Oz Rock!

In boxing analogy, I like to think that most Australian artists/bands are pound for pound as strong as it's International opponents. Our tastes and musical trends may be dictated by whats happening in the US or UK (hard to avoid) but our isolation in many ways lends itself to producing artists who are uniquely Australian or sound 'Australian'. The 'Australian' sound is debatable and probably not as defined yet (its not all about the great 80's oz/pub rock sound) but maybe thats what makes it so appealing to many here and abroad.

So heres some bands, artists and albums that I consider favourites and in some cases quite influential. Essential listening if you asked me!

YOU AM I - Hourly Daily/Hi Fi Way
You Am I is my favourite Aussie band and probably will be till the day I die. The Mid 90's was an amazing time for Aussie independent music and this incredible band were the pied pipers. Tim Rogers is my first rock god that i actually got to see live and Andy & Rusty are the best rhythm section of any Rock band in OZ. Its hard for me to separate these two albums as they both contain equal amount of greatness but also quite distinct in many ways. I love the suburban romanticism of Hourly Daily (Mr Milk, Good Morning, If We Cant get It Together, Wally Raffles) and realising that it is 'ok' to reference Australian landmarks and colloquialisms in my own songs. At the same time, I also remember the sweet feeling of really falling in love with Tims songwriting and the power of the band live with tunes from Hi Fi Way like 'Purple Sneakers', 'How Much Is Enough' & 'Jewels and Bullets'. I pray that they last forever. Got a feeling they just might.

JASON WALKER - Stranger To Someone
I believe that you are meant to stumble or discover things in your life at certain and pinnacle times. I cant remember the exact moment or events that lead me to discovering 'Stranger To Someone' but its arrival in my life was at the time when I decided to take my songwriting more seriously and see it as more than a 'hobby'. Its quite ironic then that one of the stimulus for this important moment in my music life happens to be an album made up of 80% covers! But that aside, I was simply blown away by the beauty of this record, its sound, production and most of all Jason's voice. His interpretation of fairly obscure songs like 'Lucky One', 'I wish I were Blind' & 'Good Time Charlie's Got The Blues' are great examples on how to put your own stamp on a tune whilst his own compositions like 'Stranger To Someone', 'Other side of the bar' & 'Welcome to my world' all stand up well against these covers. This is almost the perfect album and being a fan and a band mate of this great artist is something that I truly value.

BEE GEES - The Very Best Of
The Bee Gees is probably my first exposure to Australian music as a young kid in the Philippines. This is is the legacy of my family who played Bee Gees songs as much as they played The Beatles, The Eagles and Abba. Them Gibb brothers are simply sensational songwriters, songs like 'To Love Somebody', 'Massachusetts', 'Words', Run To Me' and even 'How Deep is your love', still touching a nerve with every listen. Childhood connections are hard to break.

CROWDED HOUSE - Recurring Dream
When my international friends ask me to recommend a Crowded House album, i never have any hesitation in going to this Best of compilation as opposed to their other great albums. This is not an indictment on the studio albums (which are great, listen to 'Woodface'/Temple of Low Men) but to me this has everything an old and new Crowdies fan will need. Neil Finn is a songwriter to aspire too and his great sense of melody is almost like a bottomless pit. I can die happy knowing I have written a song like 'Distant Sun'!

BOB EVANS - Suburban Songbook
Sometimes you fall in love with an album so much that you force yourself to step away from it, for fear of falling out of love. This is my relationship with Bob Evans 'Suburban Songbook' and I'm happy to say that the love affair continues. When this album came out, one of my old workmates said 'Hey Brian...Bob Evans has stolen your sound!!!'. I never saw that as a bad thing (I'm sure he has never even heard of me) but it made me like the album even more as we are both treading the same musical waters. This album features everything I love about good songs and albums, from the simple lyrical 'love' themes, the cross between the alt-country and pop sound and production to the use of lush instrumentations like hammonds, Pedal Steels and acoustic guitars. This record really hit a emotional and musical nerve with me and is one of my favourite sing along albums of all time.

KNIEVEL - Steep Hill Climb
Wayne Connolly is the sound of Australian Indie Rock and I believe he has helped shape the current Australian music scene with his distinct sound as a mixer and producer. His CV need not say more. 'Steep Hill Climb' contains all the great Connolly sounds, from the upfront Hi hats to the beautifully compressed guitars, every instrument just seems to be in its right place. but its the songs that at the heart of this album and Australian Indie rock doesnt come any better, with tunes like 'Something good must come', 'Steep Hill Climb' & 'Frame by Frame'.

JOSH PYKE - Feeding The Wolves
I love Josh's songs and his Aussie singing accent. He is another artist that sounds 'Australian' to me and I think he is a wonderful lyricist (Private Education, Middle Of The Hill). The sparseness in the instrumentation in this album is beautiful and his use of vocal double tracking, stacking and harmonies is another great aspect of this record. There is no dud songs in this EP and not hard to see why Josh found such a large following so quick after this release.

TIM ROGERS - What Rhymes With Cars and Girls
This album pretty much cemented my love for Timmy. I love the vulnerability of the songs and the earthiness and rootsy vibe of the record. I wish I had written songs like ' Happy Anniversary' & 'i Left my heart all over the place'. Tim Rogers is the finest Australian songwriter of our generation!

JOHN REED CLUB - Death Metal
This band floored me live and did the same thing with just as much punch with this glorious EP. 5 songs which made me dance and bop with every listen and part of the soundtrack to my early University shenanigans. One of the saddest days in Sydney music is hearing that this band had imploded even before the debut album got dropped.

SILVERCHAIR - Diorama
I have been a Silverchair fan for a long time. I feel like I have grown up with them in some ways, the main difference being they becoming international rock stars and me still struggling to get gigs at times! 'Diorama' is the album that made me sit up and recognise that 'Daniel Johns' is one of these countries true shining stars and a great songwriter with a very open musical palate. I still remember hearing the opening bars of 'Across the night' and staring at disbelief and awe at the speakers at the development that this band has shown. I haven't heard this kind of musical depth and risk from an Australian band for a long time and it was thrilling to listen to. to learn that Van Dyke Parks (of Beach Boys Fame) arranged the strings for this record only increased it credibility with me. I was blown away by the arrangements and the production and it felt like a rollercoaster ride after the first listen. It'll be interesting to keep watching this band and John's progression over the next few years.

LAZY SUSAN - Every Night
Theres not many Sydney bands that are blessed with 2 fine songwriters and Lazy Susan are one of them. Paul Andrews & Pete Wilson write pop songs that rival the best this country can offer. They make it sound so easy and always gives me the 'Why didnt I think of that' songwriting mentality. 'Holding On' is one of my favourite love songs of all time, with clever lyrics like 'You get 10 points for difficulty but for execution you get minus 3'. 'Rosie', 'Looking Backwards' and 'I will' are wonderful songs too. A perfect Summer album.

HALFWAY - Remember The River
This is what I wrote in a previous blog!
This album was released last year but I only discovered it this year after playing in the same bill with this sensational Brisbane band back in February. They are one of the true flag bearers for the Alt-Country scene in Australia but hearing this record and seeing them live makes me realise that they transcend this genre tag. They are a great rock band with 3 distinct vocalist and a beautifully rich and earthy sound. Songs like 'Dean & The Fitzroy' and 'Factory Floor' are gems and they are quintessentially an Australian sounding band despite the Americana overtones in their music. They deserve to be heard by a bigger audience.

GLIDE - Shrinkwrapped Real Thing
One of the truly great and underrated Sydney bands from the mid 90's, lead by the sadly departed William Arthur. This is a compilation of all their early EP's and each tune is a gem. This is another recording that tyo me sounds very 'Australian' and songs like 'Something of me inside', 16 Years to life' and 'Turn my life out' still stands up today.

YOUTHGROUP - Skeleton Jar
This is a beautiful sounding record and Toby Martin writes beautiful songs. Its that simple equation that always works wonders with me.

THE LUCKSMITHS - Why that doesnt that surprise me
Everytime I listen to this album, I feel like I'm doing a long drive across the Australian countryside with the windows all the way down. I feel calm and relaxed. I love the Australian -centric lyrical content and vibe to this record (Great Dividing range) and the fact that it sounds like it was recorded in someones porch with everyone gathered around simply making music. Bliss.

REGURGITATOR - Unit
For a young and budding Australian/Filipino rocker, seeing Regurgitator gain so much success was a mighty revelation. Not just because they wrote fantastically eclectic songs, jumping from punk, hip hop and 80's synth pop but beacuse it was fronted by a bespectacled Vietnamese guy and rounded off by a Chinese Drummer! I dont fel so alone after seeing them. above all this was the fact that they stood out musically during that period and was a band that effortlessly jumped from one genre to another without sounding derivative. 'Polyester Girl', 'I Piss Alone' & 'I like Your old stuff...' is as varied as you can get in an album and how sweet it is.

PEABODY - Professional Againster
A frenzied rock/punk record which translates exactly the same live. Bruno and the Peabody boys are one of the best live acts in this country and this was a great debut album after some promising EP's. This is the record to kick the jams out to with tunes like 'Days & Nights', This Mood has passed' and 'Stupid Boy'. Sounds like a soundtrack to a bunch of lads on a big night out and has been for me too.

THE VINES - HIghly Evolved
This is one of my favourite debut albums and to be honest surprised me at that. As erratic and inconsistent they are live, there is no denying that he is a very good songwriter and songs like 'Homesick', 'Highly Evolved' & Autumn Shade' proves that.

DALLAS CRANE - Dallas Crane
The new millennium's Oz Pub Rock Sound. Sweaty, no bullshit Rock & Roll. Enough said.

DIESEL - Hepfidelity
Diesel is one of my earliest influences, especially with his singing. This album is a great example of good commercial rock/pop, from the classic 'Tip Of My tongue', 'One more Time' and 'Love Junk'. I respect and admire his decision to walk away from the OZ scene when he was at the peak of his commercial success, move to the competitive NY music scene and come back to OZ as an independent artist. Now thats ballsy!

Other records I love but got tired writing...
YOU AM I - Sound As Ever/# 4 Record/Deliverance/Dress Me Slowly/Convicts
EVEN - Less is More
78 SAAB - True Believers/Picture a Hum Cant Hear A Spund
AUGIE MARCH - Moo You Bloody Choir
CUSTARD - Wisenheimer
RAIL - Bad Hair Life
RAT CAT - Blind Love
M CRAFT - Silver & Fire
SLEEPY JACKSON - Lovers
THE FAUVES - Lazy Highways
PERRY KEYES - Last Ghost Train Home
WEBSTER - Off The Record
CHISEL - Chisel
THE BOAT PEOPLE - Squeaky Clean EP
JEBEDIAH - Slightly Oddway
INXS - Kick
POWDERFINGER - Internationalist
SIDEWINDER - Tangerine
THE EARTHMEN - Love Walked In
HEADER - On High Street

Best Of 2007

Here tis...my best of list for the year! (In no particular order)

CD

1. WILCO - Sky Blue Sky
2. M CRAFT - Silver & Fire
3. ROBERT PLANT & ALISON KRAUSE - Raising Sand
   
4. JOSH ROUSE - Country Mouse, City House
   
5. THE SHINS - Wincing The Night Away
6. NEIL YOUNG & CRAZY HORSE - Live @ The Filmore East
7. JOSH PYKE - Memories & Dust
8. RYAN ADAMS - Easy Tiger
9. BERNIE HAYES - Homebody
10. GLEN HANSARD & MARKETA IRGLOVA - Once Soundtrack
11. NEIL YOUNG - Chrome Dreams 2
    
12. PAUL McCARTNEY - Memory Almost Full
13. THE TRAVELLING WILBURYS - The Travelling Wilbury's Vol. 1 & 3
14. FIONN REGAN - End Of History
    
15. SILVERCHAIR - Young Modern
16. BRIGHT EYES - Cassadega
17. AMY WINEHOUSE - Back to Black
18. AKRON/FAMILY - Self Titled
19. AMIGOS IMAGINARIOS - El Maestro De Houdini
    

CONCERTS

1. Wilco - Enmore Theatre
2. Eric Clapton - Entertainment Centre
   
3. Elton John - Acer Arena
4. The Shins - Enmore Theatre
5. Bob Dylan - Entertainment Centre
   
6. Sloan - Spectrum
   
7. Ryan Adams - Enmore Theatre
8. Diesel - Annandale Hotel
9. Crosby, Stills & Nash - Entertainment Centre
10. Bernie Hayes - Rose of Australia
    
11. Josh Pyke - Hopetoun Hotel
12. Silverchair - Enmore Theatre
    
13. Tulsa - Galileo Madrid
14. Even - The Hopetoun Hotel
15. Tim Finn - Enmore Theatre

RANDOMS

• Getting engaged
• Tour of Spain/US
• Excelsior Hotel Show 6th Oct
• Spanish Food
• Morning Coffee @ Plaza Mayor, Madrid
• 'Once' - Movie
• Freakonomics - by Steven D. Levitt & Stephen Dubner
• My new Maton acoustic guitar
• My first Thanksgiving Dinner in the US
• Autumn in New York
• Excellent Dumpling House - Lafayette St. Manhattan
• Entourage, Californication & Deadwood
• 160 gig Ipods
• Old school Motown & Stax mix tapes
• Derek Trucks

Spain & US 2007 Tour Diary

MADRID
Day 1
Love at first sight. It ain't a myth to me anymore. Arriving at our hotel in the centre of Madrid, Scott Barr & I were greeted by the energy, sounds and garlic aromas of Plaza Mayor and its surrounding streets. My heart seriously skipped a beat. 5 minutes into this city and my excitement level for this tour jumped 100 fold. The vibe in this city, especially on this hectic Saturday night is hard to describe in a few words. Those who have been here will know what I mean. When the working day begins at about 10am, 2 hour lunches are had and the nightlife doesn't kick in till 11 at night, then this city and country is definitely onto something.

Met up with Brian Crouch, who already looked like the happiest returning visitor to this city and of course Santi Campos, who we quickly established will be become ´The Man´ of the tour. He takes the multi roles of local indie rock star, rhythm guitarist, tour manager, driver and revealer of kick arse drinking bars and restaurants. He is the real deal. He proceeds to welcome us into this city by taking us to the more ´Rock´ quarter of Madrid called Malasana, where we hit this cool lttle bar and meet my excellent Rock Indiana label boss Pablo Carerro. I thank him profusely for signing me and the eating, drinking and dissecting of our groups combined love/hate with Springsteen and 80´s snare drum sounds, continues till the early hours of the morn. Madrid´s and Spain´s general commitment to a good all night party (even on school nights) reared its beautiful head tonight. Brian, Scott & I welcomed it with open arms.

Day 2
The ´work ´part of the tour began today with our first rehearsal in a great space close to Madrid´s centre. Met our drummer Charlie Bautista (a bit worse for wear after literally finishing another tour), who is both equally talented and charismatic. Good looking kid too. He is normally the keyboard player for Amigos Imaginarios with Santi, but well capable on the drum stool as well. (It was also revealed to us after the tour that he gave up the chance to tour with Wilco with one of his other bands, so he can drum for us. Bless Him. I know who I would have chosen!). We are in essence a new band and this was more a get to know you session. Went well but rough in patches. Not bad for a first jam though.

Headed straight after to Radio 3 (Spain´s equivalent to BBC/Triple J) for a 2 hour interview on the program 'Íslas De Robinson', where Brian, Scott & I also got to program the show. Had Pablo as my translator during the interview and I´m sure I had listeners laughing at my unique take on speaking broken Spanish. Spanglish probably best describes it. Brian C was the one that impressed though, being quite good at the language. I just nodded my head a lot. The best part was the programming of songs and talking about why we chose the tunes. Beatles, Neil Young, Aretha, Beach Boys, Wilco & You Am I all got a spin. All agreed that we could have done this all night!

Day 3
The big rehearsal day. Really got stuck into the songs and came out high fiving each other. It's quite amazing how fast we were gelling as a group and Santi & Charlie are amazing musicians. Funny Bastards too. They really did their homework on the tunes and it was great to revisit the songs on the album and play it note for note. They knew the parts better than me. Back to Radio 3 again that night for more promo/interview for tour but this time got to play live. Did ´Come Around´ and my take on The Bee Gees ´To Love Somebody´. Went back to the hotel whilst Brian & Scotty got acquainted with the party prowess of Charlie. He more than lived up to his nocturnal and partying reputation (Santi calls him the devil) and keeping up with him will be an achievement in itself.

Day 4
Show day has finally arrived. I woke up with lots of nervous energy and just really pumped about tonight. 2 coffees later and Pablo picks me up for another radio/performance spot and this time with Onda Madrid, the local radio-TV broadcasting group. Good interview but 10am is just not conducive to good singing. Pablo put it more accurately as a non Rock & Roll time. Visited Escridiscos in the heart of Madrid, a 30 year old record store owned by the very kind Ines & Monica (who I heard was one of the first to champion Punk & New Wave in Spain in the late 70´s) and also my best selling store in Spain.

One last rehearsal and Charlie introduced us to our incredibly large and luxurious tour van, big enough to fit a mini orchestra. Sure beats a Tarago. We arrive at Moby Dick Club and was blown away by not only the venue but by how professional and well looked after we were. A production manager, large rider, full hour to soundcheck and a stocked up band room. We felt like rock stars. Quick dinner followed, where I got to meet the great folks from Powerpop Action, who have been fantastic in their support and championing of the album from the very day it got released in Spain. Muchos Gracias Amigos! The venue filled up nicely by the time we came on stage and the energy and vibe in the crowd was incredible. Everything was great from the beginning. The sound on stage was perfect, the band was firing and the crowd was unbelievable. It was quite overwhelming to have so many singing the songs and giving us so much love. We were in a state of disbelief throughout the whole show and kept giving each other 'this is crazy!' looks all night. The most perfect way to kick off the tour. The post show party was just as great and it was brilliant to meet a lot of the crowd and fans. My new friends kicked on with us till the very early hours of the morning. Madrid is my new favourite city.

Pics below by: Paco Lozano

ALBACETE
Day 5
With little or no sleep, Santi bundled us into the van and we headed south to our next stop Albacete. I must admit that I knew nothing about this city and my head was still digesting last night's debauchery and focusing on tonight's show. The music on the highway helped though and the soundtrack to the tour were Wilco, The Band (the entire Last waltz soundtrack), Neil Young, Pernice Brothers, Ray Lamontagne, Spanish bands like The Winnery's, Melusa and various soul and rock mixes. It was quite warming for me to see, that despite the language barrier with many of the people I met on this tour, that our common denominator was our love for good Rock & roll, Americana and Powerpop music. The Spanish seems to really understand the music's references and history and it made for some great music talks on the road. Even Santi & Charlie all wanted to cover the same kind of songs we do back home!

Arrived at the venue Heartbreak Hotel and met by show promoter Jomi and pub owner and sound guy Antonio. This pub could have come straight out of America's Midwest and was filled with great R&R memorabilia. And Antonio looked like a true Rock & roll renaissance man, with tattoos and Harley Davidson in tow. Went straight to the hotel after soundcheck for a quick nap before showtime (how un-rock and roll is that?!) and got fetched 30 minutes before we came on. Was amazed again at how many people turned up to this show and made the bar come alive. First beats of 'Falling through' kicked in and the beast which we have christened 'Bryan Estepa & The Estepos' powered through another excellent set. Jomi was going crazy upfront and everyone seemed to be into it too. Met lots of good folks after the show and resisted the urge to go hard again tonight. Couldn't say the same thing about the other 4 though.

VALENCIA
Day 6
Woke up and realised that my voice was disappearing on me. In a state of a mini panic, loaded myself with honey & lemon tea and made the boys tell me that it was going to be ok. Santi & Charlie were probably laughing at this soft Aussie boy. Got on the van and hoped for the best.

The drives on the roads of Spain are really quite pleasant. Autumn in Spain is beautiful. The countryside are awash with red and yellow landscapes, groups of windmills blowing away, weird mountain rock structures and nice lil towns to have quick pit stops in. These stops are vital for our quick feeds of chorizo and calamari sandwiches and beer. The food in Spain is quite rich but some of the best I have tasted in the world. Food here is a lifestyle and not a means for survival. I know Scott was in foodies' heaven here.

Besides Madrid, this was the other BIG gig on the tour and we were all determined to perform a great show. I was told that I had a following here but maybe not as big as Madrid. The Wah Wah club is a great venue and despite my cracking voice, knew it was going to be a good night. Met up with Ramon the owner and Miguel of 'Alta tension', the gig bookers, who made us feel very welcome. I again went back to the hotel for a quick rest and to get away from the smoke of the club and save my voice (Am I sounding like a diva yet?). Everybody in Spain smokes and I'm pretty sure I will leave this country with a smokers lung. John Whittaker, a very good and nice American singer-songwriter opened the show and really warmed up the crowd nicely. He also gave me some magic spray for my throat, so he stays on the good books for sure. 'The Estepos' hit the stage and everyone seemed to have lifted a gear. Scotty was damn solid (as usual!), grooving in his distinct way, Brian (armed with his double Hammond and keyboard attack) was floating over the keys and playing some great lines, Charlie was driving us out back and singing like an angel and Santi was playing some superb guitar solos which he still doesn't know where it was coming from. 'Open Letter' is where we peaked as a group tonight, the band and the crowd riding every ebbs and lows of the song. The audience was again amazing, with the sings alongs to 'Western Tale' & 'Right Now', especially nice and loud. They love their covers here and we hit them with 'The Weight', 'Ooh la la', 'Do you wanna dance' & 'California Stars' during the encore. They were still stomping away after that and wouldn't let us leave, so we finished off with 'Helpless' and massive group hugs backstage. Another incredible night.

BARCELONA
Day 7
I was quickly brought down from my high of last night, when I discovered that my voice was completely gone and my murmurs sounded more and more like Tom Waits. I was a shattered man, knowing that there was still one more show but the guys were quite positive about tonight. I still had a few hours before the show and prayed that a combination of sleep, meds, lemon & honey tea and my new magic throat spray will create a miracle.

Arrived in beautiful Barcelona just in time for my instore appearance at FNAC (Spain's equivalant to Borders Books & Music) and met by Eduardo & Raquel, the organisers for this show. It was quite clear that no miracles occurred and my voice was still shot. We had to cancel the appearance, as I literally could not sing a note. We all knew that this was bad news for tonight's show but the band, along with Edu, Raquel and Willie (of Freewheeling Tornadoes) still kept a good vibe about tonight. I suggested that everybody gets to sing 1 song each and the next thing you know, I'm scribbling down lyrics, delegating songs and Willie in the corner of the pub learning 'By The Window' through my iPod. This was one of the funniest and most bizarre situations I've had before a show. Anyways as we got on stage, Santi explained the situation to the crowd then just before we started told me that I MUST sing all the songs and dig deep. The minor miracle did happen and about 60% of my voice came back and I croaked and screamed my way through the set. It was bloody painful but I loved every minute. Charlie still sang 'Cards & AM Radio' and was brilliant. The audience seemed to be sympathetic to my vocal troubles but still clapped and screamed real loud. Then, the last chords were played and the Spain leg of the tour was suddenly over. It was a weird feeling and I felt completely saddened by how quickly it all ended. I went out and walked around the streets for a little while to clear my head. Charlie, Scott, Brian & Santi all celebrated the tours end in style. I wish there was another city or two to play in Spain. I won't forget these shows for a long, long time.

NEW YORK
One of my more rock and roll moments occurred in the space of 2 days in NYC. I sadly left Madrid in the early hours of the morn and flew to New York for my 1st show in the US of A. 12 mind numbing hours later, I get into JFK and headed straight to Brooklyn for a rehearsal with my new band members for the International Pop Overthrow festival show. The guys beiong James Prestons on Bass (The Basement Band) & Jimmy Ansourian on Drums (20 Miles). They were my MySpace hookups! Despite my jet lag and shoddy voice, we were able to get through the songs for the set and the guys were mighty impressive in learning the tunes so quick. Another quick rehearsal, a few hours before show time the next day and we hit the stage of the Bagott Inn for our short but sweet set. It seemed to have gone down pretty well (James even broke a bass string!!!) and sold a few CD's too. Special mention to my cousins and their friends for proving to be a worthy rent-a-crowd! Also great to meet up with long time-no-see friends in Jeanette & Julia. My NY debut went and gone way too fast. Must do it again soon.

NEW JERSEY
Last show of the tour and this time, playing a combined show with good mate, Joel Sarakula. He's on the beginning of his tour and me at the end. Had some mixed feelings knowing that this tour was coming to a close but the thought of having a short break in New York & California afterwards was a relieving thought. Anyways, show was quite fun, Joel playing particularly well. I did a set mostly of my regular covers, a newie called 'Different with you' and some tunes with Joel to finish up. Good times. Ended up in a bar in the middle of jersey called Swanky Bubbles with friends of Joel. Didn't think Jersey could be so much fun.

Thoughts of the return tour already bubbling up. Thanks a million to all who came to the shows, the kind words and for buying a CD or two. Definitely one of the high points of my music jaunts so far. No doubt.

Cheers,
Bryan

Some people need to get some special thanks for their help in putting the tour together and making it an all too easy adventure. Here Goes:
To the Estepos, Brian, Scott, Santi & Charlie - You guys are amazing. The best rookie band in Spain by a country mile. Pablo Carerro for all the behind the scenes work for the record and tour. David & Esther for instrument hire, Curro & Paco @ Moby Dick; Jomi, Santi, Antonio & Llanos @ Heartbreak Hotel; The Alta Tension crew of Miguel, Vicente, Jorge, Lorenzo; Ramon @ Wah Wah & John Whittaker; Eduardo, Raquel, Willy & Joe in Barcelona; Luis De Benito & Santi Alcanda @ Radio 3; Pacopepe @ OndaMadrid; Powerpop action folks; James Prestons, Jimmy Ansourian, David Bash, The Basement band, Jesse (Monte Vista) in NYC, Bersamin family & Joel Sarakula and Backyard Bob in New Jersey.
This tour is dedicated to the memory of Melanie Ford.

To see more tour Pics go to the Photos page http://www.flickr.com/photos/bryan19/sets/72157603231907518/

Half Time....

Its halfway through the year already and I've listened to a lot of great (and mediocre) music during this time. Working at a music store just makes it so easy. Makes it hard on the old pocket too. So, I thought I'd share my thoughts on the best new and old records and artists I've discovered this year. The next 6 months will only certainly double this list!

'Memories & Dust' - Josh Pyke
Josh to me epitomises most musicians who chugged along for a few years, playing with good and average bands, struggled through mid week gigs in front of 5 punters and stayed on soul and brain destroying jobs in order to keep the 'dream' alive. Many of us stay on this path, but a few like Josh, just got better and better and gets rewarded with a major international record deal! Josh is simply one of this country's finest songwriters and lyricist right now and this album and the brilliant EP before 'Feeding the wolves' serves claim to this. The fact that we sang a Mariah Carey song one night in front of a packed pub should not lessen yer opinions of either of us. Capish?

'Sky Blue Sky' - Wilco
Wilco is quite possibly the best band in the world right now. Their live show in Sydney back in April left me and a few thousand others absoloutely gobsmacked. Brilliant show and flawless musicianship. Each album they have released is a classic in its own way. 'Sky Blue Sky' feels and sounds like a band and chief songwriter (Jeff Tweedy) in total control of their musical path and destiny. Ive been silly enough set this album as the benchmark for my sophomore release. God help me.

'Live at the Filmore East' - Neil Young & Crazy Horse
If people want to hear why Neil Young is one of the most important artists of the 20th century, then this is a great place to start. This is a phenomenal live recording and probably my favourite live record ever. Neil is at a great artistic high during this period and was ably supported by his band . The late Danny Whitten's sadly missed talent is on full display here and is the perfect foil for Neil's musical tangents here. 'Everybody Knows this is nowhere', 'Down by the river' & 'Cowgirl in the sand' will rip you apart. The best thing about this recording is how naked the recording is, with mistakes and missed notes all left in its full glory. This just makes it all the more perfect to me. An essential part of any music fans collection me thinks.

'Wincing The Night Away' - The Shins
The finest exponents of wonderful shiny pop, filled with wistful and intelligent lyrics from the best group out of the current indie crop. This is the album that made me a fully pledged convert though I think their first 2 albums were quite special as well. The perfect listen to give ya that little happy spark.

'Homebody' - Bernie Hayes
I had the pleasure and honour of supporting this man at one of his residency shows at the Rose a few months back. It was basically songwriting 101 for me and a good kick up the arse at the same time. Bernie's songs and voice are one of the few that really hits an emotional chord with me. You cant help but be swept long with it. I dare you to listen to 'In front of you' from 'Homebody' and not get moved in some way. I really hope I get asked to join him on stage again.

'Joyful Noise' - Derek Trucks
I went to the Eric Clapton show back January, high on the thought that I was about to see a true legend and virtuoso. What I did not expect was to discover another one in Derek Trucks and be as equally blown away. Its not everyday that you see a band member of a major artist receive standing ovations during and after their solos. The man's fluidity, flawless technique and his unassuming nature was amazing to experience. He is under 30 and already one of the best slide guitarist in the world. What will happen when he peaks at the age of 60?!

'Remember The River' - Halfway
This album was released last year but I only discovered it this year after playing in the same bill with this sensational Brisbane band back in February. They are one of the true flag bearers for the Alt-Country scene in Australia but hearing this record and seeing them live makes me realise that they transcend this genre tag. They are a great rock band with 3 distinct vocalist and a beautifully rich and earthy sound. Songle like 'Dean & The Fitzroy' and 'Factory Floor' are gems and they are quintessentially an Australian sounding band despite the Americana overtones in their music. They deserve to be heard by a bigger audience.

'Calling Distant Nations' - The Nines
My mate Russell Crawford turned me onto this band only a few days ago and what a blissful last few days its been with this album. Its the best power-pop album I have heard this year so far by a country mile. Its got the McCartneyesque meets Cheap Trick melodies and with a lead singer that sounds like the main bloke from 'America' (another 70's fave). The Nines are Canada's 2nd best band right now after Sloan. Dig this one out kids.

'Back to Black' - Amy Winehouse
I did not know who Amy Winehouse was until the beginning of the year. One of the best recent discoveries I have had and the best soul album this year too. She has one of those classic sultry but gritty voices thats somewhere between Sarah Vaughn, Nina Simone and Dinah Washington. The actual record itself sounds like classic Motown which always goes down well with me.

Other records on repeat plays:
'The Travelling Wilbury's Vol. 1 & 3' - The Travelling Wilbury's
'Memory Almost Full' - Paul McCartney
'Easy Tiger' - Ryan Adams
'1976 Ronnie Lanes Slim Chance' - Ronnie Lane
'Nashville Skyline' - Bob Dylan
'Young Modern' - Silverchair
'Cassadega' - Bright Eyes

The Band

Despite the fact I’ve been making and playing music solo for a few years now (starting as Adeline), its only now that I am sort of comfortable in labeling myself a ‘solo artists/singer-songwriter’. It’s simply because I have been in various bands for over 10 years and the comfort and security blanket I have had in those groups have been easy and strong. Doing this on my own has made me realize the importance of surrounding myself with great musicians and people. I thank my lucky rock gods everyday that I have these 4 incredibly talented guys who stand next to me on stage and in the studio right now. I just wanted to pay tribute and introduce ya folks to them:

Scott Barr (Bass): Scott came to the fold in late 2006 but we have previously played together the year before through our last band Hazey Jane. ‘Pea’ is a great bass player, who instantly blew the band away after his 1^st jam with us. He has an amazing groove (picked up from his previous funkier bands me thinks), stays on the pocket but will hit you with some tasteful runs when you least expect it. His playing reminds me a lot of the legendary Motown bass man James Jamerson but Pea can pretty much nail any style. The man truly epitomizes the saying ‘Silent but Deadly’.

Brian Crouch (Keys): When I first saw Brian play guitar (He is good!) and found out that Keys/Piano was really his 2^nd instrument, my respect factor for him went up by a further mile. I first met Brian through Jason Walker as he is the keys player in Jase’s band and was rightly impressed from the beginning. He joined the group in time for the album launch and he was no doubt, the missing ingredient that my music needed live. He was also great in the album, playing some beautiful lines and keys parts through most of the songs. Listen to his playing on ‘Cards & AM Radio’ 'Come Around' and ‘By The Window and you will see what I mean.

Michael McGinty (Drums): As a musician you sometimes get lucky and play with other musicians who you instantly connect with and more importantly, actually ‘gets’ what you are doing or where the music should go. I’ve got that in Mick and it feels fantastic to be able to bring a song or song idea to him and know that its gonna be in good hands. The man is just an incredible drummer, armed with the solid backbeat of a Charlie Watts and the creativity of a Ginger Baker. He plays the most perfect parts for each song, never under or over playing. That’s why he is the best drummer I have ever played with (full respect to the other great drummers I know) and hope to be able to do so for a long time. Plus, he is also a fantastic songwriter in his own right who will continue to surprise people when he unleashes his songs to the public. http://www.myspace.com/theholyfoolsmusic

Jason Walker (Lead Guitar): Its no secret that I am the biggest Jason Walker fan in the world. He is simply one of the most underrated talents in this country and everyone who has heard his records or seen him play will pay testament to that. I was brave enough a few years ago to actually ask him to join me live onstage to play some of my songs and his tunes and that was the beginning of our musical partnership and friendship. I got one of the musical thrills of my life when I got to join his band for a few shows as a fill in guitarist in 2005 and it got better when he appeared on my album and agreed to join my live band! Its an absoloute pleasure making music with this fella, to the point that I often get distracted on stage as I watch him tear into his guitar. He has just recorded his 3^rd album and this will only bring in the next legion of JW fans.