I’m thrilled to announce the completion of my brand spanking new solo album SPARROW & SWAN.
Recorded and mixed by Shane O’Mara at Yikesville Studio, Yarraville over last spring and our current summer. It’s a collection of songs I’ve been working on over the last few years ~ primarily written by myself, with one co-write from “Evil” Graham Lee (The Triffids | The Blackeyed Susans)
SPARROW & SWAN sees a gravitational pull towards the narrative, a change in direction and a newfound song writing process. Conversations turn into song, late night tales become the tunes ~ there are stories here from Brisbane cab drivers, girls from Belfast ‘74 in search of Van Morrison, football players and their protégés, relationships sparked in TABs, sightings of Robert Mitchum at Mitcham Station, a sailor in search of Helsinki ...and the weather ~ there’s always the weather, the extremities ~ the sun burning a hole in the sky or snow falling upon ancient ice ...and birds ~ what’s with the birds?
A delightful cast of musicians contributed to the recording of the album ~ including the vocal talents of songstress and singer extraordinaire Rebecca Barnard, along with the wonderkinds ~ Jane and Kelly aka Broads, the nimble fingers of Kiernan Box on piano, organ and accordion, along with both Ben Franz and Rosie Westbrook on double bass, and king tub thumper Ben Wiesner on drums and percussion. Add to this Shane O’Mara’s distinctive, intricate guitar work and production and the musical palette lies somewhere between Havana and Helsinki ~ think a cuban cigar with a liquorice ice cream.
The first single ALL GOD'S CREATURES is available here for your listening pleasure.
ALL GOD’S CREATURES takes a stroll through a dramatic Australian summer day where our seasons clash big time, “the heat shakes the air ...and the rain vows to kiss the ground” ... and somehow within the struggle of grander ideas ~ the science of climate and the existence of a God.
Pre-orders for the album SPARROW & SWAN are available here through our Big Cartel shop if you’re keen to be first off the blocks ~ we promise to post them out as soon as the CDs arrive from our dear friends at DEX.
SPARROW & SWAN NATIONAL TOUR
I’ll be embarking on a national autumnal tour with maestro guitarist and producer Shane O’Mara accompanying me throughout. He knows the songs of SPARROW & SWAN intimately, having weaved his colour and sparkle through the songs. Playing some of my favourite venues around the country.
Friday 5 April - Caravan Music Club, Melbourne VIC | Tickets | with full band and special guests ~ Broads
Sunday 14 April (2pm) - The Wheatsheaf Hotel, Adelaide SA | Tickets
Sunday 14 April (5pm) - The Wheatsheaf Hotel, Adelaide SA | Tickets
Saturday 4 May - The Spotted Mallard, Melbourne VIC | Tickets | with full band and special guest ~ Rebecca Barnard
Friday 10 May - Camelot Lounge, Sydney NSW | Tickets
Saturday 25 May - Smith's Alternative, Canberra ACT | Tickets
Saturday 1 June - The Junk Bar, Brisbane QLD | Tickets
Friday 14 June - The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine VIC | Tickets
Saturday 15 June - The Lost Ones Basement Bar, Ballarat VIC | Tickets
Hope to see you out there......Rx
Always a joy to work with Madeleine Stamer who has provided us with a beautiful artwork for the lyric book of the album.