Tag: John Williamson

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

John Williamson Readies Album Number 50

Can you believe John Williamson is preparing to release his 50th album? Believe it or not, Honest People will hit stores on July 25, and it shouldn’t disappoint his legion of fans.

It’s a collection of tales inspired by John’s hometown of Quambatook, a tight-knit community full of “honest people.” The album recalls the innocence and spirit of small towns while lamenting the loss of community that comes with progress in many regional areas. Hear John talking about it in this album teaser video.

John fans are in for a big week at the end of the month. His biography Hey True Blue will hit shelves on July 23, two days before the release of Honest People on July 25.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

John Williamson Releases “The Big Red”

With Australia Day celebrations in full swing it seems an appropriate time to mention that one of our most dinky-di performers, John Williamson, will release his new album The Big Red tomorrow.

The Big Red is actually John’s 48th studio recording, which is a fair effort by anyone’s summation. It features songs penned by John over the past three years about our country and its people. You know what you’re getting here; John’s always reliable and that’s exactly why we love him.

The album features the first single “Hang My Hat in Queensland,” which is an autobiographical tale of John’s life in the Sunshine State.

“At last The Big Red is out of the box. I think those who know my music will think ‘Yes! This is what we’ve been waiting for from Willo.’ For those who don’t know; clear the mind of American influences. This is purely Australian. I hope it makes you as proud as I am of the place,” he said in a statement.

John will see plenty of his beloved country over the coming months when he embarks on The Big Red tour. Tickets are available from the venues for the following shows.

27 January 2011 –  Tamworth Town Hall, Tamworth
16 February 2011 –  Wellington Entertainment Centre, Sale
17 February 2011 –  Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre, Wonthaggi
18 February 2011 –  Frankston Cultural Centre, Frankston
19 February 2011 –  West Gippsland Arts Centre, Warragul
22 February 2011 –  ’99 on York’, Sydney
24 February 2011 –  Swan Yacht Club, East Fremantle
1 March 2011 –  Redlands Performing Arts Centre, Cleveland
2 March 2011 –  Logan Entertainment Centre, Logan Central
3 March 2011 – Empire Theatre, Toowoomba
4 March 2011 –  Caloundra RSL, Caloundra
21 March 2011 –  ’99 on York’, Sydney
29 March 2011 –  Shepparton Eastbank Centre, Shepparton
30 March 2011 –  Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat
31 March 2011 –  Hamilton Performing Arts Centre, Hamilton
1 April 2011 –  Geelong Performing Arts Centre, Geelong
11 April 2011 –  Brolga Theatre, Maryborough
12 April 2011 –  Pilbeam Theatre, Rockhampton
13 April 2011 –  Mackay Entertainment Centre, Mackay
14 April 2011 –  Townsville Civic Theatre, South Townsville
18 April 2011 –  ’99 on York’, Sydney
19 April 2011 –  Cessnock Performing Arts Centre, Cessnock
20 April 2011 –  Newcastle West Leagues Club, New Lambton
21 April 2011 –  Nelsons Bay Diggers, Nelson Bay
22 April 2011 –  Toronto Workers Club, Toronto
4 May 2011 –  Campbelltown RSL Club, Campbelltown
5 May 2011 –  North Sydney Leagues Club, Cammeray
6 May 2011 –  Castle Hill RSL Club, Castle Hill
16 May 2011 –  Albany Entertainment Centre, Albany
17 May 2011 –  Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre, Bunbury
18 May 2011 –  Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, Mandurah
19 May 2011 –  Queens Park Theatre, Geraldton
23 May 2011 –  ’99 on York’, Sydney
24 May 2011 –  Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre, Bathurst
25 May 2011 –  Orange Ex-Services Club, Orange
26 May 2011 –  Dubbo Regional Theatre, Dubbo
27 May 2011 –  Condobolin RSL Club, Condobolin

Image source: John Williamson media room

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

John Williamson Recruits Stars for Greatest Hits Album

Kasey Chambers, Shannon Noll, and Russell Crowe are amongst the stars who’ve lent their voices to Absolute Greatest – 40 Years True Blue, a John Williamson greatest hits album set to hit stores next weekend.

The first disc features John’s most iconic songs including his first chart topper “Old Man Emu,” “Rip Rip Woodchip,” and “Home Among the Gumtrees.” Disc two sees other notable Aussies reinterpreting John Williamson classics, including James Reyne taking on “Chandelier of Stars,” Wendy Matthews singing “Flower on the Water,” and John’s daughter Ami playing “Truckie’s Wife.”

“Organising all those people was a bit like trying to get the horses lined up at the barrier,” John told The Sunday Telegraph.

I think it’s probably worth the effort though. Greatest hits collections are never much of a drawcard for enthusiasts who’ve probably got all the big tracks at home already. The covers should attract those country diehards, while those who’ve never bought a John Williamson album can now get all the hits in one place.