SONG GIFTS DOUBLE ALBUM OUT NOW!

Well, the CDs have finally landed and I’m halfway through packaging the pre~sales, heading to the post office on Thursday.

It’s looking pretty good I’ve gotta say, I’ve never released a double album before and it’s a little overwhelming just looking at the track listing. I’m imagining people will have their favourite discs rather than playing 24 songs in the whole sequence, though I could be wrong.

There’s something for everyone as they say ~ those reminiscing of days past, the love for those closest to them, searching for the meaning of it all, the hopeful, the hopeless, love lost and love found, snow falling gently, the harsh and blinding heat, the outback, the internal, balloons and arrows...

If you'd like a copy of SONG GIFTS ~

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I head to Kyneton to play Major Tom's in solo mode this Friday 🎫 here ~

Castlemaine on Saturday with Shane O’Mara has SOLD OUT.

Next up though is a S T R E A M I N G show available for all ~ being shot at The Merri Creek Tavern with an abundance of cameras and high tech recording devices, I better dress up… Wed Dec 16 🎫 here ~

I’m also heading to S Y D N E Y in February for a double~bill with the one and only Peter Milton Walsh [The Apartments] ~ two nights at Django Bar @ Camelot, Marrickville. Fri & Sat, Feb 26 & 27 ~ swapping headline spots. Tickets 🎫 here ~

Better get back to packaging.

Big thanks everyone, it’s been such a great project ~ it hasn’t ended either, people are still requesting songs as gifts for Christmas 🎄

Rob x

New Double Album ~ SONG GIFTS

Slowly moving out of lockdown here in Melbourne and very excited to say I have a brand new double album. Yes that’s right DOUBLE ALBUM!!!! ... about to be released:

~ Song Gifts with ‘Evil’ Graham Lee & Shane O’Mara ~

All the songs were written and recorded in lockdown, separated by distance and relying on email and home studio finessing and tweaking.

The album will be available in a handful of selected record stores soon enough but we’re beginning pre-orders below which means you’ll receive your copy by early December, before most stores. 💿

I’m really pleased with how it’s all come together given such an unusual time in our history.

The first track off the Song Gifts album “Michelle Cannane” can be heard here ~ an ode to Sydney, a seemingly lost music scene, recollections of a time, venues, bands and misspent youth.

Here is the cover of The Cannanes 7” ~ Bored, Angry & Jealous from my little old record collection, Michelle Cannane pictured on the left. We were all friends back in the day when I lived in Erskineville/Sydney. I’ve been back in contact with Michelle in recent times to check all was okay with this song ... thankfully all aok.

In the meantime I have a few Victorian regional shows coming up ~ at Archies Creek, Kyneton and Castlemaine ~ we’re just trying to navigate how the live scene will change before launching the album proper in major cities around the country.

Song Gifts are still available to order too, for partners and friends, or on whatever subject I can grasp you may have a passion for ~ feel free to order here. If you get stuck I have a little list I’ve been sending out which helps the creative process.

Thanks to all of you who have ordered a Song Gift ~ you’ve kept the creative juices flowing in the strangest of times.

Rob [Graham & Shane]

ps. JIMMY THE SAINT in South Melbourne hosts a cafe style, booze free, unplugged, intimate acoustic show on Friday Nov 27 ... there are 3 tickets 🎫 still available here.

Spring so close

A special hello to fellow Victorians in lockdown, hoping everyone is coping okay.

Shows have been put on hold, postponed, cancelled and dragged kicking and screaming into next year ~ a frustrating time for many.

The Memo Music Hall have decided to host a live stream event featuring myself and Shane O’Mara on Oct 4 so I’ll have to polish up on songs half forgotten and those yet to be played live ~ tickets here.

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Song Gifts continue to be written for dogs, children, elderly parents, partners and loved ones. We’re still enjoying the writing and recording process very much and have been receiving some heart warming feedback. Read on ~

Oh wow! You really have the ability to pick the right words from a maelstrom of ideas ~ Lars

This has me a bit emotional. It really is exactly what I was after ~ Jimmy

Rob, thank you so much. I love it. I couldn't imagine it better, I honestly couldn't ~ Claire

Thank you again, this is one of the greatest presents I could ever give someone ~ Sacha

It sounds so beautiful. The guitar in the intro and outro, even how you count it in ~ JoAnne

I got shivers and a bit teary. I couldn't imagine a more heartfelt, touching song ~ Ross

If you’d like to order a song gift try here ... I can also supply a list of questions for you to answer, if you’re feeling a little stumped 🤔

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Here’s a song for a young girl in the UK sometimes known as Snowbellajudy. As some of you know I love snow, snow songs and snow domes. So I took full advantage of being able to include snow ❄️ within the song. ‘Evil’ Graham Lee [The Triffids and Blackeyed Susans] played all manner of instruments including pedal steel to bring the song to life. Have a listen here ~

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Also for some reason I found myself looking at old Chad’s Tree videos. CT being the first band I was in with my brother Mark (who coincidentally has a new solo album out on Bandcamp).

This video was shot in 1987 on the outskirts of Sydney, I’m the tubby kid playing acoustic guitar, no moustache.

The Chad’s Tree double comp CD 💿 “Crossing Off The Miles” is available here if anyone’s keen.

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Thanks to everyone who has ordered a Song Gift and helped support our musical endeavours.

Take care,

Rx

ps. Feathered culprit chirping / tweeting outside of my recording space

Winter News

Mr Popular ... ‘Evil’ Graham Lee

Slowly, slowly ... are things falling back in place? Who knows. Looks like a handful of shows are going ahead, guess we’ll wait and see. I think the Truckload of Sky shows are being pushed back till next year. In the meantime I’ve also been asked to be a part of a celebration of the music of Tom Waits ~ I have my song list ready but if there are any suggestions for songs you’d like for me to tackle please let me know.

It’s come to my attention that it’s been 5 years since the release of “LOW FIDELITY Songs By Request Vol 1” and thought I’d share the original portraits painted by Fiona McMonagle. Her artwork is being appreciated far and wide these days.

The CD is on sale from the “shop” for $10 ~

A few people have asked if I’m still writing song gifts with ‘Evil’ Graham Lee and Shane ‘Marsha’ O’Mara ~ absolutely ~ really enjoying this project of ours and intend to continue writing songs as gifts for people for as long as I can.

Here’s one of the songs “Two Girls on a Bus” and below some responses from some other song gift recipients.

Whoah Rob, that is beyond beautiful. Thanks a lot – it raised a tear in my eye and a shortness of breath.

- Stephen C.

I love it. Thank you so much. It is such a lovely song, so romantic and beautiful. It is such an awesome thing that you are doing for people. So touched.

- Annie

The girls and I presented the song to John this morning. He was stunned. There was a distinct “this does not compute” look on his face as it didn’t make sense to him to hear your voice and studio-quality music playing a personalised song. John has been a fan since the Chad’s Tree days, so this was so very special (he has ”Kerosene” in his vinyl collection) and then to learn that it was Evil Graham Lee on the pedal steel - just wow!

- May

OMG that is just so amazing. The kids and I love it and I am sure Gregg will too, actually tears will be streaming down his face.

- Lisa

Thanks for the outstanding song. It is absolutely beautiful, just the feel I wanted, very romantic (we both cried).

- Kevin

Thank you so much! This is amazing---haunting, driving, and well researched. Excellent work by you and Graham both.

- Daniel

Just thought I’d drop you a quick line to thank you for the wonderful song you wrote as a present for my birthday ~ it’s the coolest present anyone could receive I’ve enjoyed it immensely and a lot of my friends have had a listen ~ it’s a big hit to say the least. Also, I wore number 44 in my footy days, so here’s to all the 44s!

- Ron

Here’s what I found in a box recently. Susans ashtrays and cassettes, a Dirty Three tattoo and a David Boon badge.

Stay safe,

Rx

Autumn | SONG GIFTS with 'Evil' Graham Lee or Shane O'Mara

Firstly, thank you to all the incredible and generous folk out there who have commissioned me to write a song through my Songwriting Gift project. It's been an incredible experience and one I've enjoyed immensely. The response has been straight out overwhelming and initially had me wondering how the hell I was going to do all of this ~ let's face it, there's a lot of birthdays out there - is everyone born in April, May and June? If you haven't received your song gift yet, I'm simply meeting birthday deadlines first of all, promise it won’t be too long now.

Things started to get a little out of control when a podcast called Chat 10 Looks 3 hosted by Annabel Crabb (thank you) and Leigh Sales went to air early in April.

So on here, at about the 58 minute mark of this podcast Annabel mentions my Songwriting Gift project to Leigh Sales ... since then, at about 8am most days when I can I’m sitting at the kitchen table with my trusty guitar writing songs, or at least trying to. Yes, really. I've got to say I'm simply loving the process when I'm not completely stressing over the clumsiness of a rhyme, a phrase that doesn't sit well or a chord that clangs or my inability to be more technically skilled. It's such a great thing for me to do, not only for myself, but to do for someone else, so again thank you, thank you one and all.

The other bonus is getting to work closely with 'Evil' Graham Lee (The Triffids|The Blackeyed Susans|The Bottomless Schooners of Old) and again with the maestro guitarist and producer Shane O'Mara.

Songs have come from numerous sources and on a wide variety of subjects ~ from a nuclear physicist dealing with climate change, a chap from Halifax, Canada and the recent killing spree in Portapique, a love song to a pirate, motel room romances, a couple of would-be drug dealers getting busted in the NSW southern tablelands ... and of course birthdays and anniversaries, a baby's song and a Mother's Day gift. Such a joyous creative process and I'm simply sharing your ideas through song. Grateful to all who've shared intimate details and the sometimes hilarious nature of my correspondence with partners and gift givers, thanks for making it a hoot. Appreciate being made privy to some moments in time that make for a more personal song too.

I don't know when or if I'll ever actually stop doing this as I'm enjoying it so much. So if you'd like to join the song trail ~ all you have to do is head to my shop and make a choice of solo, or with Graham or Shane. I can send you a list of sorts if that helps to start the creative process when suggesting a song for a partner or family member. If you'd prefer to supply a set of lyrics or a poem we're more than happy to work with your words also. A cover or two have been requested also, which I'm happy to try as long as it's not impossible for me to play ... does anyone need to hear me sing 'To Sir With Love' apart from Doug and Renae... or Augie March's 'The Night Is A Blackbird' apart from Peter Thomas, probably not but I enjoyed doing so. Again if there's something you'd like to hear, don't hesitate to ask.

Really, really humbled by your response ... so big thanks again everyone.

Rx

Launching a new songwriting project that involves Y O U ~ !

Illustration by Jo Gillespie

In these times of COVID~19 I’ve had a few people ask me how I’m keeping occupied musically. No shows, no work, no collaborating ... until now. I’m launching a new project that could involve you, yes Y O U...!..!..!

With 'Sparrow and Swan' my song writing process changed halfway, where I became more engaged in other people’s stories and the sharing of late night tales. My ears would prick up and I’d recognise a song through conversation. So I’m wondering if there’s anyone out there who would like me to write them a song. A song for you, your partner, friend or family member. Here’s the pitch ~

You send me an idea, a sketch, a little story, the subject and I‘ll shape it into a simple 3 or 4 chord song, record on my iphone [accompanied by acoustic guitar] and send it back to you with the lyrics.

If you’d like additional instruments, I have either Shane O’Mara [guitars] or Evil Graham Lee [pedal steel for those with a country bent]. My part on iphone will be whizzed over to their respective home studio to add a part.

It’s been difficult to work out exactly how much this would cost, so in these uncertain economic times I’m trying my best to make it fair and reasonable. Here’s a breakdown ~

* Rob [solo with acoustic guitar] ~ $150

* Rob w/ Shane O'Mara [additional guitar] ~ $250

* Rob w/ Evil Graham Lee [pedal steel] ~ $250

I've set up something on my shop and we can see how we go. Please include your idea/sketch/story within the notes/instructions field as you place your order (or you can always email me).

It can be something as simple as the following song 'Coca Cola Coloured Eyes' which came about as a birthday gift for a friend. Here we have with some pedal steel ~ so this would be at a cost of $250, or without pedal steel for $150. And a version with the addition of Shane O'Mara ~ which would also be $250.

So I’ll try to write and record a lo~fi song for you. Expectations aren’t allowed to be too high, the tunes will be simple and sweet and hopefully light hearted and possibly a tad quirky. I'll aim to deliver to your inbox within two weeks.

I don’t want to get too legal here either so hoping to retain ownership of songs. At this stage not to be used for any other recordings unless of course there’s a worthy moment.

Any questions?

Hope to hear from you.

Rob x

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**TONIGHT** I’m playing a few songs for Bellwether Wines >> streaming ~ live to their Facebook Page. 8pm AEDT, 730pm ACDT, 5pm WA, 7pm QLD ~ tune in if you’re free. Who knows what time elsewhere on our planet 🌎

Photo by Alex Gow

No shows for a while ~ COVID19

Sad and testing times for us all.

Due to COVID~19 and the serious need for social distancing and in an attempt to be sensible, responsible humans all of the gigs I have been booked to perform between now and the end of April have either been cancelled or postponed.

These include ~ Archies Creek Hotel, MOTH (Red Hill), Mojos and spots at The Fairbridge Festival. Not easy to lose these shows but best to be safe, we’ll all get through this I’m sure.

I’ve really been enjoying the Ken Burns COUNTRY MUSIC documentary series on SBS. Fantastic live footage and photographs of the time. Nothing like a bit of Hank Williams, Carter Family, Johnny Cash or Bill Monroe to get you through tough times.

Also, this is a song worthy a few listens. I must admit I’d never heard of Dory Previn until a chap from The Crayon Fields played this song one morning on 3PBS.

Incredible.

Stay safe and as happy as you can in these difficult and trying times. See you out there some time ... hopefully not too long.

Rx

Shows this weekend

Not only does Peter Milton Walsh have great hair, he writes beautifully crafted songs. Come hear for yourself when we play The Merri Creek Tavern, Northcote this long weekend ~ Saturday and Sunday tickets 🎫 available here.

I headline Sat and PMW on Sunday.

Rx

Solo, duo and the friends of David McComb shows

Firstly, there are only a handful of tickets 🎫 left for my solo show at Major Toms in Kyneton on Sat, Feb 29 so best be quick 🚀

Secondly, thanks to Rocksteady Records for hosting [and to all who came along to] the semi~acoustic performance last Monday. It got a little squishy in there, sorry if you had to listen from outside.

Live dates with full band have been announced for Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney and Fremantle.

There are still tickets 🎫 available to the shows at The Merri Creek Tavern with the wondrous Peter Milton Walsh from The Apartments. We’re swapping headline spots with PMW playing late on the Sunday. We’ve been talking duets, it’s going to be splendid.

Apart from Archies Creek Hotel on March 21, there’s another show with Shane O’Mara that’s just been announced at MOTH, Red Hill on Friday, April 3.

It feels like a relatively quiet time is coming to an end. I’ll be playing some new songs along the way mixed within the back catalogue.

Hope to see you,

Rx

Truckload of shows ~ Feb & March ~ DMc & PMW

It’s been 21 years since our friend and bandmate David McComb passed away ~ it may feel like a long time to some but David seems ever present in music and words and memories. This coming week sees the release of Truckload of Sky ~ The Lost Songs of David McComb and we mark the release by a special in-store acoustic performance at Rocksteady Records, Mitchell House, Melbourne on Monday Feb 17 [David’s birthday] at around 630pm. Some Triffids, some Susans ~ Alex Gow (Oh, Mercy), Romy (RVG) and myself providing vocals. There’ll be copies of the album available too.

Thanks to all who’ve been coming along to my shows this year. Next show up ~ I’m playing in solo mode in KYNETON at bar, diner, music venue, watering hole, burger joint and all ‘round friendly place MAJOR TOMS on leap day evening, FEB 29 ~ tickets available 🎫 if you fancy ~ 📸 by Tim C.

Then in March I’m doubling up with wunderkind, near~myth Peter Milton Walsh (from The Apartments) for the rarest of double bills. Half the tickets have already been swallowed up for these shows so be quick if you’re keen.

Archies Creek anyone? Shane O’Mara and I head to the new venue being run by the King of the Caravan Club, Peter Foley. It’s a little outta town ... if you’re heading towards Wonthaggi, Kilcunda or Phillip Island. Dinner and show ... plus accomodation if you needed a night away ~ they’re always trying something a little different so I’m looking forward to it. Tickets here.

Also, the Lost Songs of David McComb makes it’s live debut at The Adelaide Fringe Festival. We’ll be performing Thurs, March 12 at Adelaide University.

Rx

Cygnet Festivus, Peter Milton Walsh double bill and more Jan shows ...

Firstly, wanted to say a big, big thank you to all at The Cygnet Festival, but especially to Jethro & Ursula for the exquisite accommodation and stunning location. Nothing pleased me more than being greeted by a bevy of swans on arrival ... and it’s not often you get to stay in a converted apple packing shed sitting precariously on the Huon River.

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Looks like the start of March will be busy ~ a double bill just announced at The Merri Creek Tavern, Northcote with the near-myth behind The Apartments ~ Peter Milton Walsh. His music is of another time: post-punk but also of Burt Bacharach and Scott Walker, Françoise Hardy and Serge Gainsbourg ~ hence his popularity in France. He’s a beautiful songwriter and I’m so looking forward to sharing the stage. There’s limited tickets 🎫 available so be quick ~ I’ll headline Saturday March 7 and PMW Sunday March 8 of the Labour Day long weekend.

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Only two Saturdays left at The Union Hotel in Brunswick for this month. Hopefully see you there with my accomplice Shane O’Mara ... free and friendly.

109 Union St, Brunswick 5-7pm.
Jan 18 & 25.

Rx

Stay safe ... shows for JAN ~ Brunswick | Union + Tasmania | Cygnet Festival

Greetings and a happy festive season to you all 🎄

Hope it’s been a restful and stress free time.

Thoughts are with those experiencing hardship and loss in battling the horrendous fires throughout the land. Sad and difficult times. Seems of little consequence to mention forthcoming shows, apologies.

Firstly, three Saturdays at everyone’s favourite pub in Brunswick ~ The Union Hotel, from 5~7pm with maestro Shane O’Mara. Free and friendly if you fancy ... Jan 4, 18 & 25.

I’m heading to Tasmania to play two spots at the Cygnet Folk Festival ~ on the second weekend, hence the three out of four Saturdays.

Cygnet times and venues ~
Friday 10th 8pm: Supper Room
Saturday 11th 1pm: St James Catholic Church

The friends of David McComb have dates coming up later in the year. The CD has landed and pre~orders are still available for the February release. Truckload Of Sky is available here and here.

Happy 2020, stay safe

Rx

~ Last show of the year ~ SYDNEY ~ solo

Just a quick note ~

Last show for me this year is at Camelot’s DJANGO BAR in Marrickville this Saturday (!) ... and those kind, young hipsters JEP & DEP have been kind enough to join me for a song or two.

I’m playing two sets of past and present, lots of Sparrow & Swan.

Speaking of which, great to see Sparrow & Swan in the ESSENTIAL Top 10 for Basement Discs ~ I’ve never been essential before. Yippee~i~O.

Have a great festive season y’all ~ see you in 2020~!

Rx

Last two shows for 2019 Melb/Syd

Pictured here are producer Shane O’Mara with Kelly Day [BROADS] luxuriating whilst semi-working on Sparrow & Swan at Yikesville Studio. These two fine rapscallions join me this Sunday for my final show of the November residency at The Post Office Hotel, 229-231 Sydney Rd, Coburg ~ from 430-630pm, free and friendly. Come one, come all ...

Next and my very, very last show of the year ... I’m heading north to Sydney all on my lonesome, playing in s~o~l~o mode at Django Bar @ Camelot Lounge, MARRICKVILLE. I might even take a few requests, just give me some warning and I’ll rekindle the neurones and polish the memory banks. There are plenty of tickets 🎫 left ~ not sure when I’ll be visiting next.

Finally, the first instalment of The Lost Songs of David McComb is available for pre-order. Featuring a band made up of Triffids and Blackeyed Susans with guest singers Romy from RVG, Alex from Oh Mercy, Angie from Frenté, Simon Breed, J.P. Shilo and myself.

Truckload Of Sky is available to pre-order ~

https://thefriendsofdavidmccomb.bandcamp.com/

http://lostrecordsandtapes.com.au/

There’s also a preview of a song I sing on called ~ Kiss Him (he’s history).

Some people go to a lot of trouble to host an acoustic house concert. Big thanks to Jeanette and Greg for the stage and the backdrop of ivy ... and the good folk of Rosanna for last weekend.

It’s been a busy year in parts, thanks to all those who’ve enjoyed the songs from Sparrow & Swan. Next year I head to The Cygnet Festival in Tasmania, Fairbridge in WA, MOTH in Redhill, Major Toms in Kyneton, The Lost Ones in Ballarat and The Palais in Hepburn, Mojos in Fremantle, JUNK in Brisbane and a few more.

If I don’t catch you before year’s end have a great festive season and break.

Rx

Two Down & Django Bar SYDNEY next

Thanks to all who have popped into The Post Office Hotel, COBURG for my November residency. Those in Melbourne who haven’t ~ it’s free and kid friendly, nice and early too ~ Sunday afternoon 430-630pm. It gives me a chance to play two sets, a lot of tunes from the latest release along with the back catalogue, a chapter from the BOOK and a surprise cover thrown in. Only two shows left and this week Kiernan Box and his irrepressible hands join me on piano. Yes, KB the Susans’ keyboard player and ivory tickler with Augie March. Some of my favourite musical moments from Sparrow & Swan come from KB’s free flowing piano work, he’s been in fine form ~ come along and hear first hand.

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Also S Y D N E Y is not long off ~

Saturday December 7th. I’ve opted to play the smaller room at Camelot, known as Django Bar. I keep on hearing good things and expect it to be a more intimate, up-close listening experience. Plus I’ll be all on my lonesome, SOLO ~ come along if you can NSW friends, not sure when I’ll visit Sydney next.

Tickets available here.

Included here is a sketch Jo Gillespie whipped up in the first set at last weekends gig. Impressive, huh?

Adios,

ROB x

PO Hotel Residency Begins This Sunday

Thanks to everyone who came along to The Heart of St Kilda Concert at The Palais ~

I’m currently in Darwin, visiting Kakadu and Katherine but will be back for the first Sunday show at The Post Office Hotel. The wonderful Catherine Traicos will be joining Shane O’Mara and myself in song.

430-630pm Sydney Rd ~ COBURG.

Hopefully see you there, it’s free and kid friendly.

Rx

Sacred Heart, Darwin, Melbourne & Sydney

From St Kilda to Kings Cross, well not quite, a return to Marrickville and this time Django Bar.

I’ve always loved The Palais Theatre and harboured a deep seated desire to sing on that stage, so it’s both wonderful and fortuitous to be asked to perform at The Heart of St Kilda Concert for The Sacred Heart Mission. An organisation that supports people experiencing homelessness, preparing over 400 meals each day, every day of the year. The line~up this year includes The Teskey Brothers, Joe Camilleri, The Meltdown, Dan Sultan, Rebecca Barnard, Billy Miller & more, hosted by Brian Nankervis ~ it’ll be swell.

I’ll have the gals from BROADS, Shane O’Mara, Sean Simmons [musical saw] and Rebecca Barnard joining me to perform a couple of tunes from Sparrow & Swan.

Then I’m off to Darwin to play The Lucky Bat on Sunday Oct 27. A return to the heat and battering sun, it’s been quite a while.

In November I’ll be at The Post Office Hotel in Sydney Rd, COBURG for a month of Sundays with Shane O’Mara and Kiernan Box kinda alternating [well that’s the plan]. Returning to Sydney in solo mode at Django Bar on Sat Dec 7. Tickets 🎫 available here.

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My pal Sandy runs Hope St Space in Brunswick, an incredible gift shop which caters for the eclectic. He’s been kind enough to stock my last album there in amongst the cards and beautiful, unusual objects ~ so if you’d like a copy and live that side of town you can find it there.

Hope all is well in your world.
Rx

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Big thanks to Robert Dunstan and the good folk of Willunga ...not so sure about the macaw. [Photo Peter Dalgleish]

Tour over, thanks from Rob

Heartfelt thanks to all who came along to the shows and bought a copy of “Sparrow & Swan”. It’s really been a joyful experience performing the songs from the new album with a full band in Melb and in duo~mode with Shane O’Mara interstate.

We have one more duo show lined up in Melbourne, at Mick Thomas’ bar ~ The Merri Creek Tavern in Westgarth | Northcote South on Friday July 12. It’s an intimate space and there’s only a handful of tickets 🎫 left so head here quick if you’re keen ~ special guests for the night are gal/guy duo ~ AMARILLO.

Since things are slowing up through winter I’m intending to perform a few acoustic house concerts ~ if you’re keen on hosting one please write to RSHQ for details and availability. Options are performing solo or in duo mode with Shane O’Mara.

There’s literally only a handful of tea towels left and if you missed out you can buy online from the shop, CDs available here too.

I’m going into difficult musical terrain and taking on some majestic songs from Scott Walker later this month at The Thornbury Theatre [Fri July 19] and Caravan Music Club [Sat July 20] ~ what they’re saying ...

‘The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore – The Songs Of Scott Walker’ is a well-deserved homage to one of the most influential artists of the 20th century; featuring ‘the cream of Melbourne musicians: Rob Snarski, Dave Graney, Dave Bowers and Moogy Morgan with Stephen Hadley, Shane Reilly, Clare Moore and Jack Howard.

See you somewhere, thanks again to you all ~ Rx

WA this weekend ~ the WA edition

Heading to WA this weekend with Mr O’Mara to play The Bassendean Hotel Fri June 21 and Aardvark [Norfolk Hotel] in Fremantle Sat June 22 ~ with special guest Catherine Traicos [who is performing in trio mode]. Also hoping Catherine will join us in song for “When will you come my way”.

I thought I’d include a pic of my WAMI award from 28 years ago. According to people present there wasn’t any footage of myself to show the audience on the night and instead played some footage of David McComb. I was overseas at the time, recording with David and Kenny Davis Jnr in London ~ songs that appeared on “Depends on what you mean by love ... “ later to be released on Welcome Stranger [The Blackeyed Susans].

Prior to all this ....

Here’s my pre-release tape of Born Sandy Devotional passed on by Chris Read from Hot Records in Sydney. I listened to this album for the first time on this very tape, in a share house on Morrissey Road, Erskineville ~ 1985, overwhelmed by their new found soundscape and David’s songwriting.

Here’s a snippet of a new tune I’ll be playing ~ oh, Castlemaine and Ballarat were my beloved guinea pigs.

See you soon ~
ROB

PERTH **venue change** MELB in~store + CASTLEMAINE & BALLARAT

Firstly, there’s been an unexpected change to the Perth venue due to circumstances beyond our control ~ we’re now performing at The Basso in Bassendean [not Lyric Lane in Maylands]. Apologies to those annoyed by this but not much we can do, the fact is the venue isn’t ready to open. Sad face~!

On a happier note ~ this Friday [lunchtime] Shane O’Mara and I are playing for free downstairs at Basement Discs at 24 Block Pl, Melb [city] starting about 1230pm ~ but if you’re not a city dweller or worker and can’t make it, we’ve added a new Melbourne pub show. Heading to Mick Thomas’ bar ~ The Merri Creek Tavern on Fri July 12 + special guests Amarillo.

Tickets here ~ 🎫

It’s no secret that I love The Junk Bar but I didn’t expect such tremendous musical moments with the hostess and host last weekend. Check out these video snippets where Mia [golden voice] and Jamie [musical saw] join us ~ just incredible~!

Don’t forget we head out to Castlemaine & Ballarat for our first regional shows at The Bridge Hotel and Lost Ones Basement Bar ~ come one, come all. I know so few people out that way so hoping for a few pals to pass on the news.

See you somewhere ~ big thanks to those of you who have bought and are enjoying Sparrow & Swan.

Rx