MERV GLEESON

 

In 1951 Merv Gleeson won a talent quest on the Buddy Williams Show and toured Australia with the likes of Reg Lindsay, Rick and Thel Carey, Gordon Parsons and Tim McNamara. Merv worked as a timber cutter, potato picker, rodeo rider, miner and farm labourer. He also worked in a boxing troupe. Based in Ulvertstone Tasmania, Merv was regarded as the last of the Australian country pioneers. Merv recorded on the Candle and Bullet labels. Country band 1901 recorded one of his songs in the late 70s. Graeme Howie said, ''My brother John and I have always loved the song. Merv wrote ''House Where The Wind Blows Cold'' off our 1901 album 'An Old Fashioned Country Way Of Singing' which won our first Golden Guitar (Best New Talent 1979), at the Australasian Country Music Awards. We think he is a great songwriter."

SINGLES

''Dam It All / Thank God For The Salvos'' 1983 Candle 

ALBUMS
'Three Little Heads At The Window' 1982 Bullet 
'The Songs Of Merv Gleeson' 1983 Bullet 

THE DEARHUNTERS

 

The Dearhunters were an indie and alternative country band from Sydney formed in 1998. Greg Hitchcock (ex-The Bamboos, Challenger 7), Tim Oxley (ex-The Verys), Jodi Phillis (ex-Clouds) and Raphael Whittingham (ex-Golden Rough), were successful artists solo or in various other acts. They first performed several times under the name Lunar Tunes in April 1998. The group released the album, 'Red Wine and Blue' which was recorded in roughly three weeks and released under Candle Records in 1999. It was launched at the Hopetoun Hotel in Surry Hills. 'Red Wine And Blue' featured dual vocals between Oxley and Phillis, and the album produced favorable reviews. On working on the album, Phillis said in an interview that "in this group I feel free to explore any territory and I’m not afraid to get too introspective or sentimental". She went on further to say that The Dearhunters was a side project for her.

They also appeared on a compilation featuring artists or groups under Candle Records, as well as releasing a single ''Ivy'' with Hired Guns on the B Side ''Blue Sunday'', which was released on vinyl.  Following the release of their split single in 1999 and album in the same year, Whittingham left the group and was replaced by Dave Ashton. Then, after a small subsequent tour following their album release, the group disbanded and returned to prior musical projects or engaged in new ones. They finished up in 2000.

Members

Greg Hitchcock (guitars), Tim Oxley (vocals, bass), Jodi Phillis (vocals, guitar), Raphael Whittingham (drums), Dave Ashton (drums)

SINGLES
''Ivy'' 1999 Steady Cam Records

ALBUMS
'Red Wine and Blue' 1999 Candel Records

References

The Dearhunters - Wikipedia

NEW FIVE

 

Before forming New Five in 1983, Gavin Quinn was part of one of Melbourne's original punk bands. Babeez, formed in 1976, drew inspiration from groups like The New York Dolls and MC5. They soon evolved into the News, becoming one of Melbourne’s top punk rock acts, full of energy and attitude, releasing several singles and an album. New Five debuted with the single "Life Without Lulu" in 1983 on the small Au Fait label—a heartfelt song about the pain of losing a beloved pet. Mushroom Records must have been impressed, as it was re-released on their subsidiary label White. In 1984, they released a second single, "Every Minute," produced by renowned American producer David Kershenbaum (known for working with Duran Duran, Tracy Chapman, Joe Jackson, Bryan Adams, Laura Branigan, and Supertramp), but it failed to gain traction.

Members

Gavin Quinn (vocals), David Forward (keyboards), Dave Jacobs (guitar), Billy King (drums), Bob Reinking (bass)

SINGLES
''Life Without Lulu / Latin America'' 1983 Au Fait 
''Life Without Lulu / Latin America'' 1983 White Label
''Every Minute / The Philosophy Of Hate'' 1984 White Label

NEIGHBOURHOOD UNIT

 

Indie rock band Neighbourhood Unit formed out of friends at Padua College in Brisbane in 1985. A truly great live band who won the 1987 QLD Rock Awards. The band released two singles on the Brisbane-based Bent Records label and were regulars at Bonapartes Hotel. They disbanded in 1990. Vocalist Damien Garvey became lead singer in the power-pop band, The Tellers. The Tellers released two albums, 'Flex' and 'Limited Movement'. He also became an actor starring on McLeod's Daughters, in a recurring role from 2001 until 2007.

Members

Damien Garvey (vocals), Jamie Clark (guitar), Robert Roberts (bass), Paul Smith (trumpet), Brett Cox (sax), Neil Wickham (keyboards), Chris Tone (drums)

SINGLES
''Love Lies / Luv U 2'' 1988 Bent 
''Westminster / Inner City Bust'' 1988 Bent 

THE BAMBOOS

The Bamboos were a swamp and alternative rock band formed in 1984 in Collie, a rural town in Western Australia located 213 kilometers (132 miles) south of Perth. The original lineup included Tony Giallella on drums, Mark Gelmi on bass guitar, Craig Hallsworth on guitar and vocals, and Roger Russell on guitar. In 1984 they recorded a number of tracks at No Sweat Studios that ended up on the album ''Rarer Than Rocking Horse Shit,' released by Cleopatra in 1987. In 1985, they moved to Perth, where Greg Hitchcock (ex-The Go-Starts and Graverobbers) replaced Roger Russell on guitar. This lineup recorded three tracks for a six-box set, 'Cooking with George – Mark Too,' produced by Ian Davis at ABC Studio 621 in Perth.

In 1986, Shakir Pichler, (ex-The Kryptonics), replaced Giallella on drums. Australian musicologist Ian McFarlane described their style as "raw guitar trash and country-swamp rock," which caught the eye of Citadel Records boss John Needham, leading to their signing. That September, they dropped the single "Virginia / Snuff," followed by a six-track mini-album, 'Born Killer,' in 1987.

After two national tours, Pichler left to form his own rockabilly band, The Howlin Moondoggies, and Russell Hopkinson (ex-Vicious Circle) joined as drummer. In October 1987, they released their final single, "With Which to Love You / Winded," before disbanding. During their career, The Bamboos supported acts like Lime Spiders, Johnny Thunders, The Damned, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, The Johnnys, Hoodoo Gurus, Violent Femmes, and The Cramps.

Members

Tony Giallella (drums), Mark Gelmi (vocals/bass), Craig Hallsworth (vocals/guitar), Roger Russell (guitar), Greg Hitchcock (guitar), Shakir Pichler (drums), Russell Hopkinson (drums)

SINGLES
''Virginia / Snuff'' 1986 Citadel 
''With Which To Love You / Winded'' 1987 Citadel 

ALBUMS
'Born Killer' (#94) 1987 Citadel
'Rarer Than Rocking Horse Shit 1987 Cleopatra

References

The Bamboos (rock band) - Wikipedia

MIKE QUARMBY

 

Country singer Mike Quarmby, raised in South Australia, spent years writing and performing his own songs but initially turned down recording offers, fearing he couldn't produce his music the way he wanted. Producer Mike Fitzhenry eventually persuaded him to record an album, leading to the release of his debut album 'Visions' in 1973 on CBS. The album received high praise in the November issue of Electronics Australia for its brilliance and Quarmby's acoustic guitar skills, with tracks like "Someday the Sun" and "People, People, People" standing out. A single, "The Far Outback / Someday the Sun," was also released from the album.

In 1977, Quarmby released his second album, 'It’s Nothing You Could Ever Hang a Name On,' and performed at the Southern Country Music Festival alongside other artists, drawing a crowd of 8,000. His third album, 'Misty Morning,' came out in 1981 on RCA, along with the single "Whatever The Moment Requires / Misty Morning." That same year, he and his band performed with the S.A. Police Band at the Bushing Fair, which was hailed as one of McLaren Vale's biggest events by the Victor Harbor Times. By 1988, Quarmby's music had gained widespread popularity, and he released a self-titled cassette album in 1989.

Quarmby regularly played at the Currency Creek Winery and appeared with other artists like Trevor Warner and Kelly's Revenge Bush Band in a country music event at the Mount Barker Show in 1990. Beyond music, Quarmby has been a horticulturalist for many years, working alongside his wife Gayle on bush tucker projects. 

SINGLES
''The Far Outback / Someday The Sun'' 1973 CBS
''Whatever The Moment Requires / Misty Morning'' 1981 RCA

ALBUMS
'Visions' 1973 CBS 
'It’s Nothing You Could Ever Hang a Name On' 1977 EMS
'Misty Morning' 1981 RCA 
'Mike Quarmby' 1989

FREE MOVING CURTIS

 

One of Australia's most underrated guitar acts of the 90s, Free Moving Curtis, emerged from Adelaide with a strong musical pedigree, featuring former members of The Plague, Bloodloss, Primevils, and Hot Tomatoes. Their name might have been inspired by a black male doll called Free Moving Curtis, introduced in 1975 by toy manufacturer Mattel as a friend of Ken. If anyone can confirm this theory, it would be intriguing.

Free Moving Curtis gigged around Adelaide's pub scene and in 1992, they opened for The Rollins Band along with Mark of Cain at the Old Lion in Adelaide. The band released two EPs, 'Blind' in 1993 and 'Persuader' in 1994, through Melbourne's Hippy Knight Records. On May 27, 1994, the band recorded four tracks for a live album with Headache and the Seaweed Gorillas at The Great Britain Hotel. In 1996, they worked on their debut full-length album with engineer Mick Wordley, who used techniques inspired by Steven Albini's visit to Mixmaster Studios during the production of The Lizard Train's album 'Everything Moves'. The resulting album showcased Free Moving Curtis in top form, particularly its opening track "Surface Tension," which highlighted Jim Selene's swirling guitar, Dave Plague's distinctive bass, and Steve Collinson's gritty vocals. A lineup change followed, and the band relocated to Sydney, leading to their eventual breakup. Despite being largely overlooked for pursuing a unique musical direction, they remained steadfast, refusing to cater to mainstream trends or pander to the rock press.

Members

Dave Plague [Dave Christopher] (bass), Jim Selene (guitar), Stuart Silcox (guitar), Warwick Savvas (drums), Steve Collinson (vocals)

EPs
'Blind' 1993 Hippy Knight Records
'Persuader' 1994 Hippy Knight Records

ALBUMS
'Free' 1996 Hippy Knight Records

SNOW LEOPARDS

After The Honeys disbanded singer Andrea Croft and guitarist Bruce Begley formed Snow Leopards as a new outlet for Begley's songwriting. Begley brought in experienced musicians, creating a lineup with guitarist Paul Nagel, bassist Andrew Ingram (ex-Rhythm Pigs), drummer Peter Kelly (ex-Vanilla Chainsaws), and vocalists Greg Atkinson (ex-Ups and Downs), Lisa Partington (ex-The Rose Mary's), and Kylie Adams.

The Snow Leopards released a mini-album and one full length album on Waterfront Records, leading to a national tour, frequent airplay on JJJFM, a live performance for "Live at the Wireless," and music videos featured on ABC’s Rage. They climbed into the Top 10 of the Alternative ARIA charts and played regularly at various venues. Their track "Coco Pops" was included on the Roo Art 'Young Blood 3' compilation album, which opened doors to tours with The Fauves, The Clouds, The Welcome Mat, and other notable independent bands of the 90s. However, the band was short-lived and it was all over in a matter of moments. Bruce Begley died in 2016.

Members

Andrea Croft (vocals), Bruce Begley (guitar), Paul Nagel (guitar), Andrew Ingram (bass), James Lockett (keyboards), Peter Kelly (drums)Greg Atkinson (vocals), Lisa Partington (vocals), Kylie Adams (vocals)

ALBUMS
'Snow Leopards' 1991 Waterfront Records 
'Sweet Sweet Dreams' 1991 Waterfront Records

MICK ANTONIO

 

Mick Antonio was born in Smythesdale, Victoria, 20 kilometers southwest of Ballarat, in 1920. He grew up with six sisters and three brothers. As a boy soprano, he sang in school choirs, but at 15, he switched to hillbilly music and yodeling after teaching himself guitar. Mick enlisted in the army in 1940 and was discharged in 1946, during which he participated in Army entertainment shows. In 1947, he moved to Sydney and auditioned for EMI, but they required him to tour before recording, which was not feasible due to his young family. He returned with his family to Victoria and settled in Ballarat.

Mick represented Ballarat in "Top Town" contests and won the Roy Rodgers Hillbilly Contest of Victoria. He was placed second in Australia's Amateur Hour the following year and became a semi-finalist in "Swallow Parade" in 1954. In 1956, he won the Hillbilly Championship of the Midlands of Victoria and was again a semi-finalist in Australia's Amateur Hour in 1958. From mid-1957 to 1958, he hosted his own sponsored session on Radio 3CV, raising £2,000 through popularity votes for charity. Mick performed concerts across Central Victoria, where he composed many of his songs. He recorded on the Planet, W&G, and Crest International labels. His song ''Can I Sleep In Your Barn'' was added to the Various Artists album 'Country & Western, Volume 3' released in 1967. In 2008, he was inducted into the Hands of Fame in Tamworth. Mick Antonio died in 2009.

EPs
'Yodelling Album' 1960 Planet
'Mick Antonio' 1964 W&G

'Mick Antonio Volume 2' 1965 W&G

ALBUMS
'Love Knot In My Lariat' 1977 Crest International 

DUO MORENO

Cesare and Sandro Scartozzi, the brothers behind Duo Moreno, formed their group in Rome during the mid-1950s. In 1958 Hollywood came to Rome to film the epic movie, Ben Hur. In those days CGI did not exist, everything was done on a grand scale, including the thousands of extras needed. Sandro was 21 and Cesare was 19, they were chosen as extras in three scenes, most notably the chariot race scene. They moved to Australia in 1960 for an 18-month engagement, performing Italian and Mediterranean music at the Royal Hayman Hotel on Hayman Island, owned by Sir Reginald Ansett. After their time there, they decided to stay in Australia, thriving on TV and performing at upscale venues like Res Oriental and Le Chateau in Melbourne, and The Highway in Adelaide. That same year, they signed with Astor Records, releasing their debut single "Carina / A Sonnambula," followed by an EP and an album both titled "Italian Holiday." 

In 1963, they expanded into a quartet, adding saxophonist/drummer Euro Sabatini and guitarist Mimmo Fornaro, both recruited from Italy. They later moved to the W&G label, where they released numerous singles and albums over a ten-year period in which their popularity soared within the Italian community. Following a lineup change with Fornaro's departure, they evolved into a combo, adding guitarist Nello Giansiracusa, bassist Renato Buzari, and percussionist Maurice Souery. They released "The New Sound Of The Duo Moreno Combo" and "Midnight At Le Chateau". That year, they bought property in Melbourne’s Kilsyth suburb, creating their venue, The Villa Borghese. This venue became their base, where they built a thriving restaurant and entertainment business. In 1977, they expanded the Villa to include Capriccio’s 77, featuring a colorful glass dance floor. Duo Moreno’s recordings showcased their versatility, performing Latin American rhythms, contemporary pop hits, and Italian classics. They were also skilled songwriters, winning the Australian Italian Song Festival four times.

Members

Sandro Scartozzi (drums, percussion, vocals, guitar), Cesare Scartozzi (guitar, keyboards, vocals, accordion), Luisa Scartozzi (vocals & harmony), Ross Spinello (guitar, vocals), Nello Giansiracusa (guitar), Andre Shusta (bass), Renato Buzzari (bass), Silvester Roxas (trumpet, horns), Euro Sabattini (sax), Maurice Souery (congas, drums), Mimmo Fornaro (guitar)

SINGLES

''Carina / 'A Sonnambula'' 1960 Astor

''Amore Fermati / Sie e Spento Il Sole'' 1964 W&G
''Bimme / Nota Per Me A'' 1964 W&G
''Uno Per Tutte / Se Piangi Tu'' 1964 W&G
''Por Dos Besos / Cielo'' 1964 W&G
''Ogni Volta / I Love You Bambina'' 1964 W&G
''Al Di La / Why Don't We Get Married'' 1964 W&G
''Questo Grande Amore / Amore A Peazione''1967 W&G
''Nel Sole / Serenata'' 1967 W&G
''Hully Gully A Mezzanotte / 77 Sunset Strip'' 1968 W&G
''Sha-La-La-La-La / Tintarella Di Luna'' 1968 W&G
''Luna Carrese / Che Ce Conce'' 1968 W&G
''Che Tipo / La Vita Non E Vita'' 1968 W&G
''Gli Occhi Miel / Che Vuoi Che Sia'' 1968 W&G
''La Nova / Allora Si'' 1968 W&G
''Stornelli Romaneschi (Part 1) / Stornelli Romaneschi (Part 2)'' 1968 W&G
''Scende La Ploggia / La La La'' 1968 W&G
''Dondolo / Ob LAdi Ob Lada'' 1968 W&G
''Pensando A Te / Alla Fine Della Straoa'' 1969 W&G
''Quando L'Amore A Viena / La Sols Per Me'' 1969 W&G
''Ti Ho Inventata / Non Credere'' 1969 W&G
''Tarantella / Amore Siciliano'' 1969 W&G
''Rose Rosse / Mai Nessuno'' 1969 W&G
''Pa'Diglielo A Ma / Neuicava A Roma'' 1970 W&G
''Serenita / Varca Lucente'' 1970 W&G
''As Long As There's Love In Your Eyes / There's No Limit'' 1970 W&G
''Ghitarra Suono Piu Piano / Settembre'' 1971 W&G
''Vino Amaro / Paese'' 1972 W&G
''Come Bello Fa L'Amore / Fiori Trasteverini'' 1974 W&G
''Cherie Sha La La / Voglia Di Mare'' 1974 W&G

EPs
'Italian Holiday' 1960 Astor

'Cha-Cha-Cha With The Duo Moreno Quartet' 1964 W&G
'Amore Scusami' 1965 W&G
'Forget Domani' 1965 W&G
'San Remo '67' 1967 W&G
'San Remo '68' 1968 W&G
'San Remo '69 In Stereo' 1969 W&G

ALBUMS
'Italian Holiday' 1960 Astor
'Italian Favourites' 1962 Astor
'Rome By Night' 1963 Astor
'Live At Mario's' 1965 W & G
'The New Sound Of The Duo Moreno Combo' 1967 W & G
'Midnight At Le Chateau' 1969 W & G
'Cha! Cha! Cha! 1968 W & G
'Moreno's On The Move' 1970 W & G
'The Godfather' 1974 W & G
'Beautiful Sunday / Live At Villa Borghese' 1972 W & G
'From The Moreno's With Love' 1974 W & G
'Italian All Time Hit Parade' Summit

PLUG UGLIES

 

Plug Uglies were a rock band formed in Sydney in 1985, taking their name from an 1830s New York street gang known for wearing top hats stuffed with straw to soften police baton blows. The original lineup featured John Gorman (who had occasionally played with Brisbane punk band The Leftovers) on guitar, Wayne Baker on bass, Tina Stevens on drums, and Roger Norris on vocals. Their debut performance was at The Music Cafe in Kings Cross in 1986. They quickly became one of the top inner-city bands, playing at iconic pub venues like the Harold Park Hotel, Palace Hotel, Evening Star, Vulcan Hotel, and the Hopetoun Hotel, among others. They also toured QLD.

Before their first recording, Baker was replaced by Mark Lock. In 1988, they entered Kings Row studio in Sydney and released a seven-track mini-album titled 'Knock Me Your Lobes'. Unfortunately, that same year, John Gorman tragically took his own life just five months before his thirtieth birthday, causing significant upheaval for the band. Bassist Mark Lock departed and was replaced by John Willsteed (ex-Go Betweens). John Gorman's brother, Michael Hiron (ex-Flaming Hands, The Riptides), joined the group, along with Clem Lukey (ex-Pineapples From The Dawn Of Time). This lineup went on to record the EP 'Johnny Panic' in 1990 and the single 'Pounding Grace / Grubby Supper'. The Plug Uglies finally called it a day in 1992. Tina Stevens became an award-winning artist exhibiting her work internationally, Roger Norris a successful advertising creative in New York and John Willsteed became a senior lecturer in the School of Creative Practice at QUT. In 2005 Laughing Outlaw Records released a compilation of their recorded material. Michael Hiron died in 2001.

Members

Roger Norris (vocals), John Gorman (guitar), Wayne Baker (bass), Tina Stevens (drums), Clem Lukey (guitar), Michael Hiron (guitar), Mark Lock (bass), John Willsteed (bass)

SINGLES
''Pounding Grace / Grubby Supper'' 1990

EPs

'Johnny Panic' 1990 Ratllesnake

ALBUMS
'Knock Me Your Lobes' 1988 

CLIFF PORTWOOD

 

Clifford Portwood born (17 October 1937) was an English professional footballer (who played with Preston North End, Port Vale, Grimsby Town and Portsmouth) and later a singer and television personality. He played 251 games from the period 1955 - 1969. In 1970 he signed on with South African team Durban United. Whilst there he entered a talent contest and won his heat, and he started singing at the Mayfair Hotel in Durban. His soccer manager wasn't impressed and tried to ban Cliff doing more gigs, so he quit after 8 games with them. Portwood ended up winning the final of the singing contest in Johannesburg. The prize was two tickets to Australia, 600 rand and a recording contract. He recorded the album 'Sweet Memories' on the Gallo label in Johannesburg.

Following a three-week Chevron Hotel date in Melbourne and lured by the warmth of the sunshine and people, Cliff decided to make Australia his home. Portwood’s first stop in Melbourne was at the house of the Seekers bassist Athol Guy. The pair had formed an unlikely friendship in England, exchanging tickets to Portsmouth with tickets for Guy’s live shows. With a little help from his well-connected friend, Portwood quickly settled in the area, finding himself a regular position on Channel Seven’s Saturday night variety show The Penthouse Club. Between a mixture of sports results and light-hearted comedy, the Englishman would belt out tunes for an adoring audience.

Despite establishing himself in the entertainment industry, Portwood struggled to convince his new acquaintances that he was, indeed, a former professional footballer. As Australian musician Mike Brady (of Up There Cazaly fame) puts it: ''Most people didn’t believe it. What would you be doing in Australia singing if you were a former pro?'' Portwood reflected ''They all thought it was just a lie, until some footballers came from the United Kingdom to play in Australia in their summer break. I got Mike Summerbee from Manchester City on the show, and he said, ‘Yeah, Cliff played, of course’. So the proof came that I wasn’t telling lies about my ex-career.''

Having accepted that Portwood was no fraud, his Channel Seven colleagues set about devising a nickname for their charming English friend. The co-host of the show Mary Hardy, sister of the author Frank Hardy and a popular figure in her own right, settled on "Sexy Legs", because, the story goes, Portwood had to stand in one position while singing for the camera so could only shake his hips. The nickname quickly stuck and, according to Brady ''he became a bit of a sex symbol to women, which suited Cliff’s personality perfectly''.

Portwood’s popularity in Australia grew, and on the back of several letters to the station asking for his music, the Englishman released the album ''By Request Here’s Cliff'' which went gold four times. Between recording, rehearsing and performing, Portwood also found time for drinking sessions with celebrities, including Keith Moon from the Who – ''an interesting experience'' he later recalled in understated fashion.

With the television industry in a state of flux, The Penthouse Club came to an end in the late 1970s. With a suitcase full of gold records, the Englishman and his family returned home for their next adventure. Portwood’s music career continued after he left Australia, with regular shows in England and the USA. As he once commented wryly about performing in Blackpool clubs: ''If you haven’t done them, you haven’t done anything!''. He died in hospital at Basingstoke on 10 January 2012, after losing his battle with lung disease.

SINGLES
''The Wind / My World'' 1971 RCA
''Turn Around / The World Around Us'' 1972 RCA
''Happy Anniversary / I'm Thinking Of You'' 1976 Hammard 

EPs

'I Never Said Goodbye' Jay Records

ALBUMS
'Love Portraits' 1970 Crest 
'By Request Here's Cliff Portwood' 1975 Hammard 
'Two Sides Of' 1977 Hammard 

KENNY KITCHING

 

Kenneth James Kitching was born at Auburn, NSW in 1932 is a steel guitarist and dobro player. In the early 60s he was the resident steel guitar player for the TV series Country Style with the LeGarde Twins on Channel 7. In the 70s Ken played at the Texas Tavern in Kings Cross with Nev Nicholls and the Playboys. Here he met American jazz steel guitarist Buddy Emmons (travelling with Roger Miller). Kenny bought from Buddy a double-neck 10 Emmons pedal steel guitar. During this period Kenny played on over 250 recorded tracks for various artists.

He was featured as a permanent band member on the national TV show Travlin’ Out West (with host John Williamson, and regulars Ricky & Tammy, and his future wife Emma Hannah). In 1974 he recorded his first single on Apogee label, ''Here Comes the Dobro / Hands of Steel'', both Ken’s compositions. In 1978 he travelled to Nashville and recorded the 'Sydney To Nashville' album released on US label Mid-Land Records. In 1985 he released 'In The Hawaiian Mood' an album full of beautiful Hawaiian melodies, music close to Kenny's heart.

A noted exponent on Dobro (lap steel resonator guitar) he has lent his expertise to many recordings in Australia. He had a 19-year recording association with Slim Dusty and played and recorded with many other Australian recording artists including Johnny Ashcroft, Buddy Williams, Smoky Dawson, Judy Stone, Tex Morton, Jade Hurley, The Barry Sisters, Rex Dallas, Singing Kettles, Rick & Thel and the Webb Bros.

.

SINGLES
''Here Comes The Dobro / Hands Of Steel'' 1974 Apogee

ALBUMS
'In The Hawaiian Mood' 1985 Nicholls N' Dimes Records
'Country's Best' [with Norm Bodkin] 1989 Hadley Records 

PILITA CORALLES

 

Pilar "Pilita" Garrido Corrales born August 22, 1937, in Lahug, Cebu City was a Filipino singer, actress and comedian. She was known for her distinctive backbend when singing and was popularly referred to as the "Greatest singer in the Philippines" and "Asia's Queen of Songs" for her vocal style and longevity. In 1958, Corrales began her recording career after arriving in Australia for a brief period. She first appeared on Australian television on the BP Super Show and later appeared on The Bobby Limb Show and In Melbourne Tonight. She became a star of the Victoria Television circuit and her first hit, "Come Closer to Me", became part of a collection on which she was billed as one of the ''Grand Dames of Victorian Radio and Television''. She also recorded two albums in the early 1960s: 'Pilita Tells the Story of Love' and 'I'll Take Romance' under Astor Records. Being one of the pioneers of Australia's early television years, a street was named after her in Victoria. The ABC featured Corrales and several pioneering female artists in Australia in the second episode of the highly acclaimed TV special; Love is in the Air. Corrales returned to Manila in 1963 to pursue a career in the Philippine music industry. She died in April 2025.

SINGLES
''Speak Low / Come Closer To Me'' 1960 Astor 
''Brazil / Angelitos Negros (Little Black Angels)'' 1960 Astor 

EPs

'I'll Take Romance' 1960 Astor

ALBUMS
'I'll Take Romance' 1960 Astor
'Pilita Tells The Story Of Love' 1962 Astor, 

References

Pilita Corrales - Wikipedia

KAKTUS MANTRAS

Kaktus Mantras was an industrial/noise/punk rock/ ambient band. Formed 1990 in Queensland by Cristina Calerno (ex-The Mothers) and Scott Dachroeden. The band focused on creating music that went in a dozen different directions at once and in as many genres as they could, no pre-determined style or concept, just creating music for the sake of it. Magazine Drum Media stated, "In trying to think of one word that would capture tonight's set, the noun that comes to mind above all others is freedom. Here we have three people apparently off in their own little world of music, yet all together enough to create a soundscape that held the audience in a gaze".  

Rolling Stone stated "No one could accuse Kaktus Mantras of playing it safe: their song ''Easy'' does indeed sound like a mantra...one that's being chanted in a wind tunnel! Eastern Exotica meets riffery, and they get on fine!" They released their first album 'Yess' in 1992 with Tim Chillingworth on drums. After countless tours and two albums Kaktus Mantras called it quits in 1997, Cristina Calero went on to work with Carmen Rizzo, a Grammy-nominated producer, in Los Angeles with the 'trip-hop' project POVI, the album 'Life in Volcanoes' [2000 Nettwerk Records] was the fruit of their labor. Scott Dachroeden moved to the US over two decades ago with the hopes becoming a concert photographer and working in the music industry. He would find success both as a photographer and guitar tech, working with Alice in Chains, as well as Tool, Rob Zombie, Halestorm, Bush, and many more. Scott died of cancer in 2022.

Members

Christine Calerno (vocals / bass), Scott Dachroeden (vocals / guitar), Tim Chillingworth (drums)

EPs
'Everything' 1995 Cicada Music

ALBUMS
'Yess' 1992 Firewater Records

'Happens' 1997 Firewater Records

References

Kaktus Mantras

CAROLYN YOUNG

 

Australia's answer to Brenda Lee, Carolyn Young was an early 60s singer that appeared on Bandstand as a singing sweetheart. She also appeared on The Johnny O'Keefe Show. Her first single ''You're Running Out Of Kisses'' was released on the Pye label in 1962. Her protest song ''When Freedom Comes (Count Me In)'' written by Tommy Tycho is one of my favourites from that era. She recorded for Festival up until 1966 but with no chart success. Carolyn seems to have disappeared after her recording career finished. 

SINGLES
''You're Running Out Of Kisses / Ordinary Guy'' 1962 Pye
''When I Fall In Love / When Freedom Comes (Count Me In)'' 1965 Festival 
''He's Got The Power / Losing Battle'' 1966 Festival 

PENGUINS ON SAFARI

 

Penguins On Safari were an indie pop band with members from Sydney's Macquarie University (with the exception of Tim Freedman who was studying at the University of Sydney). The band formed in the late 1980's. They released one mini-album and a number of singles. After they disbanded Freedman founded The Whitlams.

Members

Tim Freedman (vocals / piano), Ken Maeda (bass), Michael Sachs (drums), Mark Wells (guitar), Matt Jennings (sax), Paul Jensen (trumpet), Simon Bartlett (trombone), Paul Jones (harmonica)

SINGLES
''Sleep (I Love My Bed) / Baby, Baby, Baby'' 1989 Modern Records 
''Naked Dance / Laugh'' 1990 Modern Records 
''Slide / Whisper'' 1990 Safari Records 

ALBUMS

'Penguins On Safari' 1989 Safari Records

THE DAISYGRINDERS

 

The Daisygrinders formed in Bathurst, NSW, in 1991. The band formed when Adam Young and Andrew Hunter of Flat Out Fucked joined Andrew Beaman and Rohan Bridge of The Rubber Bicycles. The four band members attended Charles Sturt University in the early 1990s where they gravitated to the student indie rock radio station, Studio 4. They performed once under the name The Griswolds before renaming themselves The Daisygrinders. The group played at local parties, university festivals and an Australian Music Day event at the Bathurst Tavern. The early set list included originals and covers such as ''Touch Me I’m Sick'' by Mudhoney.

With the assistance of Sean Rabin and Hugh Williams, who took up managerial duties, a demo was recorded and then distributed by Rabin through his Sydney music scene contacts. An offer was made by Nic Dalton of Half a Cow records to include a song, ''Test Pattern Baby'', on the various artists album 'Slice Two: A Half A Cow Compilation'. The Daisygrinders’ first Sydney show was on 15th February 1992 at the Hopetoun Hotel supporting Swirl. The Daisygrinders signed to Half a Cow Records and played at venues in Sydney and around Australia until 1996. During that time, they issued one album, one mini-album, four EPs and appeared on numerous compilations records, including 'Swapping Spit' which saw You Am I, Smudge, Headache and the Daisygrinders cover each other’s songs.

The Daisygrinders supported international acts such as Buffalo Tom, Pavement, Smashing Pumpkins and Teenage Fanclub. They also opened the Skate Stage at the Big Day Out 1993 and played the FBi Radio Benefit show on Nov 4th, 1995, at the Hordern Pavilion. Following their breakup, band members pursued careers based on their university degrees. Adam Young went on to play with Sydney contemporaries Big Heavy Stuff. He also achieved solo success with the release of his 2016 album 'Elementary Carnival Blues'.

Members

Andrew Hunter (bass, vocals), Adam Young (guitar, vocals), Rohan Bridge (guitar, vocals), Andrew Beaman (drums, vocals)

EPs
'Roamin' Bruce' 1993 Half A Cow 
'Previval' 1994 Half A Cow 
'Cardriver' 1995 Half A Cow 
'Yo-Yo' 1995 Half A Cow Records

ALBUMS
'Throwlily' 1992 Half A Cow Records 
'Joe Velocity' 1995 Half A Cow Records 

References

The Daisygrinders – Half A Cow Records

THE CUCKOOS

 

The Cuckoos began life in Adelaide during 1979 as the Beat Detectives. The band specialised in a sunny brand of pop rock. Following a move to Melbourne, the Beat Detectives became The Cuckoos, and in 1983 The Cuckoos moved base once again to Sydney. The Hot label distributed the band's debut, four-track EP, `On the Ghost Train', which appeared in August 1984. The band played all the major venues in Sydney including The Tivoli, The Manzil Room, The Mosman Hotel Strawberry Hills Hotel etc. The Cuckoos signed to the Survival label and issued the singles ''Wax Works /`You Were a Devil'' (1984) and ''Wheels of Your Heart'' (1986) plus their debut album 'Sticks And Stones'. The album drew on blues, folk, country, and even punk roots to deliver an edgy and organic pop/rock sound however the album was not successful, and the band broke up in the late 1980s.

Members

Graeme Forsythe (guitar / keyboards), Alastair Wallace (guitar), Simon Kafas (bass / vocals), Stephen Kane (drums) Linda Forsyth Terry Burgan (bass), Willie McCracken (drums), Graham Reekie (vocals / bass), John Spreckley Tony Kirkman

SINGLES
''Point Of No Return / Point Of No Return'' 1984
''Waxworks / You Were A Devil'' 1984 Survival 
''Wheels Of Your Heart / Splinters Of You'' 1986 Survival

EPs

'On The Ghost Train' 1984 Survival

ALBUMS

'Sticks And Stones' 1986 Survival

GORDON PARSONS

 

Gordon Parsons was born in Paddington, an eastern suburb of Sydney in 1926, and moved with his parents to Cooks Creek near Bellingen, NSW, in 1929. At age 14, he left his parents' farm and subsequently worked as a sleeper-cutter. Around this time, he entered a well-known radio talent quest, Terry Dear’s Australian Amateur Hour, and was awarded second prize. Regal Zonophone Records, as a result of hearing him on Amateur Hour, recorded six songs with him in 1946. As a performer, he then toured widely in rural Australia with a number of travelling shows, including Goldwyn Brothers Circus. While touring he met and married his first wife, Zelda, of the Ashton's Circus family. They had a daughter (Gail) in 1949, but the marriage soon ended.

He continued to tour regularly with major country acts such as Slim Dusty, Chad Morgan, and Tex Morton, and between tours went bush to write more songs, fish, and do menial farm work. He changed labels and recorded on John Mystrey's. (Australian label founded in the late 1940's by Lester Basil Sinclair (aka John Mystery) who was well known for his Australian publications of children's books. In 1956, someone handed Parsons a scrap of paper with the words of a poem, "A Pub Without Beer" (written in 1943 by Queensland farmer Dan Sheahan, on finding that his local pub, the Day Dawn Hotel in Ingham, QLD, had been drunk dry by US servicemen stationed in the area), and suggested that it might be a basis for a song. 

Parsons wrote "A Pub With No Beer", fleshing the poem out with word-portraits of patrons of his own local pub, the Cosmopolitan Hotel at the tiny settlement of Taylors Arm, about 25 km inland from Macksville, NSW. Slim Dusty heard the song while touring with Parsons, and he asked if he could record it as a novelty filler for his upcoming 1957 recording date, as he was one song short of the required four. Dusty's recording was released as the B-side of his 78 rpm release, "Saddle Boy", and much to Slim's surprise, the B-side was soon getting huge airplay, particularly on Sydney radio station 2UE. In 1958 it became a massive hit all over Australia and remains the first and only 78 to be certified an Australian gold record. In 1959, it reached #3 in the UK and #1 in Ireland, as well as becoming popular in Canada and the USA. Besides Regal Zonophone Gordon recorded on other labels including Hadley, Columbia and Selection. In 1978, he married his third wife, Jeanette, and they settled in Sydney.

In 1979 Parsons was inducted into the Hands of Fame in Tamworth and then elevated to the Roll of Renown. His wax likeness was part of a collection at the Gallery of Stars Wax Museum in Tamworth.  In 1990 he was hnducted into Rocky Page’s Hall of Fame and Avenue of Honour in Barmera, SA. Parsons died on 17 August 1990, at age 63, and is buried in Pinegrove Cemetery.

SINGLES
''The Happy Bushman / My Mother In Heaven'' 1946 Regal Zonophone
''The Australian Bushman / Back To Those Rolling Plains'' 1946 Regal Zonophone
''Where The Bellinger River Flows / The Passing Of Cobber Jack'' 1946 Regal Zonophone
''Rhythm Of The Range / The Parent's Song'' 1951 Regal Zonophone
''Please Tell Me Darling / Way Up North'' 1952 Regal Zonophone
''Lovely Young Aust. Girl Of Mine'' 1953 John Mystery's
''The Parents Song'' 1953 John Mystry's
''My Best Girl's Just Walked Right Out On Me / S.W.Y. (The "Two Up" Song)'' 1965 Hadley
''Men Who Are Lost / That's The Kind Of Life I Live'' 1967 Columbia
''Back To Those Rolling Plains / Slightly Used'' 1968 Columbia
''Where The Bellinger River Flows / Jody'' 1968 Columbia
''Baby's Not Walking / A Mangled Mass Of Steel'' 1969 Columbia
''Pub With No Beer / Another Day, Another Town'' [with Slim Dusty] 1983 Columbia
''Joe The Crow'' 1985 Selection

EPs

'Gordon ''Pub With No Beer'' Parsons 6 Great Songs' 1965 Hadley

'Yesterday's Kisses' 1975 Hadley

ALBUMS
'Rhythm Of The Range' 1970 Columbia 
'Bluey Francis Meets Gordon Parsons' 1975 CM
'Gordon Parsons' 1976 Hadley 
'The Old G.P.' 1980 Selection 
'Just Passin' Through' 1982 Selection 
'Throw In A Line' 1983 Selection 
'Just Driftin' Along' 1985 Selection 

 

References

Gordon Parsons (singer-songwriter) - Wikipedia

BLITZ BABIEZ

 

Blitz Babiez was a five-piece band formed by Joanne Lanzon and Ziad Beydoun in 1993 during the heyday of '90s Sydney punk. They added Ian on bass, Jamie Dack on guitar and Grant Dirckze on drums. Joanne and Ziad had previously been in a band called Dream Riot. Ian didn't last long and was replaced by bassist Errol Alley. They released a three-track single ''Time's Ticking / Monkey Grip / Emotions'' on No Deal Records. The band played hundreds of shows including the Sandringham Hotel the Lewisham Hotel, The Phoenician Club and The Metro to name a few.

They embarked on a European tour in 1995 at the invitation of its European record distributor after releasing their first album, 'On The Line'. They played at the Dynamo Open Air Festival in the Netherlands and famously became one of the only Australian bands to play war-ravaged Serbia in this time. In 1996 the band decided to remain a four piece after successively losing two guitarists (both named Jamie). After recording a second album, 'Thought Spawn' the band embarked on another European tour. On return they played at the Big Day Out in NZ. A third European tour was planned in 1997 but, when this fell through due to a dodgy promotions company, the band decided to call it a day as drummer Grant Dirckze was moving to England.

Members

Errol Alley (bass), Grant Dirckze (drums), Joanne Lanzon (vocals), Ziad Beydoun (guitar), Jamie Dack (guitar), Jamie Brusard (guitar)

SINGLES
''Times Ticking / / Monkey Grip / Emotions'' 1993 No Deal

EPs

'Feel This' 1995 Spent Music
'Worlds Apart' 1996 Onefoot Records
'Try Hard' 1997 Derek Records

ALBUMS
'On The Line' 1994 Spent Music
'Thought Spawn' 1996 Onefoot Records 

References

Noise Levels: Blitz Babiez

JOHN JOSEPH JONES

John Joseph Jones born 3 February 1930 was a poet, folk singer, musician, playwright, and theatre director. Born in London, Jones first arrived in Australia in 1948. Between 1950 and 1952, he worked briefly in England, Canada, and Fiji, but settled permanently in Australia in 1952. He graduated from University of Western Australia with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Anthropology and English (1959).

After graduation Jones worked as a journalist for the Albany Advertiser, and a lecturer in the Western Australia's TAFE (Technical and Further Education) institutes for 20 years. He performed at the first Winthrop Folk Festival, and at the 1964 Adelaide Festival of the Arts, which led to him to recording five EPs in the 60s focusing on Australian outback life. He lived in Parkerville and developed and sustained the Parkerville Amphitheatre during his lifetime The amphitheatre became the site for a number of 1970s concerts, including John Farnham, Cold Chisel, and Jo Jo Zep and the Falcons. A documentary on the Parkerville Amphitheatre, Sets, Bugs & Rock n Roll, by Tempest Productions, was shown at the Revelation Film Festival in Perth in July 2015. Jones died in 2000.

EPs
'Five Australian Ballads' 1964 EMI [Custom Pressing] 
'Australian Songs And Ballads' 1965 EMI [Custom Pressing] 
'Songs And Ballads Of Australia' 1865 EMI [Custom Pressing] 
'Australian Ballads By Durack And Sorensen' 1965 EMI [Custom Pressing] 
'Australian Ballads - Songs Of John Shaw Neilson' 1965 EMI [Custom Pressing] 

References

John Joseph Jones (writer) - Wikipedia

BIGSTORM

 

Bigstorm comprised of Bjarne Ohlin on guitar, Don Miller-Robinson on guitar and bass, Huey Benjamin on drums and Stewart D’Arrietta on vocals and keyboards. The members of Bigstorm came from varied backgrounds. Ohlin had appeared as an actor in episodes of Bluey and Case for the Defence in 1976 and 1978 and played guitar with Divinyls from 1980-1986 and recorded some albums with them. Miller-Robinson had also acted, appearing in the 1982 film, Monkey Grip, and released three singles as a solo performer. ''Who Kissed The Usherette?'' did the best charting at #61. Benjamin had moved from Canberra to Sydney to play drums with G Force and later the Tasmanian band, The Innocents. D’Arrietta had released a solo album, 'Side Effects', in 1985 and had also been a member of The New Republic.

In 1988 Bigstorm released the single ''Rubber Love''. In January 1989 they released ''Happy New Year'' followed, in February, by ''Not Guilty''. Their debut album 'Living in Exile' followed and was recorded at The Rockfort in Sydney (with additional recording at Rhinoceros Studios). It was produced by Miller-Robinson. The music was melodic, arena-ready in the vein of  Noiseworks. 

One more single followed, ''Once In Bed” and, like those which preceded, failed to sell significant numbers. Soon after Bigstorm dissipated and the members went their separate ways. Miller-Robinson went on to score several films, including 2005’s Tennis, Anyone…? in which he also appeared as an actor. Benjamin continued to perform as a session musician, including on Grant McLennan’s solo debut and with later Ian Moss of Cold Chisel and Yothu Yindi. He also went on to score films and ballets. D’Arrietta has worked as a musical director in theatrical productions and has scored television series including Ocean Star, The Cut, and Trapped.

Members

Bjarne Ohlin (guitar), Don Miller-Robinson (guitar / bass), Huey Benjamin (drums), Stewart D’Arrietta (vocals / keyboards)

SINGLES
''Rubber Love / Not Guilty'' 1988 WEA
''Happy New Year / Rubber Love (Live)'' 1989 WEA
''Not Guilty / Rubber Love (Live)'' 1989 WEA
''Once In Bed / Not Waiting'' 1989 WEA

ALBUMS

'Living In Exile' 1989 WEA

One Album Wonders: Bigstorm – Eric Brightwell