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Kevin Shegog 29 tr CD
Billed as Australia's foremost country and folk singer, Kevin Shegog grew up in Tasmania, where he learnt guitar and country songs accompanying records he heard on the radio. He moved to Victoria in 1955, joining the Gold Toppers. It was not until 1959 that he recorded with Planet Records - Now there's a label to collect! David McLean who compiled the record calls these 5 songs the bonus tracks! All of the other 24 tracks were culled from a possible 145 songs Shegog recorded with W&G - It's my understanding that a 2nd album of songs is being given serious thought. This collection apparently compiles his less country, more pop material. There's some hillbilly touches as indicated in the title of the collection, but it's pretty tame. There's some driving piano in My Blues and Me, but the rest is restrained. People unfamiliar with Shegog's material will appreciate the Planet recordings which include well known songs such as Riders in the Sky, High Noon, Mule Train and Cry of the Wild Goose which are all covers. It's pleasing to see that Kevin wrote quite a lot of his own material which stands up pretty well to the covers here. Some of his own songs date from as early as 1960; the most recent recording on this album is from 1974; On Melbourne Airport, Tullamarine, recorded in 1971, and Pentridge (1975) Shegog at least shows that he is aware of contempory themes. For a person not schooled in country, my first impressions are of Kevin's voice, which is a deep, soothing baritone. The recordings have again come up a treat, so congratulations to the team of engineers. The rhythms are not taxing and the primitive arrangements are diverse enough to keep my interest throughout the album. A must for any fan of Australian country music. References
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columns Chris Spencer is author of the "Who's Who of Australian Rock'. He can be contacted through Moonlight Publishing. |
At on the onset of this month's column I admit having little interest
or knowledge of Australian Country Music. It has a longer history
and heritage than the rock music industry which will mark 50 years
in a couple of years. So for collectors there is much more challenge
in collecting Country music's older material which in most cases
is more difficult to collect because of the smaller run of pressings.
If we assume country recordings sold more in country areas, examples
becomes more awkward to collect because of the lack of infrastructure
in rural areas which support collectors. However this can make exploring
2nd hand stores and shops in country areas even more exciting when
an unusual item is turned up. Some of Shegog's records are more
collectable because he recorded almost exclusively on the W&G label,
which many collectors, especially outside Victoria, find examples
hard to find. However, his records, particularly singles turn up
frequently in op shops. According to Noel McGrath, during 1961,
Shegog sold more records in Victoria and Tasmania than Johnny O'Keefe
did during the same period. Three of his songs made the top 40 charts
during 1961-62 and are included on this album - Little Kangaroo,
Wolverton Mountain (reached #3), Fall Out Shelter - McGrath writes
that Cowboy Boots made a Victorian chart in 1963.
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