboration.

When the Party’s Over slows things down and it is a good way to end the album. I have reviewed Wild One and Outta Here in The Single Life, but both songs set the EEP up and make you wonder what is next.

Shade of Blue is powerful and showcases Kirsty’s voice to the hilt. There are some great guitar licks in this one.

Like Dolly and Jasmine Rae, I will never get my mind around how such a powerhouse voice comes out of such a petite vessel, magic, I guess – and a lot of work.

I admire how Kirsty fuses traditional and contemporary stylings into her songs – I never think that I am listening to anything but country when I listen to her. Her lyrics are always honest, no bullshit here.

Kirsty and Jesse’s recent The Block appearance has given country music good exposure and they have a new audience. More people maybe opened to the idea of the genre now.

Hopefully, we will hear some more music from Kirsty Lee Akers soon, until then, enjoy this entree.

The Single Life: 14th April 2022 Special Edition

Hey folks – 3 of my fave guys have released singles so I have to do a quick review en route to Tamworth via a Melbourne Airport Motel!

Firstly, my brother from another mother, Darren Colston, has released Hello Riverina, a long awaited single – it has been a long time between drinks! Darren has a unique voice and a sound which is distinct too. It is a gently rollicking song that makes you feel like you are floating on the Murrumbidgee. Daz follows the first rule of writing – write about what you know. I haven’t seen a video for this yet, but I have it in my mind’s eye, that’s what Darren does. Can’t wait for the album.

Sweet Collapse is the latest from Matt Joe Gow. Matt is always reliable. I love the piano in this song. It has the feel of a Van Morrison song – the harmonica at the end and the beginning is a bit Dylanesque, so really, how can you go wrong. I really dig this one.

My Country Music son, Andrew Swift has released a surprise, Young Lovers, off a future album. It came out of the blue. It is a bit different to his usual stuff, more guitar driven and more like one of my other country music sons, Ben Ransom. It is a song for the road, the dance floor and the air guitar! The cover for this single alone should attract attention.

Three of our very best – I couldn’t miss out on reviewing these fellas!

Totally Biased Fan Review: Let’s do this – Della Harris

Della Harris has produced here what is essentially a Best of So Far album. For us long time fans of her music, it is great to have all the ‘family’ together in one place. It is like a reunion after Covid-19.

Della is a singer who keeps evolving. She isn’t afraid to mix it up, she likes to cross genres and she’s a natural on and off the record.

The first track, Purple guitar winner, She said what is a funky, nippy number with a deeper message.

One of the more recent songs, Truth Juice, is in the same vein as the first, a message in a danceable song.

I’ve reviewed the bulk of the singles here, so I won’t go into each song with any great depth. Safe to say that Must have been the Wine was also in the awards mix and it is one of the best Della songs. My kinda song.

Talking about favourite Della songs, Long as you’re Lonely is another on that list.

Do that again makes this another reason to listen to this album. I don’t have to go to each separate song. If you are going to start anywhere with Della, perhaps this is a good way to begin.

I guess Della doesn’t fit into any particular box and Next Life, for example, could fit into any pop chart or country chart.

There is a clarity to Della’s voice and she always sounds like she is putting 100 percent into her songs.

Roll of a dice is a song that we can relate to, especially in these uncertain times.

Raining on my Wedding Day is probably one of her best known songs.

She is best known in Victoria but Della is an artist who has put herself out there a bit later than most and in many ways, that is a good thing. It also proves that you don’t have to be a teenager or in your twenties to make it.

I think songs like My turn now and the brilliant duet with Andy Penkow, How Many Times are excellent examples of how it pays to wait for the right time and place in your life.

Della is a special lady and a special artist. If you don’t know her, you should.

Totally Biased Fan Review: Dead Men Tell No Tales – Allison Forbes

It seems like a long time ago that I met Allison Forbes. I think that is the case because she has been a big and close part of my country music family for what seems to be my whole life. She is much younger than I, so that can’t be true, unless we met as pirate sisters or cowgirls in the Wild West last time around.

Every recording that Allison releases is a treasure. Her stories are relatable on different levels. She isn’t afraid to mix things up. She covers 94 of the 95 types of country music in her songs. The 95th type is Allan Caswell’s tongue in cheek invention and you don’t want to do that one.

Forbesy’s music is always exciting to unwrap because it is a bit like Gump’s box of chocolates. At the same time, heck, it is a box of chocolates so you know it is going to be a good and looking at the menu doesn’t necessarily tell you what you are going to get either.

Forbesy won the first of my Purple tonsil awards at the Kazzies and Franky, she could win it at anytime. That husky, pure voice that is sometimes high, sometimes low, always amazing is quite magical.

Matt Fell has produced this one but Shane is still involved. The wonderful Montgomery Church, Ben Leece and Queen Anne Kirkpatrick (mutual hero of ours) and a plethora of fine musos contribute to this fine album.

Allison also sings John Williamson’s Wintergreen. I know that she reveres John. These are the the things that redirect Allison on this album slightly.

As Wild West Cowgirls, Geena Davis Pirates and Tamworth Sisters, we can verge on the dark side, share a wild ride, be adventurous, courageous, brave and fearless, and Allison does all of that in her music too.

Every recording that Allison makes is gold, but each recording is finer than the last. We have all been through tough times in the last few years and Allison is no exception to that rule but her light shines brighter despite or inspire of that.

Alt. country/Americana is a growing format in country music. With all of its shades of grey, it is probably closest to the roots of traditional country music with a twist. Allison is a leader of this Aussie pack.

It is a big call to say that this is Allison’s best work, but I think it is. All the tracks are amazing but there is always one song on an Allison recording that stands out like the proverbial and it may not be released as a single. Too Scared to Drive is my favourite, with some incredible lyrics and beautiful fiddle work. sorry Clare, violin!

From rocking twangy guitars that make for head banging country on Angry in Suburbia to the the bluesy/bluegrass almost 1920’s sound of Down to the Waterhole to the gently rollicking All these horses, for examples are you wondering what is coming next.

Allison has never really liked to be categorised. She has many influences which are reflected in her varying music styles.

It is rare that Forbesy does a cover, but it is an apt one, Williamson’s Wintergreen and I am sure that John would be proud of this version.

Woman in Black sounds like a female Johnny Cash type song – if that makes sense.

A couple of songs have already been released as singles already but I am glad that all of them haven’t been. I prefer to read the whole book rather than just a few chapters.

As I have said, I have loved all of Allison’s music but this one just has an extra special something about it. Just when you think that she can’t improve on perfection, she does.

In a world where everybody is trying to sound like someone else or be like someone else, Allison Forbes rises above that.

If you only buy one album this year (I could never just buy one) buy this one.

The Single Life – 9th April 2022

People don’t think like us is a new song from one of my favourite Country Music Sons, Clint Wilson. It’s about time, I was going through withdrawals. Clint is more quality over quantity. His songs are multilayered stories. They are often complicated on one level and simple on another. Like Michael Waugh, Cathy Dobson, Mike Carr, Paul Kelly, Darren Colston and Lachlan Bryan, he picks lines that you can relate to, but you may not think of them as belonging in a song. Like – picking raspberries before the birds did. Clint has one of those voices that you instantly recognise, once you know it. A rippa!

Cowboy Lonesome is the new one from The long and Short of it- a hint to their new album coming out in July. It is a beautiful song, conjuring up many images and it is as country as Heck. Awesome song!

Lyn Bowtell has released the second song off her forthcoming album. Woman to Woman is the quality song that you expect from Lyn. As one of the best singer/songwriters in the country, Lyn is easy to love on and off the record. This song and the last one set up a theme for the album.

Kirsty-Lee Akers is on a roll at the moment – Wild is a foot stomping, hand clapping, dance floor, twangy guitar song. A beauty!

Okay, you all know my admiration for Andy Penkow. His latest, Fallen Snow, continues his magnificent ride. One of his best, so far.

Totally Biased Fan Review: Not Your Typical Bride – Cass Hopetoun

One of the most refreshing couples to hit the country music scene in the last few years is Cass Hopetoun and Blake Dantier. I reviewed Blake’s album recently and bow it is Cass’s turn.

Blake has a fair bit to do with this album as you can see from the credits. Here as Blake’s music is more traditional country, Cass mixes it up, heading more towards the country pop style, but there are hints of twang as well. Even the country pop/rock songs have more depth and meaning than most .

Matt Fell, maestro, is at the helm here and has a hand in the musicianship as well, with Josh Schuberth, Blake and Mick Albeck, amongst other fine musicians.

There have been several singles already lifted off the album, as is the go these days. The title song, Shots and the wonderful duet with Andrew Swift – Say the word, are some of the singles.

Never was, Honest and Parallel Lines are probably my favourites.

Cass’s voice adjusts to the style, like more a bluesy style with Fortune Teller; there are rockier songs, pop songs and an easy ballad style in a couple.

Cass seems comfortable with all types. of course, I am a slow song gal, so my heart goes that way. I appreciate the vocal quality in all styles.

Both Cass and Blake are just at the beginning of what I expect will be very long and special careers.

There is something for everyone on this album. Covid time spent well!

Well done Cass.

The Single Life: April 3, 2022

Sorry, I am behind the eight ball at the moment! Hinterland has the number one song in Tamworth this week, with a catchy, twangy song, Treating me good. It is an up on the dance floor song. Yee Hah.

Storm and Stone are a bit like an up tempo Great Aunt. You’ll get what I mean when you hear Run. Cool song. Foot stomper.

From the uptempo to the downlow. A beautiful, heart wrenching song, River, from our marvellous Meg Doherty. Stunning.

Felicity Dowd with Handle It. It is a crush song. Felicity said she was over the crush after she finished the song. Music works in mysterious ways.

Ain’t too late by T C Cassidy is a humdinger of a trad. Country song. With Angus Gill having some influence here, the torch and twang are at full throttle. Welcome back, TC

One of my fave girls, Kate Hindle, has a different sound on her new song – The Happy End. The words are awesome and true.

My fellow Roosters supporter, Ben Leece has finally released some new music after a while without being on the airwaves – Marrow Gold, a 5 minute country rock, guitar driven story is a change of pace but still effective.

Aimee Hannan’s Better off has been hard to track down but the full on dynamic voice of this powerhouse is back to belt out another strong song.