Tag: Kate Ceberano

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kate Ceberano Releasing “My Life is a Symphony” Album

Knowing absolutely everything sounds better when it’s backed by a symphony orchestra, Kate Ceberano is revisiting her hits with the release of her new album My Life is a Symphony. After hearing the way the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra elevate ‘90s pop banger “Pash” to an absolute epic, I’m pretty excited for the rest of this record.

“This album was conceived and the orchestra recorded in the last months before the Covid “blackout”! After several years of waiting to complete it, when I finally got to return to the project and record the vocals it was a very emotional experience for me…back in a studio where i had recorded Brave 35 years before – and with my daughter now singing BVs,” she gushed. “I never wanted to take anything for granted again. I was more committed, bolder, and more willing to back my stories and songwriting. The power of the orchestra, the arrangements by my talented friend Roscoe have given new life to songs that together we cherrypicked from my albums over the years. Songs that are meaningful to me, earmarking personal memories and travelling with me across four decades.”

My Life is a Symphony drops on May 12. Kate will tour all around the country playing festivals and headlining shows with state orchestras from May promoting its release. Here are the dates so far, but if she hasn’t announced your nearest city don’t stress. More shows will be announced in the coming months.

11 March 2023 – Brighter Days Festival, Dhudhuroa, Taungurung, Waywurru, Gunaikurnai and Jaithmathang Country/Bright
18 March 2023 – Lighthouse Theatre’s 40th Anniversary, Dhauwurd Wurrung Country/Warrnambool
27 May 2023 – Hamer Hall, Naarm/Melbourne (with Melbourne Symphony Orchestra)
10 June 2023 – Adelaide Festival Centre’s Festival Theatre, Tartanya/Adelaide (with Adelaide Symphony Orchestra)
5 July 2023 – Big Red Bash, Wirrarri/Birdsville
18 August 2023 – Mundi Mundi Bash, Wilyakali Country/Broken Hill
25 August 2023 – Stranded in the Whitsundays @ Daydream Island Resort, Ngaro Country/Whitsundays (with Jimmy Barnes, Ian Moss, Black Sorrows, and Mahalia Barnes)

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute; credit: Justine Walpole

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sunset Sounds Heading to Victorian Vineyard

I don’t know about you, but I need gigs to look forward to. My concert calendar is looking pretty bare, and I find myself pulling out of plans I’ve already made because it seems like the safest option right now. Perhaps that reluctance to lock things in sees plenty of great tickets available for Rochford Wines’ Sunset Sounds. Because with a line-up featuring some of Australia’s most beloved acts, it should already be sold out.

This bill is stacked, with Daryl Braithwaite, Ian Moss, Kate Ceberano, The Black Sorrows, Russell Morris, Ross Wilson, Thirsty Merc, Chocolate Starfish, Wendy Matthews, The Chantoozies, and Bjorn Again all set to entertain Victoria crowds. Despite this, there are tickets available in all categories, including in all those fancy pants VIP sections. That’d be what I’d opt for. After all, it’s probably been so long since you’ve bought tickets for anything you can justify the splurge!

“Since establishing Sunset Sounds three years ago and selling out multiple shows in QLD and NSW, we are beyond excited to blow those Covid blues away, bringing a celebration of non-stop hits with a who’s who of classic Aussie rock (with a touch of ABBA) to the iconic Yarra Valley,” said Empire Touring’s Director and certified vibe creator, Marc Christowski.

“It is so thrilling to once again – after what seems like an eternity – share a stage at The Rochford Wines Sunset Sounds concert with Ian Moss, Kate Ceberano, The Black Sorrows, Russell Morris, Thirsty Merc and more,” added Daryl Braithwaite. “It is going to be so good.”

Sunset Sounds hits Rochford Wines in the Yarra Valley on February 26. Tickets are on sale now through Ticketek.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jade MacRae Slays With “Weather the Storm”

Jade MacRae takes us on a sonic trip back in time with her gorgeous new single “Weather The Storm.” It feels like an instant classic, the kind of poised ballad that Dionne Warwick or Anita Baker may have released back in the day. Jade recorded the song just before the pandemic hit. It was a challenging time for everyone, but especially Jade who has spent the last four years touring the United States with Joe Bonamassa.

“Spending the duration of the pandemic in the USA was a challenging and eye-opening time,” she admitted. “The tension due to racial injustice and the political climate being so heated only added to the stress of Covid-19 and our industry being completely shut down. I don’t do so well being idle, but some of my peers managed to channel their creative energy into other projects and that was inspiring for me through a difficult time.”

However, if not for the pandemic Jade may never have discovered Kate Ceberano’s gift for the visual arts. She enlisted Kate to create the artwork for her new single.

“I started seeing Kate posting incredible art that she was creating every day – drawings, paintings, guitars she was decorating. One series she created (her ‘space’ series) really spoke to me, and I asked if she would consider creating something for me for the cover art of Weather The Storm, which I had recorded pre-Covid” Jade explained. “She was generous enough to agree and I couldn’t be more thrilled with what she presented to me. She really captured the essence of the song and transformed it into something visually beautiful. I’m hoping to do a 7” vinyl release to really honour what she has created in a physical form.”

After spending so much of the pandemic locked down in the US, Jade is itching to get back in front of local audiences. You can catch her at the following venues over the coming months:

27 May 2021 – Lizotte’s Newcastle
5 June 2021 – Cronulla Jazz and Blues Festival @ The Brass Monkey (with Ray Beadle, Jonathan Zwartz, Andrew Dickeson, and Clayton Doley)
6 June 2021 – Camelot Lounge, Marrickville NSW
18 June 2021 – The Great Club, Marrickville (with Karen Lee Andrews)
5 July 2021 – Starfish Club @ Clovelly Bowling Club, Clovelly
24 July 2021 – The Jazz Lab, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Ferris Davies PRM

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Aussie Legends Come Together For “The Dangerous Age”

When you put together talents like Kate Ceberano, Steve Kilbey (The Church), and Sean Sennett (Crush 76), you know magic is going to happen. The combined skills of this formidable trio is sure to make their new album The Dangerous Age one of the hottest albums of 2020.

I was intrigued by the first single “Monument City Lights, 19733,” but it didn’t quite gel with me. However, I’m a much bigger fan of the latest taste of the album, “All Tied Up.” I think Kate might give one of the best vocals of her career on this track, which she says is unlike anything else in her back catalogue. That’s exciting in and of itself. You’re not just getting a taste of nostalgia here folks; these guys are creating brand new music that pushes the boundaries.

“When I listen to ‘All Tied Up’ now, I can’t help feel as though someone else wrote and sang this song … it’s so different to any other song I’ve ever sung,” Kate confirmed. “I wrote from within the words, I was writing the music and the melody to create an atmosphere of surf, empty space and unfinished business. It’s like the sound of the suburbs where I grew up. Pregnant with subtext …”

Kate wrote the music for these songs after receiving lyrics from Steve and Sean. That unique collaborative process and the talents involved should make this album something special. The Dangerous Age drops on January 31.

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Aussie Stars Cover “You’re The Voice” For Domestic Violence Charities

Domestic and family violence are some of the most pressing issues facing our society today. A host of talented local musicians are doing the bit to raise awareness with the release of a cover of John Farnham’s smash “You’re The Voice.”

The track features some of the biggest names in music today: Katie Noonan, Kate Ceberano, Isaiah, Troy Cassar-Daley, Montaigne, and Archie Roach.

“I’m so proud of the positive response from the Australian community and music industry in rallying together to support this initiative. It is a testament to the power of music being able to make a difference,” Katie said. She’s the artistic director of this year’s Queensland Music Festival. As part of the program, a 2000-strong choir will come together to sing “You’re The Voice” at South Bank Piazza. It happens at 5 pm on July 29, so check it out if you’re in the area.

All money raised from iTunes sales of the “You’re The Voice” single benefits the Sony Foundation and DV Connect, a Queensland-based 24/7 crisis response group. One thing I personally like about DVConnect is that it doesn’t discriminate. It understands that people of both genders can be victims of domestic violence, so it has a womensline (1800 811 811) and a mensline (1800 600 636). After watching The Red Pill this week, that sort of real gender equality matters to me. If you want to support it to, you know where to find the single!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kate Ceberano Headlines Royal Flying Doctors Fundraiser

Enjoy a night of great music for a good cause at Altitude. Kate Ceberano, jazz chanteuse Ali Bodycoat, soulful Stratosfunk, and rock-pop string quartet ISQ will provide the entertainment at the swanky event to raise money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service of WA.

Altitude 2014 promises to be the highlight of Perth’s social calendar, with an innovative audio visual display, a recreated airport runway stage, and custom Altitude bar. VIP tables of 10 will also receive premium seating luxury accommodation at Crown Metropol, valet parket, CIP gift bags, priority check-in, and access to pre=show drinks at La Vie Champagne Lounge and the after-party at NOBU.

This glamorous even has a serious purpose though. Your support will ensure every person living, working, or travelling in Western Australia can stay connected to first-class health services at all times.

Altitude will hit the Grand Ballroom at Crown Perth in August 23.

Image source: The Harbour Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jazz in the Vines @ Tyrell’s Winery, Pokolbin – 30 October 2010

When I’m unwell, it takes a lot for me to leave the comfort of home and venture out. But I found myself doing just that on Saturday when I took in the annual Jazz in the Vines festival. This is always a highlight of my yearly concert calendar, and I wasn’t going to let any virus hold me back.

Being sick made this a different kind of Jazz in the Vines for me. I couldn’t indulge in the all that brilliant wine, or dance up the front near as the stage as I usually do. But I could enjoy the music, and enjoy it I did.

Sadly it took me a bit longer to get out than it might have if I were well, and I missed the Silver Bell Quartet. But I’m so glad I arrived for the Adrian Cunningham Quartet. Led by the incredibly sexy and talented Adrian Cunningham, the quartet treated us to instrumental jazz gems. The set only became stronger when Steve Clisby joined them for several numbers. Their version of “God Bless The Child” was exquisite, and I also loved their swinging version of “Moondance.”

Somewhere around the end of their set the unseasonably summery weather started to get to me. It’s terrible to be sick when you’re supposed to be out having fun, but the gentle acoustic guitar strains of Bruce Mathiske were probably the best medicine for it. I must admit, I was a bit dizzy and faint to remember much of his set, but his version of “Classical Gas” was outstanding.

After getting plenty of water and some yummy calamari in me I started to feel a little better, just in time for James Morrison to take the stage. He’s always a Jazz in the Vines highlight, and this year was no exception. His exceptional talent and charisma just makes for a wonderful show. It was also kind of thrilling to see my new crush Adrian Cunningham taking his place in James’ band. While I was lapping up the instrumental stuff, the energy levels went up a notch when Doug Parkinson joined James. I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to see this Australian legend doing his thing; he really is a truly magnificent artist. My parents have been seeing him since the ’70s and swear that his voice is only getting better. I really don’t doubt it. Those reality TV show contestants could learn a thing or two about performing a cover version from Doug; whether he was encouraging us to get up and dance with some Blood Sweat and Tears or Joe Cocker numbers, or wowing us with a show stopping version of “Somewhere,” he was incredible.
Continue reading “Jazz in the Vines @ Tyrell’s Winery, Pokolbin – 30 October 2010” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kate Ceberano, James Morrison and More for Motown Inspired Jazz in the Vines

The line-up for Jazz in the Vines, one of my favorite music festivals, has been announced.

This year’s chilled out event will feature a veritable who’s who of Aussie talent, including Kate Ceberano, Doug Parkinson, festival regular James Morrison, and Bruce Mathiske.

The 2010 show will have a soul flavour to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Motown. But don’t think the festival has abandoned its jazz roots; we can expect both styles of music to feature prominently in this year’s set.

If you’ve always thought about going, why not make 2010 the year? Grab your picnic blanket and head to Tyrells Vineyard for one of the most chilled out, positive festivals on the music calendar. It all happens on October 30, and tickets are on sale now from the Jazz in the Vines website.

Image source: The Harbour Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kate Ceberano’s Secret Past

She’s been a fixture on the Aussie music charts for decades, first with her band I’m Talking and then with solo hits like “Brave” and “Bedroom Eyes.” She’s danced with the stars (and won!) and even taught Daniel Kowalski a thing or two about singing on It Takes Two. But how much do you really know about Kate Ceberano?

SBS gives you the chance to find out a whole lot more when its surprise hit Who Do You Think You Are? continues this Sunday night. The series delves into the past of celebrities to find out where they really came from, and how their roots have made them the people they are today.

Who Do You Think You Are? featuring Kate Ceberano airs at 7:30 pm on Sunday January 20.

Image source: Vivian Evans @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

"Nine Lime Avenue" – Kate Ceberano

I have a confession to make: I love the 1980s. It’s not the coolest thing for a music blogger to admit, but the frivolity and fun of the decade that fashion forgot always makes me smile. And so I had high expectations for Kate Ceberano‘s latest release, Nine Lime Avenue.

The album showcases Kate’s favourite tunes of the era, a time when she was growing up in Victoria’s Lime Avenue and dreaming of becoming a star.

She is one of Australia’s musical treasures, and her voice on this record is as strong and rich as ever. She brings the right amount of tenderness to “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.” Her take on The Pretenders’ “Brass In Pocket” is suitably sassy.

However, many tracks suffer from dramatic reworkings which seem to sap the fun from them. “Do You Really Want To Hurt Me” and “It Must Be Love” lose their bounce and playfulness, instead becoming laboured ballads. An easy listening take on Prince’s “Raspberry Beret” seems equally sacrilegious.

For a disc that stemmed from such fond memories of childhood, it’s disappointing that Nine Lime Avenue fails to inspire the same nostalgia in its listeners.

Image source: Kate Ceberano website