country music – James O'Brien

22/12/201816/08/2019Blogging

Things I’ve Seen Lately

On behalf of everyone in Sydney, I felt so incredibly embarrassed recently. Though I don’t subscribe to that whole Melbourne/Sydney rivalry thing (both are terrific cities), I know that many people in Melbourne believe Sydney-siders are an uncouth bunch of yobbos. A gross generalisation, of course, and if you look at the stats, Sydney-siders are more likely to go to an art gallery than a footy-match.

But I felt a slight cringe recently when I went to see a band visiting from Melbourne called “James Ellis and The Jealous Guys”.… Read the rest “Things I’ve Seen Lately”

20/11/201825/08/2019Blogging

Back To Tamworth

by James O'BrienLeave a comment

For a brief moment today I was transported back to Tamworth (NSW), and in particular the Country Music Festival. The launch of the Golden Guitars for 2019 was held today at my workplace in Sydney. Attending, I was reminded of being one of the judges, and making my way through a crate-load of compact discs. I was reminded of the many years I travelled to Tamworth to conduct outside broadcasts for ABC Radio. I was also reminded of the warm days and nights in Tamworth during the festival.… Read the rest “Back To Tamworth”

28/07/201728/01/2019Blogging

Shane Nicholson album launch

by James O'Brien1 Comment

I first heard of Australian singer-songwriter, Shane Nicholson about a decade ago (maybe longer) when he recorded a terrific version of the song “Still In Love With You” by legendary Australian band, Dragon. And so, it put a smile on my face, when going to the toilet last night at the Camelot Lounge for the launch of Shane’s latest album, I discovered Dragon are soon doing a gig there. They’re playing “their hits”, as well as hits by some other “legendary Australian bands”.… Read the rest “Shane Nicholson album launch”

22/12/201517/04/2019Blogging

Country Music in 2015

by James O'Brien2 Comments

2015 was the year in which I’ve begun to reacquaint myself with my love of country music. As I wrote a few months ago:

Despite my inner-city reputation, I actually know a fair bit about country music, and I have lots of great “special experts” to draw upon to supplement the areas in which my knowledge is a little short. Having grown up in Lismore, I grew up with a lot of country music. Johnny Cash, Conway Twitty, Loretta Lynnn and the like were the soundtrack to my youth.

… Read the rest