In
1999 I had the privilege of witnessing the event that ultimately
led to the restoration of this interrupted illustrious Australian
music partnership. Greg Quill addresses what this album represents
on the opening track, 'Back This Way' - "never thought I'd see this
day again/never thought I'd hear this song". Greg Quill was "lost"
to music. The former Sydney folkie and then leader of Country Radio
had settled in Toronto, and slowly dropped out of making music for
the career in journalism that had always been his second string.
Before Country Radio took off and sent Greg around the country in
the aftermath of the group's 'Gypsy Queen' and 'Wintersong' hits
he was Sydney editor of Go-Set magazine. In Toronto that side of
his life took over, and as the years passed so did the distance
back to his music years. 1999 brought Greg back to Australia for
a quick visit, and one special night surrounded by old friends.
Inevitably the guitars came out, and song by song, tentatively at
first, everyone present witnessed music begin to flow back through
Greg Quill's veins from some untapped reservoir. Also armed with
his guitar that night was Kerryn Tolhurst, Greg's partner in music
in Country Radio's heyday, before Kerryn went on to join the Dingoes.
That night encouraged Greg and Kerryn to consider making music again.
Greg returned to Toronto, Kerryn to New York. Through the marvels
of modern technology they started the process which led to this
"comeback" album, four new Quill songs, a loving reprise of his
first recorded song 'Fleetwood Plain', five collaborations and a
Kerryn instrumental. Greg's voice retains its familiar melancholy
almost deadpan quality, a reminder of post-Dylan John Stewart band
John Prine influences, the songs sometimes hinting of personal reflection
sometimes plain story-telling. Kerryn sensitively weaves his multi-instrumental
magic around the vocals, one of the most tasteful and talented musicians
Australia has ever produced. The closing 'Lost In The Moment' is
one of the few songs adorned by a full arrangement of instruments.
The rest is understated and stark, live in the studio. 'The Game'
and 'The Boys Of Narrabeen' offer a taste of traditional Aussie
folk. Most of the record is Country Radio friendly. 'The Killing
Heart' goes into different, Stan Ridgeway-like sinister territory.
The test of good songs is when after a few spins you think you've
been listening to them forever, like rediscovered old friends. That's
what this album offers. Also, a gentle. relaxed, assured rekindling
of an old friendship between Greg Quill and Kerryn Tolhurst. It's
a toe back in familiar water. Can we expect more? Or will we wait
another 20 years? (www.quilltolhurst.com)
In
1999 I had the privilege of witnessing the event that ultimately
led to the restoration of this interrupted illustrious Australian
music partnership. Greg Quill addresses what this album represents
on the opening track, 'Back This Way' - "never thought I'd see this
day again/never thought I'd hear this song". Greg Quill was "lost"
to music. The former Sydney folkie and then leader of Country Radio
had settled in Toronto, and slowly dropped out of making music for
the career in journalism that had always been his second string.
Before Country Radio took off and sent Greg around the country in
the aftermath of the group's 'Gypsy Queen' and 'Wintersong' hits
he was Sydney editor of Go-Set magazine. In Toronto that side of
his life took over, and as the years passed so did the distance
back to his music years. 1999 brought Greg back to Australia for
a quick visit, and one special night surrounded by old friends.
Inevitably the guitars came out, and song by song, tentatively at
first, everyone present witnessed music begin to flow back through
Greg Quill's veins from some untapped reservoir. Also armed with
his guitar that night was Kerryn Tolhurst, Greg's partner in music
in Country Radio's heyday, before Kerryn went on to join the Dingoes.
That night encouraged Greg and Kerryn to consider making music again.
Greg returned to Toronto, Kerryn to New York. Through the marvels
of modern technology they started the process which led to this
"comeback" album, four new Quill songs, a loving reprise of his
first recorded song 'Fleetwood Plain', five collaborations and a
Kerryn instrumental. Greg's voice retains its familiar melancholy
almost deadpan quality, a reminder of post-Dylan John Stewart band
John Prine influences, the songs sometimes hinting of personal reflection
sometimes plain story-telling. Kerryn sensitively weaves his multi-instrumental
magic around the vocals, one of the most tasteful and talented musicians
Australia has ever produced. The closing 'Lost In The Moment' is
one of the few songs adorned by a full arrangement of instruments.
The rest is understated and stark, live in the studio. 'The Game'
and 'The Boys Of Narrabeen' offer a taste of traditional Aussie
folk. Most of the record is Country Radio friendly. 'The Killing
Heart' goes into different, Stan Ridgeway-like sinister territory.
The test of good songs is when after a few spins you think you've
been listening to them forever, like rediscovered old friends. That's
what this album offers. Also, a gentle. relaxed, assured rekindling
of an old friendship between Greg Quill and Kerryn Tolhurst. It's
a toe back in familiar water. Can we expect more? Or will we wait
another 20 years? (www.quilltolhurst.com)