featured artist article
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featured from 11 march 2011
Strathalbyn's very own folk and alternative country artist, Jamie McPherson, is gearing up to launch his debut album, Meeting Place.
The much anticipated album, which has been 3 years in the making, will be launched at The Singing Gallery (in an all ages show) on Sunday 3rd April for his CD Launch and 40th Birthday Bash. The show starts at 2pm and includes special guests Matt Reiner, The Self Preservation Society, Pasquale, Dave Clark plus the poetry of Tikarma Vodicka. That's a full afternoons entertainment in the picturesque surroundings of McLaren Vale.
Meeting place is a eclectic blend of traditional folk, rock and country blues combined into a wonderful life brew that encompasses life, death, love and the stories of a self proclaimed balladeer and songwriter. Jamie started writing the album about 3 years ago and decided to throw himself into his music after a huge life change made him re-elvaluate where his life was going. He decided to immerse himself into his passion for music.
"When I initially set up my Ravenwood Studio, I envisioned the album of just being more along the lines of a traditional folk album. Just myself on vocals and guitar and maybe blowing the occasional bit of harp. I've had no formal musical training at all, so I was very surprised to find I had a talent for composing and scoring music. All the songs I wrote on guitar just began to grow into full arrangements. The next thing I know, all my influences of rock, country and blues came forth and the songs took on a life of their own. It is a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to genre, but luckily there is the label of Alternatice Country, in which it seems to fall into nicely".
Jamie did a soft launch of the album online in December just for fans and friends, and has already recieved some positive media interest from overseas music critics who have picked up on the album.
"I was very surprised to hear from music critics in Italy, the U.K. and the Neatherlands who had heard parts of the album on CD Baby and wanted to do reviews of it. Most of the reviews are in, and so far they have been excellent. I'm very chuffed with them and a bit overwhelmed to be honest."
Here are what some the critics are saying about Meeting Place-
"A very personal cocktail of blues, rock and folk..." - Paolo Caru, Italian rock critic
"On the one hand the sound of the wide open space, reminiscent of the The Triffids, on the other, a passionate approach reminiscent of Kim Salmon, both confirming his authentic Australian roots" - John Gjaltema, altcountry.nl
"As quickly as I put it in I took it out to make sure I hadn’t mixed it up with a new Leonard Cohen release, but no - definitely Jamie" - H.W.Bones, Music SA
Jamie will be selling his debut album at the launch event. Tickets can be purchased for just $10 ($5 concession and children under 12 free) at the door. Come visit the beautiful former Congregational Church in McLaren Vale on the Fleurieu Peninsula for an afternoon of music in this idealistic location. More information is available from www.jamiemcpherson.com.au
CONTEST!!
To win a double pass to the launch, go to the Music SA Contest Corner. Winners drawn 31 March.
