Wanderin’ Man
It was a proud moment for me way back in 1998 with the release of my very first album “I Remember Gordon Parsons”. As a shy young country boy I’d never imagined the possibility of ever hearing myself on a record. With a lot of water under the bridge, it’s now 18 years on and I’m very happy to announce the release of my 7th album “Wanderin’ Man”.
This is the 2nd CD I’ve done now which was recorded and produced by Stuie French in Sydney at his studio Swingin’ Doors. The decision to make the move to Stuie to record was initially a bit daunting, but I’m certain that it’s been a massive step forward for me musically. As one of the best guitarists in Australia Stuie can play a wide variety of musical styles and genres but has a real understanding and respect for traditional country music. His ability to modernise the songs without losing that good old country feel is 2nd to none.
The title track of this new CD “Wanderin’ Man” is penned by my long time mate Keith Jamieson. I’ve recorded songs by Keith on five albums now, winning a Golden Guitar in Tamworth in 2014 with “I Love Australia”. There’s a track called “Pretty Bush Sheila” by Wave Jackson, with whom I’ve also won a Golden Guitar with the song “Where The Yellow Kapocs Bloom” back in 2005.
Col Johnstone’s name can be found on the songwriting credits of three songs this time, one of which the legendary Chad Morgan sang with me as a duet called “Petticoat Rule”. Speaking of duets, one of my favourite female singers Anne Kirkpatrick was kind enough to join me on a Tony Jewell penned song called “Orchid Street”.
Following a performance with Dean Perrett at Tamworth a couple years back, I decided to record “The Drover’s Boy” by Ted Egan. I reckon the story in this song is one that shouldn’t be forgotten. A couple more stories that shouldn’t be forgotten are two poems by Ray Essery that I’ve written tunes for, “The Ballad of Billy Sing” and “Pozieres” which was also co-written by Gary Fogarty.
Whilst I’ve recorded songs from writers of my previous albums, I have tracks from other song writers such as Ray Rose, Neville Anderson, the late Stan Coster and a poem by Vaughan Baker that I wrote the music for called “In the Bed He’d Never Leave”.
I’ve been very lucky over the years to have had great songwriters sending me material to consider recording. Although writing has never been a strong point of mine, in the last few years my pen has been slightly active with a track on the last album and two on this one called “Kamikaze Kangaroo” and “God Given Rain”. It’s not what you’d call prolific by any means by I’m content with the finished product.
“Wanderin’ Man” is a batch of songs that I really like so I do hope that they’re enjoyed by those who buy the CD. Time will tell I guess. Albums will be available through “Checked Label Services” or direct from me on 0429623796, email: browndog876@gmail.com or on the web site www.jeffbrown.com.au.
All the best
Jeff Brown |
