Author: Lauren Katulka

It’s been a little quiet on the Old Man River front, but that’s all about to change with the bluesy singer-songwriter announcing a brand new tour and album.

His sophomore effort Trust showcases the artist’s natural evolution, with a bigger earthy sound incorporating sitars, electric guitars and tablas. The east meets west themes that Good Morning explored have been fully realised here. Adding to the global flavor, the album was recorded earlier this year in Sydney, Tel Aviv, and Mumbai.

The album will hit stores next year, but fans along the east coast will get a sneak peek at some intimate shows this month. Old Man River will showcase tracks from the new discs and some old favourites.

19 November 2009 – The Troubadour, Brisbane with Little Scout (Tix $18 from Oztix or $22 at the door)
24 November 2009 – Newtown Workers Club, Melbourne with Boy & Bear (Tix $18 from Moshtix or $22 at the door)
25 November 2009 – Sydney, special secret performance with Boy & Bear. E-mail info@qirkz.com for details

Image used with permission from Albert Music

Melbourne rockers Mammal have called it quits after four years together. The band split due to “long standing personal, political, musical and business differences” according to an official statement.

I’ve got to wonder how long standing those issues could have been, given that the band hardly have the longevity of The Rolling Stones, but I guess any period fighting feels like a whole lot longer than it actually is!

“We wish to thank the fans for their unbelievably loyal and heartfelt support which gave us the opportunity to play some amazing shows, to release our records and travel the world. We will never forget these times,” the statement continued.

Those fans will be happy to know that we haven’t heard the last of the band’s members. Lead singer Ezekiel Ox plans to release a solo album, The Ox and The Fury, in 2010. Meanwhile Peter Williamson, Nick Adams, and Zane Rosanoski plan to stick together to work on an as-yet unnamed project.

Image source: Stuart Stevastos @ Flickr

The buzz is definitely building for local lads Amy Meredith. The band will support Good Charlotte at their special acoustic gig tonight, before touring Oz with Cobra Starship in 2010.

The timing couldn’t be more perfect for the Sydney quintet who just about to release their debut single “Pornstar.” The track, which has been recorded with Grammy Award-winning British engineer Brian Paturalski [Outkast, Backstreet Boys, Wes Carr], will hit radio on November 9.

The Good Charlotte gig is all sold out, but you’ll be able to catch behind-the-scenes footage at Amy Meredith’s MySpace page. If you want to see the band do their stuff in the flesh, you can catch them with Cobra Starship at the following shows.

16 March 2010 – UNSW Roundhouse, Sydney (All Ages)
17 March 2010 – The Tivoli, Brisbane (All Ages)
19 March 2010 – The Hi-Fi, Melbourne (18+)
20 March 2010 – The Hi-Fi, Melbourne (Under 18s)
21 March 2010 – Metro City, Perth WA (All Ages)

Image source: The Harbour Agency

Kelly Clarkson’s winging her way to Oz for another tour next year.

The original American Idol is visiting on the back of her fourth studio album, All I Ever Wanted. It’s already spawned the hits “My Life Would Suck Without You,” “I Do Not Hook Up,” and “Already Gone.” Expect to hear those and all the old favourites at the Aussie shows next April.

Eric Hutchinson and Cassie Davis will also be along for the ride.

Tickets for the following shows go on sale on Thursday November 12 through Ticketek, except for Perth which will be sold through Ticketmaster.

13 April 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
15 April 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Newcastle
17 April 2010 – Acer Arena, Sydney
19 April 2010 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
22 April 2010 – Challenge Stadium, Perth

Image source: Newscom

There are many worse ways to spend a lazy Saturday than at the annual Jazz in the Vines concert in the Hunter Valley. With exceptional musical talent, wonderful wines, delicious food, and one of the loveliest crowds around, it’s a show that keeps me coming back time and time again.

The Dixie Jazz Band kicked off proceedings with their crowd-pleasing set of old-fashioned standards. These guys look about 70 in the shade, but those all those years have helped make this act one of the tightest around. I’ve seen them regularly at Newcastle’s Race for Research, and was thrilled to see them on the bill.

The Australian Army Band kicked things up a notch with their set of originals and classic covers. You know when a band’s made of serviceman that they’re going to be tight. There’s that regimented precision which easily transfers to their music. But don’t think that made the set stuffy. The young talent on show injected a youthful energy into the time-honoured tunes.
Continue reading “Jazz in the Vines @ Hunter Valley, 31 October 2009” →

Melbourne rockers are in for a real treat, with the AC/DC Family Jewels exhibition making a pit stop at the city’s Art Centre next week.

The display includes costumes, instruments, props from the band’s live shows, candid photographs, and rare handwritten notes and lyrics. It also features rarely-seen concert footage and interviews, early concert posters, and other cool collectibles.

Curator Tim Fisher says, “There is little doubt that after 35 years on the world stage AC/DC are by far Australia’s most successful and influential performing artists. AC/DC Australia’s Family Jewels seeks to link the material history of the band to the experience of their music. The exhibition will also try to convey – both through exhibited material and an interactive online initiative – the place that AC/DC holds for their devoted fans.”

You can catch AC/DC Australia’s Family Jewels at Melbourne Art Centre from November 7, 2009 to February 29, 2010.

Image source: Melbourne Art Centre website