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Country Crossroads

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19.01.2022 From Series 5 of Country Crossroads.

16.01.2022 GABRIELLE PARBO - A WINNING TAPESTRY FIREFLY ST KILDA Melbourne entertainer Gabrielle Parbo was in fine voice and delivered a very convincing tribute to some of the most influential women in music with her Tapestry show at St Kilda’s Firefly music venue on 23 Nov.... The songs of Carole King, Carly Simon, Rickie lee Jones and Joni Mitchell were no trouble for Gabrielle’s impressive vocals which itself was a highlight of the show. A small but appreciative crowd indulged in a wonderful nostalgic journey back to the 60s and 70s that included the stories behind the artists and their songs, adding interest to what was a good night’s entertainment worthy of experiencing. Let's throw in the wonderful musicianship of son Ash Parbo who contributed with a solid guitar backing, percussion and strong harmonies. Ash is a very competent artist in his own right. Keyboardist Peter Mansell was also outstanding with his backing skills. It’s obvious the hearing impairment he has was no barrier to what was an exemplary display of musicianship. Well done to all and continued success. Rob Foenander - Melbourne Observer, The Local Paper & Casey Radio 97.7fm

10.01.2022 Debra Byrne & Dion Hirini An Intimate & Up Close Performance. Bunjil Place Studio Narre Warren - 10 Jan 20 Let’s start with the two standing ovations shall we? That will set the scene nicely for what was an outstanding show. An intimate & up close performance with Debra Byrne and Dion Hirini was just that. Debra’s casual barefoot approach was relaxed and inviting. You could’ve been forgiven for thinking you were inside her lounge room with a drink and listening to some cl...assic songs and saying Oh Yeah, I remember this one as you quietly hummed along. But, it was Bunjil Place Studio Narre Warren that provided the setting for just 2 vocalists and one guitar. Yes, it was that simple and it worked so darn well. Something that also came across was the honest respect for both the artists and the audience. Debra was genuinely appreciative of those who’d taken the time to come along and be part of the performance. The crowds adoration on the other hand was also hard to ignore too. So the song list, OK, let’s look at a few: Take It To The Limit, Leather and Lace, Time After Time, Mondo Rock’s State Of The Heart, some Steely Dan classics, Write Myself A Letter, Walking After Midnight etc. All the songs were pure joy to listen to. And Kate Bush’s Wuthering Heights was all emotion and delivered in a way that only an artist of Debra’s calibre could pull off, a true entertainer who is one of the country’s finest all -rounders. The guitar accompaniment from Dion, his solo vocals and harmonies were nothing short of outstanding too. Wow, this guy had more chords at his ready than a venetian blind factory His laid back demeanour was cool (really chilled) and there’s no denying Dion is an artist with seriously impeccable credentials. It’s easy to see these two have shared the stage on many occasions, their connection was real. A very well produced show by Simon Myers along with the ambience of the Bunjil Place Studio beautifully enhanced the standout talent that was Debra Byrne and Dion Hirini. Thanks once again to Tracey Routledge from TR PR for the opportunity to review the show. So music lovers, I’m not giving it 10 out of 10! I’m settling on 11/10. Rob Foenander Casey Radio 97.7 FM The Melbourne Observer The Local Paper

04.01.2022 Eric McCusker And Then I Wrote. 26 May 19 Ember Lounge. Up close and personal is probably the best way to describe this intimate event with Mondo Rock guitarist Eric McCusker. The Ember Lounge at St Kilda’s Memo Music Hall provided the ideal setting and the near capacity crowd listened, laughed and sang away an extremely pleasant couple of hours.... Nothing it seemed was out of bounds with Eric. In fact, it was a warts and all delivery of growing up, family, music influences, the people he’s worked with, love and more. Fascinating stuff indeed from one of Australia’s rock greats. Someone the late and much loved singer/ actor Jon English said should have been a superstar. I think that’s a fair call but, you get the feeling that maybe, it’s a title Eric’s not comfortable with. On the music side, Eric took his audience on an interesting trip down memory lane with the stories behind the numerous hit songs he's written Come Said the Boy, State of the Heart, Chemistry, No Time, Summer of ’81 ,The Queen and Me and more. Add to this his inclusion on John Farnham’s 24 times platinum selling Whispering Jack album with No-One Comes Close. Ahh....That’s big time folks! Then to hear him sing these classic songs with just his telecaster, mic and amp was impressive, raw but real. The memorable choruses and riffs were all there. They transported you back to a time when great songs were the norm. Rob Foenander - Melbourne Observer, Local Paper & Casey Radio 97.7 FM

01.01.2022 Vibrant, Dynamic & Impressive, that was Brooke McMullen in her Songs Of Dolly Parton Show Athenaeum Theatre Melbourne 13 June. For someone so young, twenty three year old Brooke’s stage confidence and control in all the things going on was quite remarkable. The format was well produced with a continual list of Dolly’s classic hits and adequate banter. Add to this, a number of timeless songs from other music greats including Elvis and you’ve got a very enthusiastic crowd fee...ling pleased, engaged and entertained. A nice backing band with competent players and a keyboardist also pumping out a bass line contributed well to a good show. Rob Foenander Melbourne Observer & Casey Radio 97.7FM