Combining guitar, saxophone and accordion, John Baker, Gayle Buckby and Peter Rydell create an evocative world that transports the listener to a moody French café or European film. Influenced by a background in jazz, Bakers songs are laced with latin, European and contemporary folk elements and lie somewhere between Sting and the soundtrack to the film Amelie.

“ they combine Mediterranean-inflected folk with a light, melodic pop approach to produce stylish, reflective songs... thoughtfully observed lyrics in a collection of new Australian music with many subtle pleasures”   Brent Clough, The Daily Planet (Radio National).

" integrity, atmosphere and class"  A. Sheerin/BJ Thomas, adelaide bands.com

decadent, romantic and perpetually captivating" Steve Davenport, musicsa.com

Recently described by Radio Adelaide as “a couple of sophisticated urban hillbillies with unique style” the Texettes are Adelaide based Helen Ellis and Terry Bradford.  They perform essentially as an acoustic duo but expand to either a trio or a quartet with the addition of other guest appearances e.g. Dixie Dale on harmonica and Phil Bray on guitar/accordion.

The Texettes love what they do and it shows!  Helen and Terry are original members of the Texettes 5 piece band formed in March 2001 and since their debut as a duo in March 2005, have performed at Adelaide’s leading original music venues and  local music festivals, The Adelaide Fringe 2004, 2006; Frances Folk Gathering 2005, 2006 and 2007; The Goolwa International Wooden Boat Festival 2005 and the Semaphore Music Festival 2005 and 2006; they perform live to air every Monday night (and have done so for 8 years) on Adelaide’s ThreeD Radio’s Hillbilly Hoot.

Terry loves to write, Helen loves to sing!  The Texettes original music is unique and is best described as alternative country/pop -  it has country at its roots whilst taking in elements of  rock, blues, folk and jazz.  Texettes songs have heartfelt, powerful and emotional lyrics, rhythm and melody.

The Texettes have independently released three albums of original music:   “Sweetheart” (December 2002),   “The Land That We Love” EP/CD, (September 2003) and “Fearless” (July 2006).

Songs from the albums receive both local, national and international airplay.  “The Land That We Love” has gained national recognition on ABC Radio’s “Macca by Request Volume 2” 2004 compilation CD.  “Fearless” was Radio Adelaide’s album of the week and Three De Radio’s top album of the week in July 2006.  “Come Swim with Me” has been a long standing favourite of ABC Adelaide’s Bald Brothers Breakfast Show; “I’ve Got an Idea” is in KIK FM Darwin’s rotation and Macca’s Australia All Over.  More recently the album charted on CIUTfm Toronto.  “I Love Chocolate” is featured on Acoustic Stomach’s (Adelaide based Jewellery and Accessories Outlet) In-house CD Compilation.

To find out more about the Texettes or purchase Texettes music email helen@texettes.com, or

www.texettes.com

Check their Myspace site

Creole cowboyZ were formed in early 2005, bringing together six experienced Adelaide musicians. The band's main musical genre has its roots in the Cajun, Creole and Zydeco sounds and strong dance beat of the French music of Southern Lou isiana. Also sprinkling the repertoire with Country Rock, Bluegrass and New Orleans Blues influenced numbers, the cowboyZ maintain their own rather unique blend of instruments, fun and on-stage energies, playing Cajun French Button Accordions, Frottoir (Frottwaah) also known as the Zydeco Rub-board, Piano accordion, Keyboard, Guitars, Mandolin, Banjo, Harp and even a Didgeridoo! The shared lead and harmony vocals of these multi-instrumentalists give a typical cowboyZ set a vast array of musical contrasts for dancin' and toe-tappin' enjoyment, and has lead to heavy bookings at local gigs and festivals well into 2007!

Swayback emerged in mid-2002, hitting the ground running with a brash new sound...slide-driven swagger rock, the likes of which had not been heard since The Flamin Groovies and The Stones strutted the scene during the early 1970's. Add to Swayback's old skool sound, a dash of garage punk attitude, plus an electric stage show, and weve arrived at 2007. A breath of fresh air in a predictible music scene, Swayback has set about re-establishing the value of a rockin' good time...and ain't that what it's all about?

With the independent release of Swayback's debut long-player, "The Quest for Rock & Roll" in late 2005, the band embarked on its most productive year to date. Playing with some of the globe's hottest rock acts (The BellRays, The Datsuns, The Exploders, The Casanovas, The Vasco Era, Bob Log III, 67 Special, Eric Burdon & The Animals, etc), Swayback stamped its foot firmly in the white-boy-blues-rock genre and didn't look back. It's signing to Sydney's legendary Half A Cow Records and a constant touring schedule throughout 2006 and early 2007 ensured that, several thousand albums later, the band was to be one of Australia's great underground rock successes. So, how to follow it all up? Swayback has some more surprises in store this Summer, with new single "One Way Traffic" due for release in November. Keep your hat on, coz there's no doubt Swayback will continue to make an impression on the world of rock, one energetic leap at a time!

Official Swayback Website: www.swayback.com.au

Swayback's Myspace: www.myspace.com/swaybackrock

Hillbilly Hoot Allstars

The Hillbilly Hoot loves taking it’s music out into local, regional and rural communities. The Hoot welcomes participation by local artists, be they poets, story tellers, a capella or groups of singers. The Hooters are willing to provide instrumental and vocal support to local artists if needed.

The Beggars are internationally acclaimed acoustic artists .They have had country radio hits in the UK, Germany, France, Poland, Belgium and Sweden. "As individuals they all sing brilliantly, but then, when they sing together, it’s amazing!” So come and see what the rest of the world is tuning in to!!
http://www.musicsa.com.au/artists/beggars/

Alison Hams  and Mark Tempany have now formed one of the most sought after musical partnerships in Australia.

Through their live performances nationally and internationally, Mark and Alison have swept all before them since joining to provide elite level acoustic concert performances.

Mark Tempany has released 5 solo albums since 1994, gaining him huge media exposure and winning him countless awards including the Galston Festival's Coopers Golden Saddle Award in 2004 and 11 QRA Sunnie Awards in his home state of Queensland. Mark is well-known for his soaring tenor vocals, brilliant performances, and emotive lyrics which won him Second Place in the massive 1998 Unisong International Song Contest.

Alison Hams has released 7 albums and singles, and has long been recognised as one of Australian country music's most professional and versatile performers. Announced in 2006 as a Winner at the  huge UK Songwriting Competition, and was winner of an SA Great Award - known for her colourful onstage appearance and fine musicianship Alison and her music are now very visible and popular in the Australian market.

Both Mark and Alison have been Grand Finalists in Toyota Star Maker - arguably Australia's greatest professional talent search - and both have been enduring parts of the Tamworth and Mildura Country Music Festivals for over 14 years. They have performed at the Gympie Muster, National Folk Festival and twice at the wonderful Bay of Islands Country Rock Festival in New Zealand.

In February 2006 Mark and Alison provided the national support act for UK star Charlie Landsborough - a month-long tour taking in Australia's premier venues like Crown Casino (Melbourne), Wrest Point (Hobart) and major club venues in Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and country NSW and Victoria.

Between them, Mark and Alison have also worked with most of the other major names of Australian music including Kate Ceberano, James Blundell, Lee Kernaghan, Felicity, Adam Harvey, Kasey Chambers, Adam Brand - and in 2005 Alison co-wrote a song with Gina Jeffreys.

www.alisonhams.com
www.marktempany.com

Check his page here

or his Myspace site

South Australia's 11YR OLD Talented Singer/ Guitarist.

He has been singing for just over 4yrs, winning competitions both in South Australia, & Interstate. He is the current 13yrs & Under Heat winner in the Champion of Champions Contest for two consecutive yrs. Runner-up in the Aristocrats "Entertainer of the Year" for 17yrs & under, held in Tamworth @ the January Festival. 1st in the Open Duet with sister Tracey Rains in the CCMA competition.

Seen Nationally on Channel 7's "Australia's Got Talent", one of a few, selected to compete in Melbourne, & making it through to the Semi-Finals.

What seemed like a lifetime of dud gigs had finally taken its toll on Don Morrison. He slumped alone contemplating the shrivelled corpse of his legendary three piece band The Elmores and reflected on the comments of a booking agent who had said "No one can work an empty room like you, Don". In this darkest hour came inspiration. Suddenly the half empty glass became half full. (for a brief moment at least) Thunderbox Carbunckle and the Lonely Cosmonauts was conceived at that moment - let the band fill the room even if the punters didnt!

Michael Saies, the other Elmores survivor agreed to tote his upright bass one more time in the hope of earning some beer money.

Drummer Andy Przgonsky was the first addition. Andy must hold the world record for the number of bands he plays in. In Adelaide though, its not a problem - each band gets one gig per year leaving plenty of time for the Cosmonauts demanding schedule.

Phil Bray was once known as the worlds lonliest man, not so surprising considering he plays the accordion, but he has found his social salvation in this sublime sextet.

Commie Trash left his home in the strife torn troubled province somewhere in Eastern Europe after his family (White, Euro and Trailer) told him never to come back unless he bought wealth and fame with him. He's sticking to the Cosmonauts so it looks like Australia has him and his new found wealth for good.

John Dingo Van Bowman can play every song ever written and then some. While beer money is of no concern to him, the finger food that so often seems to be present at the Cosmonauts wilder gigs is enough incentive to see him remain tied to this troupe of travelling trubadors.

Their MySpace Site also more information here

Black Knight is a four piece classic rock band. They formed in July 2005. They play originals with influences from Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Jimi Hendrix Experience and also contemporary bands such as Wolfmother, Jet and Powderfinger.

They have supported James Southwell, Bon N All, Tracer & Swayback. They have played at HQ, Holdfast Hotel, Fowlers, Gaslight, Squatters Arms, Cavern Club, Scorcher Fest 06 & 07, many community events and more.

Live performances of this band are enjoyed by people of all ages, and their talent as musicians shines through.

Achievements: 3rd in Make Poverty History Battle of the bands. Best drummer in band wars 2007. State finalists in the National Campus Band Comp 2007.

www.myspace.com/blackknightband

contact: Sue 0413 414 878 or John 0431 148 943

thehorwoods@optusnet.com.au

The Cowtippers are an energetic quartet of musicians who hail from Adelaide and rural areas. Playing a broad range of music including traditional bluegrass, contemporary classics, hillbilly music and quirky-cowboy-gone-wrong songs, The Cowtippers have a distinct and unique country/bluegrass flavour which flows through their performance. With songs from a diverse range including ACDC, The Pogues, Paul Kelly and O’ Brother Where Art Thou all done in The Cowtippers unique acoustic style, you never know what to expect at a Cowtippers gig!

Members are John Hyland, Rick Hunt, Henk Groot and Diana Fusco.

More info here

A country rock flavoured 3 pce with a Nashville influence drawing on the combined blues, rock and jazz experiences of its players.

The Pete Jenkins band performs a mixture of original material and selected covers from artists like Brad Paisley, Gretchen Wilson, Dierks Bentley, Patty Loveless, Charlie Daniels, Billy Thorpe, Tania Kernaghan, Catherine Britt and many others.

The band takes pride in performing challenging material and does so with grit and intensity producing a sound that could be described as "country with a pub rock edge".

The band is composed of:-
Pete Jenkins:- vocals and guitar.
Felicity Freeman:-.bass and vocals.
TRAPPER Draper:- drums.
Also check here and his MySpace site

Dave, Mississippi and Brian

Vorn at Frances Folk Gathering 2006

Myspace Site

Armed with an acoustic guitar and a voice as smooth as Sinatra, the contrast between his deeply emotive and comedic lyrics position Vorn as one of Australia's truly unique young musicians.

Based in South Australia, Vorn has become a sought after performer amongst the Australian music festival scene, playing to packed crowds at Woodford, the National and Blue Mountains Folk Festivals with his band One Night Jam. Vorn was also one of the youngest ever recipients of the ‘Lis Johnston Award for Vocal Excellence’ at the 2005 National Folk Festival. Currently focusing on a solo career, Vorn has supported a variety of musicians such as Mihirangi, Old Man River and Loren as well as continuing his festival appearances.

Fundamentally, Vorn is a storyteller. His lyrics weave magical stories and carry the listener on a journey that capture the most fundamental human emotions of sadness, love and verging insanity!

Vorn is currently working on a solo EP, which he expects to be released in late 2007. Stay tuned for details

website

On Myspace

Emily’s music comes straight from the heart. It is a fi nely crafted expression of home truths woven with earthy acoustic sounds and hauntingly beautiful lyrics. Her raw energy, stage presence, unique vocals and soulful guitar work mesh into a performance that will enrich you with its honesty. Her live performances are warm and inviting, drawing the audience in for an especially moving experience.

“Emily Davis’ release baths the listener in acoustic brilliance with a swath of angelic tracks the likes not seen before in Australia. Tracks on the album can be compared to Missy Higgins, Kasey Chambers & more, but Emily has an instant appeal that draws you in to feeling the journey this storyteller is presenting. A definite education in the fi ner side of music, Moving In Slow Motion really gives Emily Davis the cross over potential like Bernard Fanning has.” Poprepublic.tv - 2007

“This singer/songwriter has come up with a stellar album. Davis has a beautiful voice, whose style resembles Sarah Blasko’s sound with a little less pop.”Sunday Telegraph - 2007

Emily Smart & The Clever Girls are a acoustic experience to savour. With a striking and emotive voice complemented by acoustic indie/pop music with a hint of folk, Emily’s beautifully structured songs boast uncluttered arrangements with surprising little moments. Her sophisticated original compositions combine pop melodies with exciting rhythms and interesting quirks, while her lyrics communicate fragility, joy, interpersonal conflict, resilience and hope.

"As emotionally volatile and as inherently fragile as a love letter, The Escape Plan is an engaging debut from a beautiful, original and compelling new talent who has the world at her feet. In a perfect world this EP would go straight to the top of the charts and stay there for months."

Independent Weekly - 2007

www.emilysmart.com.au

www.myspace.com/emilysmartplays

check his website

or his MySpace Page

Born in Macksville NSW and raised in Brisbane Qld, Adam James is an Indigenous Australian from the Quandamooka nation (Moreton Bay) and belongs to the Geonpul clan group. Whilst growing up on acreage just outside of Brisbane, Country music was always played on the turntable and from an early age he developed a familiarity and love with the likes of Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Rodney Crowell, Willie Nelson, Archie Roach, Kev Carmody, Ray Charles, Troy Cassar-Daley and his fishing favourite Jimmy Buffet.

During his teenage years, Adam took to acting and appeared in a few television series (Medivac – Network 10, Wayne Manifesto ABC) and a theatre production for the Brisbane festival (The Dreamers, Jack Davis), but it wasn’t until he finished his Creative Industries degree (QUT 2003) that he realised acting just wasn’t his destiny – he needed to go back to his country music roots. More on his website!

Nancy Bates has been considered one of the most dynamic Indigenous performers to emerge out of South Australia for some time, her passion for music has been motivated in part due to her up bringing as an Aboriginal person raised on her home lands in far Western New South Wales, and a desire to write about her experiences.

Nancy being the daughter of a traditional Man from the Darling River area and having a European mother made for an interesting life to say the least.  Nancy has had to contend with all the issues around her mixed heritage, sometimes just surviving on a daily basis was a challenge.  She has witnessed injustice, felt rejection, and suffered hurt and despair for the one’s that she has loved.

From a very early age Nancy knew that survival would depend mainly on her own determination and the love of her siblings.  Nancy states that these experiences have made her stronger with an even greater love of her culture, without those events I would not have the richness in my life that I am now able to share with others

Her love for life is reflected in her music and passion to deliver; she once said quote that “the mold of who we are is forged in the fire of our own will” unquote and she is a living example of that belief.

It becomes apparent when you are entertained by Nancy that she has the ability to incorporate a wide variety of styles, i.e. Country, Rock/Blues, and Jazz giving her the depth in her music that makes her unique at what she loves best.

Nancy has discovered a way to impart some of her life experience as an Indigenous artist with a contemporary flavor that takes the audience on a journey of emotions that is always entertaining.  Her ability to reach the hearts of people young and old can only be described as compelling.

In early 2006 Nancy had decided that her time had arrived to share her talents at a more commercial level and proceeded to co-write and perform with other local artists, this has resulted in combining some of the states top musicians to establish a band with Nancy with a view to record and perform at a national level.

If dynamic entertainment combined with electrifying and emotive sounds are your idea of a great performance then Nancy Bates is a MUST SEE!

Nineteen years old from New Zealand.

2007 NZ Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year Intermediate Champion. 2007 Norfolk Island trans-Tasman CM Entertainer of the Year Third Place getter.

Multiple Gore Gold Guitars section winner 2005-2006.

He has won awards as a Junior and Intermediate all over New Zealand over the last seven years.

He sings new and old country music, especially Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson and Dwight Yoakam.

Check his website here

Alt country folk rock from Adelaide. The Pariah weave melody, instrumentation and story telling into their songs. Singer-songwriter Cameron Muir (guitar/banjo), Tsubi (drums) & Poss (bass) capture elements of country, swamp, rock, psychedelia and folk. At times melancholy and haunting, at times loud and angry, and occasionally chaotic, The Pariah’s original and uniquely Australian sound has garnered comparisons to artists such as Midnight Oil, REM, The Levellers and Redgum.

Check out The Pariah on MySpace

Introducing The Joans! Members of some of Adelaide's favourite bands (Di Caught-Problem Pony, Kim Perry-The Fiddle Chicks, Jimmy Redgate-GT Stringer & Rob Eyers- Sweet Baby James)) have been combining their efforts to create a new sound described as "spooky folk blues" conjuring an old time blues folk feel. You’ll be charmed by their combination of quirky instrumentation (ukelele, banjo/guitar, fiddle and percussion) and unique choice of material.

Their myspace site

 
 
Di, Kim, Jim and Rob

is this Skip? picture from here

Skip Sail is one of Australia's true bluesmen. Skip plays Delta blues on a National guitar better that just about anyone else. Skip doesn't have a website but you can write to him c/- PO Maldon, Victoria 3463, Australia.

Some say Bob is the greatest steel guitarist on the planet.

from here
 

After just completing their debut album with Tim Johnston (Nick Cave, Stereophonics, Dallas Crane), Silver Night Drive are set for a big second half of the year.

From local shows in Melbourne's pub venues, to amazing audience responses and critical acclaim at the Forum and Enmore theatres supporting Jet in Melbourne and Sydney last year, Silver Night Drive's combination of soaring vocals and harmonies, muscular guitars and a driving rhythm section is a potent live force not seen for many years.

Fronted by Andre Warhurst, guitarist extraordinaire (guest guitarist on Jet's album Get Born and considered one of the finest guitarists in the country), Silver Night Drive have been gaining plenty of praise both locally and abroad over the past few months, including David Bowie/T-Rex producer Tony Visconti describing them as the most exciting band he'd heard all year. This will be Silver Night Drive's first trip to Adelaide.

 
On MySpace