Audrey Auld Mezera


Audrey Auld Mezera
www.audreyauld.com
www.MySpace.com/AudreyAuldMezera

Photos Audrey Auld Mezera at Harrigans Cessnock
Photos Hoedown at Harrigans Cessnock


Small Song Sample from "Lost Men and Angry Girls"
Small Song Sample from "Texas"

Go to www.youtube.com then type Audrey Auld in the search box and press enter. It's the amazing video of "I'd Leave Me Too"

NASHVILLE Deep Fried everything!! I took the photo shown here at the Dave Macon Days fair in Murfreesboro, TN. Settling into our new home in Nashville has been fun. It's a big change from our close little community of Stinson Beach. For a start, there's no fog - Nashville is steaming hot! Frogs live in our pool, there are bugs the size and colours I've never seen before and the garden grows like crazy. Everyone is a musician or songwriter, or used to be.... I'm keen to meet a guitar player with whom I can tour this part of the country. Yes, big shoes to fill! It was a big thrill to be in the audience during Charlie Louvin's new "Ira" video release at the Country Music Hall of Fame. Charlie sang a few with his band and made us all laugh with his stories. It was moving to witness the great esteem and respect in which he is held. Melinda Schneider is in town co-writing songs for her next album. It's been fun hanging out with her and speaking Australian. Can you imagine the Southern Strine I'll develop after a few years here?! Melinda performed at the Bluebird Cafe in-the-round with some of her co-writers. She's been nominated for an Americana Music Assn. Best Song award for her co-write "It Takes Balls To Be A Woman" with Elizabeth Cook. Sunny Sweeney, who recorded my song "Next Big Nothing" has been nominated in the same AMA awards for Best New Artist. Sunny will be touring Australia in Jan 08. We went to hear Catherine Britt play a 30 minute showcase set in Nashville, as she pursues a new label deal. Her 7 piece band rocked hard and managed to drown out her voice. She's a long way from the trad country influences of her past, delivering a straight out rock/country set. Boy, she sure can sing! VIRGINIA and beyond!
My first show in Virginia is a Country Jamboree at the Halifax County Fairgrounds in South Boston. The Jimmy Glass Band is also on the bill and he's pure country. I love exploring these new regions of America. It's a beautiful country. Here's a pic from a recent Birmingham, Alabama house concert. This region is very pretty but the locals prefer it kept a secret so they don't get built out. Thanks Small Stages for an excellent evening. Nothing beats playing for a tuned in audience who're not backward about coming forward. If you're interested in hosting a house concert or can suggest an acoustic venue where I can play a show, please let me know. I book my own dates and have much to learn about venues and promoters in the South and on the East Coast. Email me at audrey@recklessrecords.com Country JAMOREE, South Boston VA. 8/10
CALIFORNIA DREAMING
I'm looking forward to some California shows later in August. After another Bread & Roses writing workshop in San Quentin I'll be getting up waaay too early in order to hang out with Sleepy John in Santa Cruz on KZSC 8/17. He's a fun way to start the day. Friday night I'm joined by Nina Gerber (I miss you girl!) and Kenny Edwards (original Stony Pony!) in Sebastopol. Good music, good people and good food - what lucky buggers we are! Saturday night I'm playing a house concert at Tom Montgomery's in Berkeley. Tom's helped me out a lot with getting established in California. Details for the show are shown in the Tour Dates column. French GARDEN RESTAURANT, Sebastopol, 8/17
GOOD NEWS FROM HOME Check out Kasey Chambers' website for her news and a pic of her new son, Arlo! Her weekly gig with the Lost Dogs continues at the Avoca pub with great guests each week and the best band in Australia! Kasey's site


AUDREY AULD MEZERA TOUR DATES Tues July 31 11:00 AM Radio WDVX KNOXVILLE, TN with Tony Lawson Fri August 10 7:30 PM COUNTRY JAMBOREE, Halifax County Fairgrounds, South Boston, VA www.msdproductions.com/jamboree.html Highway 360 (Behind the South Boston Speedway) + Jimmy Glass Band Thur August 16 San Quentin Prison, CA. Writers Workshop Fri August 17 8:30 AM RADIO KZSC, SANTA CRUZ, CA. with John Sandidge Fri August 17 8:00 PM FRENCH GARDEN RESTAURANT 8050 Bodega Ave, Sebastopol, CA + NINA GERBER & KENNY EDWARDS 707-824-2030 Sat August 18 8:00 PM CASA DE OLIVER HOUSE CONCERT Berkeley, CA $12 for directions contact Linda oliverlinda@comcast.net 510.219.7750 Sat November 10 8:00 PM CHARLES & MYRTLES HOUSE CONCERT Chattanooga, TN $10 andrewk166@charlesandmyrtles.com Thur March 20,'08 COFFEE GALLERY BACKSTAGE Altadena, CA Fri March 21, '08 MUSICA DEL RIO HOUSE CONCERT ATASCADERO, CA Sat, March 22, '08 KUWUUMBA JAZZ CENTER Santa Cruz, CA Sun, March 23, '08 STUDIO E House Concert Sebastopol, CA Wed, March 26, '08 FREIGHT & SALVAGE COFFEEHOUSE Berkeley, CA More Info and updates here...

Charlie Louvin at the recent AMA Nominations party in Nashville. Mez and I bought a home here and moved in early June. We're very happy playing house. It was an honor to meet Charlie Louvin there. His latest album has a song 'Ira' dedicated to his late brother. Charlie played at Bonarroo recently, one of the biggest festivals in the US.

'BREAD & ROSES' song - NOW AVAILABLE

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AMERICANA MUSIC ASSN. NOMINATIONS "Lost Men and Angry Girls" is eligible to be nominated for the upcoming AMA awards. If you are a member of the AMA, you have already received your invitation to nominate and your nomination could look like this!! 1. Album of the Year LOST MEN & ANGRY GIRLS 2. Song of the Year (presented to the songwriter) LAST SEEN IN GAINESVILLE - AUDREY AULD MEZERA 3. Artist of the Year AUDREY AULD MEZERA 4. Instrumentalist of the Year NINA GERBER 5. New/Emerging Artist of the Year AUDREY AULD MEZERA (OK, OK it's pushy I know but I'm my own label boss so who else is gonna ask you?) PLEASE SEND YOUR NOMINATIONS TO: awards@americanamusic.org BY 5:00PM THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2007. INCLUDE YOUR NAME ON YOUR LIST. Audrey's website TEXAS
Two weeks in Texas is never enough, but better than not at all. Like the Northern Territory there's something about Texas that gets in your blood. I happily returned to Luckenbach for a really fun show with Tina Wilkins and Susan Gibson (writer of "Wide Open Spaces") both wonderful singers and entertainers. The private house concert (read "backyard stage and ampitheatre") that brought me to Austin was awesome. These music fans have created the best acoustic music venue in Austin in their own backyard!! Cheers to such passionate entrepreneurs. Austin certainly felt like a big city this time around, with more and more highways and high-rises. But what remains is the same down-home friendliness that'll get you a new friend every time you visit the place. I'm sure if you spend enough time on Hwy 71 in the Texas Hill Country you'll have a "Willie" moment... well I had mine, but I'll tell you about it at a show when next we meet... For a laugh, read this article re Willie's latest close encounter with the law: www.pugbus.net/artman/publish/04257002_11_freewillie.shtml NEW MUSIC I COLLECTED IN MY TRAVELS: Guy Forsyth "Unrepentant Schizophrenic Americana" - an excellent double live CD Sam Baker "Pretty World" (due out on Reckless in August!) Darcie Deaville "Living on the Lucky Side" - there's more to Darcie than a sawing fiddle. Susan Gibson "Outer Space" - this is not a new release but I love her voice and writing, plus you get to hear the original version of "Wide Open Spaces". From Australia: One of my favorite guitar players, Peter Baylor, has a new CD "I Hear The Road" - described as "Hillbillly Bop Combo with vocals". Peter's the real deal. (photo above by Ron Baker taken at Threadgill's). BY THE WAY... * THANK YOU to everyone who voted for me in the CMT video competition. Yes, the boy in the pick-up truck beat me out but your dedication at the mouse is very touching. Heaps of people have checked out the video on YouTube with the best comment being "country is for druggies, druggies are poor, quit trying to get rich off druggies." Mmmmmm.... so many responses, so little time..... * Mez and I are moving to Nashville later this month. We've bought our first home in a quiet East Nashville neighbourhood (well, it'll be quiet till the hollerin' hubby, dawgs and chooks move in!). We're looking forward to a new chapter living in a music town. * Recently you should have a received an email requesting that you 'Confirm' receipt of this newsletter. Please 'Confirm' if you'd like to continue receiving News and Tour Updates as after this May Newsletter only Confirmed email addresses will continue to be on the list. (photo above taken by David Leslie) BLAME SALLY - Santa Cruz Benefit Show BLAME SALLY ( www.blamesally.com ) Benefit for Santa Cruz Women's Health Center Saturday, May 19th, 7:30 PM The Rio Theater 1205 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA Tickets (831) 425-4480

AUDREY'S TOUR DATES May 12 DREW PEARCE HOUSE CONCERT, 1837 2nd Street, San Rafael, CA, 94901 May 13 DON QUIXOTE'S International Music Hall, Felton, CA 7PM $12 (+ With River) KPIG Radio 12:00 "Please Stand By" with Sleepy John May 22 FREIGHT & SALVAGE COFFEE HOUSE, Berkeley, CA 8PM $18.50/$19.50 + NINA GERBER & PAM DELGADO (Percussionist - Blame Sally) "Bread & Roses May Around The Bay" event. June 2 SPIRIT OF THE OUTLAWS SHOW, Douglas Corner, Nashville, TN 8:30PM July 7 HOUSE CONCERT, Birmingham, AL Aug 10 Venue TBA, South Boston, VA Aug 17 FRENCH GARDEN RESTAURANT, Sebastopol, CA (+ Nina Gerber & Kenny Edwards) Aug 18 CASA DE OLIVER PUBLIC HOUSE CONCERT, Berkeley, CA. oliverlinda@comcast.net for more info (photo above taken by Baron Wolman at Studio E) TOUR DATES UPDATED HERE...
LOST MEN & ANGRY GIRLS
#1 on the FAR (Freeform Americana Roots) chart - Feb & March
#2 Euro Americana Chart - Feb
#33 Roots Music Report - March

"a superb vocalist and songwriter in the roots tradition... excellent collection... an artist who deserves wide recognition..."
**** ~ C. Baguely, Country Music People, UK

"a clutch of melodic, thoughtfully observed songs shot through with wisecracking humor... her most fully realized, polished effort to date."
~ Bliss, Pasadena Weekly, LA

"A sharp-eyed storyteller... She also can flash some sly social satire or a powerful sense of moral indignation, all the while sounding like your good friend" ~ M Berick, No Depression, USA

"...her strongest album yet. It all still comes down to the songs and Audrey's new maturity and confidence is to the fore" ~ Keith Glass

"This is Mezera's most solid, cohesive collection of songs yet." ~ Bill Frater, Freight Train Boogie.com

"one of Australia's best country singer-songwriters.
This latest effort should help solidify her reputation on this side of the planet."
**** ~ Mike Regenstreif, the Montreal Gazette
Audrey's website
CHAMBERS' ORCHESTRA
Here's a pic taken at the Central Coast Country Music Festival, NSW, Austalia (thanks Val & Pete!) Bill and Kasey Chambers have much to smile about as both are expecting new members to the family. Kasey and husband Shane are due in July, and Bill and girlfriend Kate expect their child in September. Recently Bill's been touring Australia as a guest guitar player with Fred Eaglesmith's band.
Bill Chambers's MySpace page
EVER THE OUTLAW
After Billy Joe Shaver left a bar in Lorena, Texas on Saturday night he was followed into the parking lot by a stranger. It was 8.30pm, about 80 miles north of Austin and 15 miles from Waco, Billy's home town. The stranger was drunk and aggressive and he was brandishing a knife. So, in self-defence - Billy Joe shot him in the cheek. The attacker was OK after the shooting - talking and alert, and hospitalized. Billy Joe tried to turn himself in on Monday night but wasn't arrested because the cops didn't have a record of an arrest warrant. He has since been charged with aggravated assault and possessing a firearm in a prohibited place. Billy Joe showed up to play an in-store set at Waterloo Records on Tuesday after he was released. It's been a long, hard, eventful road for Billy Joe Shaver. His musical gifts to the world are numerous and treasured. Exiting this world by knife-blade in the parking lot just isn't fitting...

AUDREY AULD MEZERA TOUR DATES May 13 DON QUIXOTE'S International Music Hall, Felton, CA May 22 FREIGHT & SALVAGE COFFEEHOUSE, Berkeley, CA (+ Nina Gerber) June 2 SPIRIT OF THE OUTLAWS SHOW, Nashville, TN Aug 17 FRENCH GARDEN RESTAURANT, Sebastopol, CA (+ Nina Gerber & Kenny Edwards) Aug 19 BERKELEY HOUSE CONCERT, CA More info and updates here...

Click here to Vote...

VOTE FOR AUDREY! 'I'd Leave Me Too' video in CMT's Music City Madness competition The video is the debut production of Cori Hopper and Worm Werchon, with random styling tips from Kasey Chambers. It's set in Woy Woy Bay, NSW, my old stomping ground. The 'love interest' is Mick Albeck, the most excellent fiddle player who plays on many of my albums. The heartache was real, the budget was low, and the streets of Woy Woy really are filled with furniture! You can vote as many times as you like! Please forward this to your friends! SEE LINK BELOW FOR HOW TO VOTE In the spirit of 'American Idol gets more voters than a U.S. presidential election'... My video for 'I'd Leave Me Too' has been selected amongst 64 out of 600 entries in the CMT Music City Madness video competition for unsigned artists. You can help me win by voting, EVERY DAY, ALL DAY, for my video! Vote as many times as you like! Give up your job, and vote for Audrey!!! You don't need to vote for every entry. My name is listed towards the bottom of the left column. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS - then close the blue box in order to vote. Use the Zoom slider to read the text. Persevere... I'm worth it! The nationwide talent search offers unsigned artists a chance to reveal original, unpublished music to fans across the country. The winning entrant will receive an all-expenses paid trip to CMT’s Nashville studio to record an episode of STUDIO 330 SESSIONS, CMT Loaded’s original online performance series. Fans can narrow down the top 64 entrants in a single elimination competition online over the next two weeks. On Tuesday, February 27, the brackets will narrow and only 32 contenders will be left to battle for votes. New brackets will be posted weekly afterwards, until the winner is announced on Tuesday, April 3. Click here to Vote...

I wrote this song, then a month or so later it snowed in December in Australia (that's Summer time!) PRIMAL AGE There's a primal age coming on A wave of change and it's strong The rooster is crowing It's summer and it's snowing There's a primal age coming on The alter of the earth has been defiled Motherless baby, desecrated child We hope and pray and cry As the stakes grow higher The alter of the earth has been defiled Give up the gas and walk the extra mile Turn to your opposer and face him with a smile It's Peaceville or bust In love we trust Give up the gas and walk the extra mile Dust and diamonds glitter just the same We're all pink on the inside And our tears could float a whale Turn out the light, it's a cool world at night Dust and diamonds glitter just the same Turn out the lights Let the world cool at night There's a primal age coming on © Audrey Auld Mezera 2006 Read about... AUDREY AULD MEZERA GIG GUIDE 'LOST MEN AND ANGRY GIRLS' SAN QUENTIN PRISON SONGWRITING WORKSHOP BILL CHAMBERS & MARY GAUTHIER 'LOST MEN AND ANGRY GIRLS'

#1 on the FAR Chart! #6 on the Euro Americana chart! "Strong, mature album" David Obermann, KUT Austin "a great pleasure to receive recordings that are stunners like this one." Chris Darling, WMPG "I love it!" Mark Taylor, WVUD "I have just about worn out the CD" Thomas Greener, KVMR "Your new one is fantastic. I really like it a bunch. It's a gem!" Paul A. Hefti, Voice of Sacramento "You are amazing!!!!" Wesley Robertson, KVMR "I appreciate the awesome music you are doing! Your voice is superb! I love the intimate atmosphere you create, both in happy and sad songs." Max Cooper, RVM- FM Switzerland How to order
SAN QUENTIN PRISON SONGWRITING WORKSHOP


Returning to San Quentin Prison for a song-writing workshop was a fruitful and rewarding experience. I had 2.5 hours with about 15 guys and we talked, laughed and sung throughout. I started out with a stream-of-consciousness writing exercise, to help get ideas flowing and explore the inner world. For a few inmates this was quite difficult but others jumped right in to writing verse immediately. I was fortunate to read their writing and discovered some lines that were pure gems. I pointed out that they are in a perfect situation for writing – much free time for self-evaluation, self- expression and a wealth of hardship to draw on. Hey, it’s cheaper and more fun than a therapist! The gems of suffering shall be our delight. The guys had many questions about music and singing, and we finished the evening listening to their songs. For some it was their debut performance, voices low and life gone wrong. Excerpt from ‘In These Woods’ © Christopher D Rich 8/06 "We are living in these woods, we’re lined up just like trees And we fall where we once stood, so deep where no one sees But we’re calling out – Won’t you listen please! We are living in these woods, surrounded by a wall Some are growing, doing good, but you can’t hear our call And we’re getting older – Yeah, it’s nearly fall There are people walking proudly There are brothers singing loudly There are sons of mothers standing strong Men are dying, some decaying Some are crying, some are praying We’ve been living in these woods too long We are living in these woods, the days can be real dark With trees from many neighbourhoods, with different colored bark But we’ve all grown here, and we leave our mark" Some inmates are allowed to borrow guitars or a keyboard to play in their cells. Every Saturday night between 6pm – 9pm the band gets together and rocks out! I felt very comfortable amongst the inmates, and hope to continue this work. “Thanks so much again for the great contribution you made to Bread and Roses and to our friends in San Quentin last week. You were well prepared and creative and engaging and encouraging and funny! The guys were really floating afterwards. You gave them a rare opportunity to open up and express the creativity within. You're a valuable addition to the Bread and Roses family.” K. Huget, Bread and Roses
See more SQ photos by Peter Merts


I just had to share with you this great photo of Mary Gauthier and Bill Chambers, taken by Lisa Sharpe at the Harvest Festival, Victoria, Australia. Mary fell in love with Melbourne, and wonders why I ever left Australia! (the 'hairy magnet' I explained...) Mary was a huge hit during her first visit to Australia. She heads back into the studio in March to record a new album


Gig Guide
Feb 18 ORDINARY MIRACLES, Cotati, CA. 3pm Feb 21 THE MYSTIC THEATRE, Petaluma, CA. (+ Nina Gerber) Mar 10 THE BARN House Concert, Gilroy CA March 16 THE TALKING STICK, Santa Monica CA. Mar 17 DOWNTOWN COMMUNITY CENTER, Anaheim CA. Mar 19 THE COFFEE GALLERY BACKSTAGE, Altadena CA. Mar 23 LARKSPUR CAFE THEATRE, Larkspur, CA. (+with Nina Gerber) Apr 07 WEST SIDE THEATRE, Newman, CA . Apr 14 STUDIO E House Concert, Sebastopol, CA. Apr 26 MUCKY DUCK, Houston, TX (+ Darcie Deaville) Apr 27 LUCKENBACH, TX. Apr 29 GRUENE HALL, New Braunfels, TX (+ Darcie D.) May 1 RIVER CITY GRILLE, Marble Falls, TX May 4 CASBEERS, San Antonion, TX (+Darcie D.) May 5 CUERVO ACRES HOUSE CONCERT, Princeton, TX (+ Darcie D.) May 12 DREW PEARCE HOUSE CONCERT, San Rafael, CA. May 13 DON QUIXOTE'S MUSIC HALL, Felton, CA. (+ With River) Moe Details

TRACKLIST BOLINAS The Summer of Love continues in this little town on the wrong side of the crack (San Andreas fault line). There is no road-sign to Bolinas as the locals always tear it down. The Indians used to advise against living there as it led to craziness. Now, it’s neon peace signs, Zen surfers, “Homeless” as a fashion statement, restraining orders are de rigeur, wealth, poverty, pot as currency and organic food. “Speak American” was the order to the new Aussie girl in town... MORPHINE The original hand-written lyrics to this song reside in a private collection in Austin, TX. Written in lead pencil on grey paper bearing the letter-head - Oklahoma Rehabilitation & Industrial Estate. Signed by Bonnie Lamb AKA Bonnie Parker (of Bonnie & Clyde), this is the first recording of her song. Bonnie notes that the lyrics are to be sung to the tune of “M-O-T- H-E-R”, from the 1930’s. LAST SEEN IN GAINESVILLE After reading a “Missing Person” poster in a Texas truck- stop, this song haunted Audrey until the song was complete. Sadly, these stories are often left unresolved and untold. BUCK HUNGRY (with Bill Chambers) There’s a buck to be made any which way these days, but the 3rd verse (the true story of a most valuable exchange) involved no money at all! LOOKING FOR LUCKENBACH The smallest town in Texas with the biggest reputation. Thanks to Ray Wylie Hubbard for the inspiration. HALF A WORLD AWAY (with Nina Gerber) To point out another’s peculiarities is alienating, but to be peculiar is liberating. Births, deaths and marriages are the events that bind us as a community. WE CRY Death seems to be one of those things that happens to everybody else. The fact that we die is definite. When we die is indefinite. CLINCH MOUNTAIN PRAYER (with Bill Chambers) Written in Hiltons, Virginia - home of the Carter Fold. The ghost of A.P. lives on, Sara rests in peace and Maybelle’s music is in the air. DOWN IN A HOLE Sometimes you just have to write a song that lets the musicians shine! Australia’s best - Bill Chambers (guitar), Rod McCormack (banjo) and Mick Albeck (fiddle). NOT I (with Raechel Lee) This is not a love song. Anger is hatred, attachment and ignorance. Love thy enemy (in this case, ‘thy crazy stalker’) for they teach the greatest lessons. SELF-HELP HELPED ME The hardest thing to look at is ourselves. DUBLIN BOY (with Karl Broadie) Here’s to the Irish! LULLABY FOR BABY TAYLOR A new life and a new Baby Taylor guitar... AUDREY'S WEBSITE “Lost Men and Angry Girls” chronicles the past three years Audrey Auld Mezera (Mez-air-ah) has spent living on the coast of Northern California. Musically and personally it’s been an eventful period for the Chris Austin Song Contest winner and two- time ARIA nominee (Australian Recording Industry Association). “My first year in America was spent living in Bolinas in Marin County. It's the Wild West! Within a matter of months I got married, moved hemispheres, filed a restraining order on a stalker, dealt with grief, and missed my musician friends back home” says Audrey. No surprise then at the title of this album. Mezera calls it 'Ameri-kinda' music - traditional American music influences with Australian roots. Love, Hate, Life, Death, Money and Music. Mezera’s writing has evolved to be less about the state of her heart and more about the path we all share as human beings in this time of political and global imbalance. But there’s no finger-pointing in these songs of small towns, self-help, lives derailed, musical heroes, lost men and angry girls. Mezera travels her path with humor, insight and a great band. Recorded primarily in Australia with her home-land’s best musicians and produced by her trusted collaborator, Bill Chambers, who retains the sparse arrangements that characterize Mezera’s work. “It’s always exciting to work on music with Audrey. These songs reflect her life, where she now lives and the places and people she comes in contact with. I’ve always been proud to be part of Audrey’s recordings, but even more so with this one.” ~ Bill Chambers The move to America has been good for Mezera. After winning the prestigious Chris Austin Song Contest (“Losing Faith”) 2006, she the was a finalist in the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival songwriting contest (“Last Seen in Gainesville”). It was only a matter of time before she crossed paths with one of the greatest accompanists in the world, Nina Gerber with whom she recorded a double live CD “In The House”. “She writes and sings songs with a worldly truth... She not only sounds like she grew up on Music Row in Nashville, but she writes the kinds of songs that built Music Row in the first place.” ~ G Meline, North Bay Bohemian, CA. “Do believe the hype” M Kramer, Pacific Sun, CA. “Australia’s loss has been America’s gain” S Libowitz, Montecito Journal, CA. Music with the dirt left on! Audrey Auld Mezera Reckless Records -------------- Email orders: mail@recklessrecords.com Phone orders: 415 847 9847 Web orders: http://recklessrecords.com Available in U.S. stores February 13 BDC (Burnside Distribution) CIMS (Coalition of Independent Music Stores) and all popular digital outlets (IRIS) OneStop Entertainment - Australia Southbound Records - NZ -AUDREY'S TOUR DATES
Feb 03 THE LAST DAY SALOON, Santa Rosa, CA. (+ Nina Gerber) Feb 18 ORDINARY MIRACLES, Cotati, CA. Feb 21 THE MYSTIC THEATRE, Petaluma, CA. (+ Nina Gerber) Mar 10 THE BARN House Concert, Gilroy CA March 16 THE TALKING STICK, Santa Monica CA. Mar 17 DOWNTOWN COMMUNITY CENTER, Anaheim CA. Mar 19 THE COFFEE GALLERY BACKSTAGE, Altadena CA. Mar 23 LARKSPUR CAFE THEATRE, Larkspur, CA. (+with Nina Gerber) Apr 07 WEST SIDE THEATRE, Newman, CA . Apr 14 STUDIO E House Concert, Sebastopol, CA. Apr 26 MUCKY DUCK, Houston, TX (+ DARCIE DEAVILLE) Apr 29 GRUENE HALL, New Braunfels, TX (+ DARCIE D.) May 5 CUERVO ACRES HOUSE CONCERT, Princeton, TX (+ DARCIE D.) May 12 DREW PEARCE HOUSE CONCERT, San Rafael, CA. MORE DETAILS...
Good stuff to look forward to in 2007! AUDREY AULD MEZERA GIG GUIDE BREAD & ROSES AT SAN QUENTIN MARY GAUTHIER GOES DOWN UNDER! FRED EAGLESMITH RETURNS TO OZ IN APRIL OTHER NEWS... AUDREY AULD MEZERA GIG GUIDE
Thursday, Jan 25 6pm SAN QUENTIN PRISON, CA Bread & Roses Songwriting Workshop Saturday, Jan 27 7:30 PM $20 STINSON BEACH COMMUNITY CENTER, Stinson Beach, CA Belvedere Ave, next to FireHouse Tix from Odyssey Video in Stinson, or at the door. with NINA GERBER & special guests With River & Sharon Allen Tuesday, Jan 30 2pm LAGUNA HONDA, San Francisco, Bread and Roses show with NINA GERBER Saturday, Feb 03 9pm $10 THE LAST DAY SALOON 120 Fifth St. @ Davis St., Santa Rosa, CA KRSH Radio Listener Appreciation Party - various artists Hotline: 707.545.2343 with NINA GERBER Sunday, Feb 18 3:00 PM $10 ORDINARY MIRACLES 8280 Old Redwood Hwy, Cotati, CA Open song circle at 2pm. 707-795-2462 Saturday, March 10 7:30 PM $10 THE BARN - Private House Concert Gilroy, CA Contact Eric for details - ebehlmer@yahoo.com Saturday, March 17 7:30 PM $14, $11 members, kids under 18 free LIVING TRADITION CONCERT SERIES The Downtown Community Center, 250 E. Center St., Anaheim CA 92805 http://www.thelivingtradition.org/ Reservations : (949) 646-1964 or tinkersown@ca.rr.com Opening for The Buccaneers Friday, March 23 8pm $20 LARKSPUR CAFE THEATRE 500 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur, CA with NINA GERBER Saturday, March 31 7:30 PM FREIGHT & SALVAGE COFFEE HOUSE Berkeley, CA Women in Song, Local Treasures - with Beth Robinson, Elaine Dempsey & Megan McLaughlin Saturday, April 07 8:00 PM $12/$15 WEST SIDE THEATRE 1331 Main St, Newman, CA opening for David Jacobs-Strain 209.862.4490 Saturday, April 14 7:30 PM $22 STUDIO E HOUSE CONCERT Sebastopol, CA northbaylive.com for details with Fur Dixon & Steve Werner Saturday, April 28 PRIVATE SHOW, Austin, TX Saturday, May 12 8:00 PM DREW PEARCE HOUSE CONCERT San Rafael, CA more info from drew.pearce@yahoo.com Check out these sites... BILL CHAMBERS' TAMWORTH FESTIVAL DATES AUDREY'S MYSPACE WITH RIVER'S MYSPACE FUR DIXON & STEVE WERNER'S MYSPACE
BREAD & ROSES AT SAN QUENTIN
Later this month I'm returning to San Quentin Prison to host a Songwriting workshop.
The prison has an active arts program for its 6500 inmates including several bands.

"Morphine" from my new album "Lost Men and Angry Girls" was written by Bonnie Lamb (AKA Bonnie Parker from Bonnie & Clyde) whilst she was in the Oklahoma Rehabilitation and Industrial Estate. She took the melody from a popular song of the day
("M-O-T-H-E-R") and re- wrote the lyrics.

I'm keen to hear songs from the pens of contemporary inmates, and share with them what I have learnt along the writer's way.

Here's my plea - if you are a writer who would like to share a few gems of wisdom, please send them to me at mail@recklessrecords.com . I would like to provide as wide a range of experience and guidance as possible.
Photo by David Leslie

MARY GAUTHIER GOES DOWN UNDER!

Well finally Mary Gauthier is heading down under! It's only 4 shows so don't miss out.
Reckless introduced Mary's music to Australian audiences several years back, before she signed with Lost Highway.
Many Australian fans will know Mary via Bill Chambers' recording of her song "I Drink". Bill may just show up on stage at the Red Hill festival!
Mary is a great songwriter and entertainer and it's a rare treat that she's travelling to the Southern Hemisphere.
She'll be sharing the stage with her constant touring partner, Thomm Jutz. Thomm is originally from Germany and we played together in Nashville several years ago. That's where Mary heard him play and she's been touring with him ever since! He's a master guitar player and works magic with Mary's songs.

Gauthier = say "go shay"
Jutz = say "yootz"
Mary's Australian Tour Dates :
Jan 17 Governor Hindmarsh Hotel, Adelaide, SA
Jan 18 The Harp Hotel, Sydney, NSW
Jan 19 Northcote Social Club, Melbourne, Vic
Jan 21 Harvest Festival Red Hill, Vic
Mary Gauthier's Site
FRED EAGLESMITH RETURNS TO OZ IN APRIL
But wait there's more! Is Australia where it's all going on?! Fred Eaglesmith makes his 5th (?) visit to Australia with his excellent band, joined by Bill Chambers. Australia is rife with Fredheads! I am so bummed I won't be there for Fred's shows. Fred's Australian Tour Dates : March 29 The East Brunswick Club, Melbourne VIC March 30 Peninsula Lounge, Moorooduc, VIC March 31 The Palais Hepburn Springs, Vic April 1 Rudy's Lounge, Belgrave VIC April 3 The Vanguard, New Town , Sydney April 4 The Vanguard New Town , Sydney April 5 Kincumber NSW, Lizotte's Restaurant April 6 - 7 - 8 Byron Bay Blues Festival Fred Eaglesmith's site OTHER NEWS... Sam Baker is nearing completion of his much anticipated follow up album to 'Mercy' - a favorite on the best of 2006 lists! I'll be celebrating my birthday in Nashville on Jan 14th, and hopefully the Greencards will be giving me a pre-release copy of their new album "Viridian"! (hint hint) Kasey Chambers is expecting her 2nd child in July, to husband Shane Nicholson. She'll be playing some acoustic shows in Australia accompanied only by Shane and her father Bill Chambers. What a treat! Her voice sounds awesome in an acoustic setting. Maybe they'll bring in a campfire and some dingos for old time's sake! Bill Chambers and Huckleberry Swedes will be touring the US in July. AUDREY AULD MEZERA GIG GUIDE Thursday, Jan 25 6pm SAN QUENTIN PRISON, CA Bread & Roses Songwriting Workshop Saturday, Jan 27 7:30 PM $20 STINSON BEACH COMMUNITY CENTER, Stinson Beach, CA Belvedere Ave, next to FireHouse Tix from Odyssey Video in Stinson, or at the door. with NINA GERBER & special guests With River & Sharon Allen Tuesday, Jan 30 2pm LAGUNA HONDA, San Francisco, Bread and Roses show with NINA GERBER Saturday, Feb 03 9pm $10 THE LAST DAY SALOON 120 Fifth St. @ Davis St., Santa Rosa, CA KRSH Radio Listener Appreciation Party - various artists Hotline: 707.545.2343 with NINA GERBER Sunday, Feb 18 3:00 PM $10 ORDINARY MIRACLES 8280 Old Redwood Hwy, Cotati, CA Open song circle at 2pm. 707-795-2462 Saturday, March 10 7:30 PM $10 THE BARN - Private House Concert Gilroy, CA Contact Eric for details - ebehlmer@yahoo.com Saturday, March 17 7:30 PM $14, $11 members, kids under 18 free LIVING TRADITION CONCERT SERIES The Downtown Community Center, 250 E. Center St., Anaheim CA 92805 http://www.thelivingtradition.org/ Reservations : (949) 646-1964 or tinkersown@ca.rr.com Opening for The Buccaneers Friday, March 23 8pm $20 LARKSPUR CAFE THEATRE 500 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur, CA with NINA GERBER Saturday, March 31 7:30 PM FREIGHT & SALVAGE COFFEE HOUSE Berkeley, CA Women in Song, Local Treasures - with Beth Robinson, Elaine Dempsey & Megan McLaughlin Saturday, April 07 8:00 PM $12/$15 WEST SIDE THEATRE 1331 Main St, Newman, CA opening for David Jacobs-Strain 209.862.4490 Saturday, April 14 7:30 PM $22 STUDIO E HOUSE CONCERT Sebastopol, CA northbaylive.com for details with Fur Dixon & Steve Werner Saturday, April 28 PRIVATE SHOW, Austin, TX Saturday, May 12 8:00 PM DREW PEARCE HOUSE CONCERT San Rafael, CA more info from drew.pearce@yahoo.com Gig guide updated here Check out these sites... BILL CHAMBERS' TAMWORTH FESTIVAL DATES AUDREY'S MYSPACE WITH RIVER'S MYSPACE FUR DIXON & STEVE WERNER'S MYSPACE Join our mailing list! email: mail@recklessrecords.com web: http://recklessrecords.com

'tis the season to be eating..... As Christmas approaches it's time to think about neat little CD sized gifts that mail well, stuff into stockings, and can be enjoyed instantly on Christmas day. Reckless CDs!!!! Share your favorite music with your loved ones! Buy 2 CDs from RecklessRecords.com and receive a bonus gift of another CD for free! (till Dec 25) Happy Thanksgiving! Audrey x Here are some suggestions... See the Reckless Records Catalogue for the complete range... 'MILLYS CAFE' FRED EAGLESMITH 'IN THE HOUSE' AUDREY AULD MEZERA & NINA GERBER 'LOOKING BACK TO SEE' BILL & AUDREY 'MERCY' SAM BAKER 'FROZEN GROUND' BILL CHAMBERS Or the gift of live music.....!
MILLYS CAFE' FRED EAGLESMITH
Fred J Eaglesmith's excellent 06 release 'Milly's Cafe' placed at #29 on the Americana Music Assocation's top 100 of 2006. No wonder Fred, it's a very popular CD! MI LLY CAFE

"IN THE HOUSE'
AUDREY AULD MEZERA & NINA GERBER
This live 2CD set of Audrey and Nina's 2nd show together was recorded in Sebastopol, California at Studio E in Dec 2005. " The chemistry between the two women was electrifying. Nina played a variety of acoustic and electric styles, “stretching out,” even for her, complementing every nuance in Audrey's songs. Coupled with Audrey’s fabulous songwriting, glowing smiles, gorgeous voice and giggles, the night was nothing short of magical. I know the sold-out crowd was as blown away as I was.” Laurie Schaeffer, Schaef-Abel Productions www.northbaylive.com Feb. 2006 IN THE HOUSE 'LOOKING BACK TO SEE' BILL & AUDREY
Bill Chambers & Audrey recorded this (her first album) in 1998. If you like traditional country duets and close harmony singing that's upbeat, heartfelt and hardcore then you'll LOVE this album. Chet Flippo featured this album in Billboard and it continues to be a favorite of many Reckless fans. * Winner of Best Album - Australian Independant Country Music Awards 1999 LOOKING BACK TO SEE
'MERCY' SAM BAKER
You will want to buy more than one copy of Sam Baker's 'Mercy' as it's a rare and beautiful album you'll want to share with others. Each listen reveals more detail and subtlety in both music and lyrics. Now that's value for money!
MERCY

'FROZEN GROUND' BILL CHAMBERS
"There's nothin' worse than a raging thirst When you're drownin' in the rain You live so fast but it only lasts As long as a sniff of cocaine Then they lower you down In the frozen ground Where hell lurks just below And you're colder than the winter And you're fallin' like the snow"
Bill Chambers' 2nd solo album consolidates his brilliant talents as songwriter, singer and musician. Look out for his US tour dates in July 07. FROZEN GROUND
Or the gift of live music.....! AUDREY AULD MEZERA GIG GUIDE Sunday, November 26, 4PM (no cover) RANCHO NICASIO, Petaluma And Nicasio Valley Roads, Nicasio, CA. 8th Annual Thanksgiving Hillbilly Hootenanny Various artists. For information, call Rancho Nicasio at (415) 662-2219. Or go to their website.
Friday, March 23
LARKSPUR CAFE THEATRE
Larkspur, CA
with NINA GERBER

Saturday, March 31
FREIGHT & SALVAGE COFFEE HOUSE
Berkeley, CA
Women in Song, Local Treasures
with Beth Robinson, Elaine Dempsey & Megan McLaughlin

Saturday, April 28
Private Show
Austin, TX

BILL CHAMBERS GIG GUIDE
Sunday, November 25 7:45PM QUEENSCLIFF MUSIC FESTIVAL, Vic.

email: mail@recklessrecords.com web: http://recklessrecords.com

See the Reckless Records Catalogue for the complete range..
BILL CHAMBERS - Sleeping With The Blues - Frozen Ground
AUDREY AULD MEZERA - Lost Men and Angry Girls - Texas - Losing Faith - The Fallen
AUDREY AULD MEZERA & NINA GERBER - In The House BILL & AUDREY - Looking Back To See - Reckless Records Garage Sale:1997-2003 (various artists)
FRED EAGLESMITH
- Millys Cafe
- The Official Bootleg Series Vol 2 (2004)
- The Official Bootleg Series Vol 1 (2002)
- Balin
- Falling Stars and Broken Hearts
- Ralph's Last Show
- Lipstick Lies and Gasoline
- 50 Odd Dollars
- Things Is Changin'
- Indiana Road
- The Boy That Just Went Wrong
- Fred J. Eaglesmith

SAM BAKER
- Mercy

THE YEARLINGS
- Wind Already Blown
- The Yearlings

VARIOUS ARTISTS
- Eaglesmith: The Songs of Fred Eaglesmith - A Tribute
- Twenty Odd Hollers

CLICK HERE TO BUY

Check out these sites... RECKLESS RECORDS MERCHANDISE Audrey's MySpace Bill's MySpace Auds Fans Yahoo Group
Here's news from Australia, San Quentin and some good stuff to look forward to. Check out www.MySpace.com/AudreyAuldMezera for tracks from my new album 'Lost Men and Angry Girls'. You'll hear more about the album in future news as it's due for U.S. and Euro release in Feb 07. But you can buy 'Lost Men and Angry Girls' now from www.RecklessRecords.com , digital outlets, CD Baby, Lucky Dice (NDL), and in Australian stores thru One Stop Entertainment and NZ stores thru Southland Distribution. There's also a blog I update from time to time on MySpace. Go to www.iSound.com/Audrey_Auld_Mezera and share the love! Download a free copy of "Love You Like The Earth" and send it to a loved one. Be well, stay true and be happy, Audrey
AUDREY AULD MEZERA TOUR DATES AUSTRALIA - HALF A WORLD AWAY BREAD AND ROSES IN SAN QUENTIN PRISON BILL CHAMBERS TO TOUR U.S.A. AUSTRALIA - HALF A WORLD AWAY

Mez and I had the best tour in Australia. In 6 weeks we went from the Gympie Muster (a huge 10 day festival set in Amamoor Forest) to the most beautiful tropical town of Port Douglas and the Great Barrier Reef to the cities of Melbourne and Sydney, the pretty country town of Tamworth, to the lush green farmland of country Victoria. Melbourne was in the grip of AFL Grand Final fever (so exciting, except Sydney lost to the "one point wonders" from the West.) Hoedown Trio from Finland were excellent road companions and experienced some truely Australian moments. Losing Steve Irwin and race car champ Peter Brock in the same week were two of the more melancholy national moments. We saw much wild-life (apart from Mez after the show) including a koala with her baby, an emu with 7 babies, a huge perentie lizard, roos and a glimpse of a platypus. Australia is in the midst of its worst drought on record and with plans to dam more rivers we were fortunate to see these animals in the wild while their native habitat still exists. Our 'time off' in Australia was spent with family in Central Australia. The Northern Territory is like a whole different country within Australia. The colours of the earth and rock formations are bright orange and the sky is bright blue, the air is soft and sweet and the people are very relaxed. It's about the only place in Australia where one can sleep out under the stars, in a swag without a tent. The Milky Way put on a splendid display as the dingoes serenaded us at night. I visited lots of radio stations to promote "Lost Men and Angry Girls" and want to thank everyone for taking the time to write a review, play some tracks and have a chat. "Excellent album"~ Greg Bush, Capital News “the songs here consolidate Mezera’s enormous writing talent” ~ K Porter, Forte Magazine, Vic "While more traditional than 'Texas', Mezera doesn't yield to the temptation to mug a southern accent and is a country- folk oddity in that she doesn't over-Strine her vowels." ~ T Jellett, The Australian Photos Stephen Skok's photos from the Melbourne show with Bill Chambers and Dave Steel

BREAD AND ROSES IN SAN QUENTIN PRISON


I played a Bread and Roses show at San Quentin Prison on Saturday, Oct 14th. Visitors are very limited as to which items can be brought into the facility, and we went through several check points before arriving at the huge outdoor exercise yard. There we found a stage setup, overlooking a gorgeous view of Mt Tamalpais, a football field, basketball courts, exercise equipment and tables and chairs. About 50 prisoners gathered to hear my set and it was fun! We had a laugh, they connected with the songs, and afterwards asked for 'Losing Faith' again, and then for me to repeat my whole set! Kurt Huget played with his band, and we finished with 'Ring of Fire' to which many inmates sang along. Afterwards we signed flyers, though I think they wanted the paper more than the ink as a piece of paper is a precious thing in this place... I've never anticipated a gig more than this one. Many thoughts and feelings about entering such a place gave me some restless times, which eventually worked themselves out in a song which I sang for the prisoners. Later one guy admitted the song brought him to tears, which is a big deal given the circumstance. It was a great day and the saddest part was leaving, as I realised those guys just stayed right where they were as we left the yard. (Yes, the show was recorded, but the file wasn't saved before powering off the recorder...) BREAD AND ROSES If I could bring you anything I'd bring a banquet for a king With cheese and wine and fruit and pies A taste of everything I'd have made you a cake But the hacksaw didn't fit the pan I'd bring more than I can hold In these two hands If I could bring you anything I'd bring a meadow full of flowers With hummingbirds and dragonflies No fences for miles You'd lay on the grass And feel the breeze kiss your face I'd bring the open sky Erase time and place If I could bring you anything It would be peace of mind An ocean of serenity Freedom inside I'd bring love for the lonely Afraid to ever love again And beer for the innocent To drown their sorrows in If I could bring you anything I'd bring Jesus Christ Buddha, Mohammed Whatever gets you through the life Good whiskey for those Who don't believe any more And smoke for those who need To think on it some more But all I could bring Was my guitar and these songs Bread and roses for the wayward Been hungry so long I'll take with me the memory Of the day my life was changed And the hope that when you leave this place You never come back again If I could bring you anything © Audrey Auld Mezera 2006 Peter Merts photos from San Quentin
BILL CHAMBERS TO TOUR U.S.A. Whilst back home it was wonderful to play music with Bill Chambers again. He's a demon on the lap steel and is so entertaining on stage, whether he's rocking out with the band or melting hearts with a tender acoustic song. There's the same magic between us when we sing together again and it was lovely to dust off some of the old songs. The good news is Bill and I are planning to tour together in America next year (June/July) with the Huckleberry Swedes, also from Australia. I'll be putting the tour together so please get in touch if you'd like us to play in your town. email: mail@recklessrecords.com AUDREY AULD MEZERA TOUR DATES Audrey's tour dates updated here


NEW ALBUM FROM AUDREY AULD MEZERA
NEW AUDREY T-SHIRTS AND CAPS


Tracklist : BOLINAS A little town on the west coast of America, on the wrong side of the crack. CalTrans gave up posting the “Bolinas 2 miles” sign on Hwy 1 as the locals kept tearing it down. The Indians used to advise against living in Bolinas as it led to craziness. Neon peace signs, tie-dyed hippies, wealth and poverty side by side. “Speak American” was the order to the new Aussie girl in town... MORPHINE Bonnie Parker, (of Bonnie and Clyde) was also a poet. This is the first recording of her song. The original hand-written lyrics reside in a private collection in Austin, Tx. The tune is taken from the ‘30s song ‘M-O-T-H-E-R’. LAST SEEN IN GAINESVILLE This song haunted Audrey till it was completed. We never get to hear the end of the story when we see the posted flyers - “Missing Person”. BUCK HUNGRY (with BILL CHAMBERS) Money talks so loud we cannot hear what the earth is saying. LOOKING FOR LUCKENBACH The smallest town in Texas with the biggest reputation. HALF A WORLD AWAY (with NINA GERBER) To point out another’s peculiarities is alienating, but to be peculiar is liberating. Still... there’s no place like the home- land. WE CRY Death - seems to be one of those things that happens to everybody else. The fact that we die is definite. When we die is indefinite. CLINCH MOUNTAIN PRAYER (with BILL CHAMBERS) Hiltons, Virginia - home of the Carter Fold - where the ghost of A.P. lives on, Sara rests in peace and Maybelle’s music is in the air. DOWN IN A HOLE Lessons in the face of adversity.... or, any excuse to let Bill Chambers, Rod McCormack and Mick Albeck let loose with the band! NOT I (with RAECHEL LEE) Anger is hatred, attachment and ignorance. Love thy enemy for they teach the greatest lessons. This is not a love song. SELF-HELP HELPED ME The hardest thing to look at is yourself. DUBLIN BOY (with KARL BROADIE) Here’s to the Irish! LULLABY FOR BABY TAYLOR A new life , a new guitar, a new song. Click here to purchase and to hear audio Samples


Audrey's new T-shirts, caps and poster are now on display at the Reckless Records online superstore! All are great quality 100% cotton, Mens and Womens, with a loose or a snug fit depending on your style. Check out Nina's dog Tootsie Roll modelling her favorite cap! Also, check out the new 'Lost Men & Angry Girls' poster, designed by Eric Jones. Click here to view the complete range

AUDREY'S MUSIC...
TAKE A PEEK AT AUDREY'S NEW POSTER, SHIRTS AND CAPS...
SATURDAY NIGHT COUNTRY on ABC Radio

Audrey Auld Mezera
MerleFest's Chris Austin Song Contest winner and two-time ARIA nominee Audrey Auld Mezera returns to Australia in September to touch home-ground and to promote her new album "Lost Men and Angry Girls".
"Lost Men and Angry Girls" Chronicles the past three years Mezera has spent living on the coast of Northern California. It's 'Ameri-kinda' music- traditional American Country and Folk influences with Australian roots; a beautiful mix of acoustic and electric instrumentation. Producer Bill Chambers retains the sparse arrangements that characterise Mezera's work.
Mezera's writing has evolved to be less about the state of her heart and more about the path we all share as human beings in this time of great political upheaval and global imbalance. She travels that path with humor, insight, pathos and compassion. There's no finger-pointing in these songs of small towns, self-help, life, death, lost men and angry girls.

"America is such a political entity in the world, and I'm living in Hippy Central, CA but it is still the Wild West", says Audrey, "The San Andreas Fault line runs through our lounge room, restraining orders are fashion accessories, the cops wear bullet-proof vests, the wealthy look 'homeless' and you can give and get whatever you want from The Freebox. There's got to be a song in that!"

Recorded primarily in Australia, this is the first album from Audrey where she has handed over the production reins to her trusted collaborator, Bill Chambers.

"I'm always seeking to venture into uncomfortable zones in order to learn more and hear with new ears" sats Audrey. "As the songwriter I hear the songs fully produced in my mind, but I trust Bill completely when it comes to music so it was exciting to hear how the songs evolved under his care.

The move to America has been good for Mezera. After winning the prestigious Chris Austin Song Contest this year (previous winners include Gillian Welch and Tift Merritt), she is also one of the 10 finalists (of 900 entries) in the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival songwriting contest with her song "Last Seen in Gainesville" the single from the new " "Lost Men and Angry Girls" album.: The California music community has embraced Mezera as one of their own and she's been nominated in several regional music awards.
After marrying and relocating to California in '03 it was only a matter of time before Merera crossed paths woth one of the greatest accompanists in the world, Nina Gerber. The magic created by the two was evident from the start and after hearing the recording of their second show together they realized they had something special. 'In The House' (2006) a live double CD was the result.
'"In the house' is a document of pure fluidity. Second to Mezera's songwriting is her expressionistic phrasing, something that Lucinda Williams and Patty Griffin share. When she sings that "You'd leave me stra-a-nded" It feels as if her entire body were supported by tiny twigs, each slowly starting to crack. When this delicacy is augmented by Gerber's sprawling atmosphere of arpeggios, absolute chemistry is at play." ~ Gabe Meline, North bay Bohemian, CA.

Audrey Auld Mezera & Nina Gerber The new double live CD "In The House" from Audrey and Nina will be available, Gerber has accompanied many artists including Kate Wolf, Nanci Griffith, Greg Brown and Michelle Shocked.


email: mail@recklessrecords.com
web: http://recklessrecords.com
Audrey's Small Song Sample
Click here Photos Audrey Entertaining at Val and Peter's House Party
www.americanmusic.tk/ (discography - Belgium music online site )


Hi Helen, It's gets crazy here in our sleepy beach town as the temperatures rise, the crowds pour in, bake and gaze and remember why they love the earth. Here at RR HQ we are counting down the days till we head off for the "Lost Men and Angry Girls" Australian tour later this month. I hope to see you soon, Audrey Read on... AUDREY AULD MEZERA TOUR DATES KPIG SONGWRITER'S FESTIVAL Aug 6th ROCKY MOUNTAIN FOLKS FESTIVAL Aug 18th NEW AUDREY T-SHIRTS AND CAPS! AND IN OTHER NEWS... AUDREY'S YAHOO GROUP
ROCKY MOUNTAIN FOLKS FESTIVAL Aug 18th The Rocky Mountain Folks Festival opens with the prestigious Folks Songwriter Showcase, where a juried group of the most gifted songwriters from around the world compete for a spot in the 2007 lineup. Songwriting workshops continue throughout the festival in the intimacy of the Wildflower Tent. I'm excited to be one of 10 finalists chosen from 900 entries to the Showcase, with my song "Last Seen in Gainesville". Other Aussies on the bill are The Waifs and Paul Kelly. Tune in to the festival podcast - http:// www.bluegrass.com/podcast.html Click here for more info NEW AUDREY T-SHIRTS AND CAPS!

I have a new range of T-shirts, 3/4 sleeve tops, tank tops and ball caps in my favorite colours (white, black, red and grey) adorned with my new logo, designed by Eric Jones. These items are available at shows and will be added to the website soon, so check back in soon... Reckless Records Merchandise...
AND IN OTHER NEWS...

I was delighted to sing with Laurie Lewis and Nina Gerber at Don Quixote's (Ca.) just recently. I'm a long time fan of Laurie's so to sing harmony with her was a dream come true. Her encore of 'Who Will Watch The Homeplace' was especially moving with the whole audience singing along. My shows with Nina Gerber continue to be inspiring and fun. It's a joy to let the music go where it will and lose yourself in her beautiful guitar work. The Australian tour is set to be loads of fun! I'm keen to play with Bill Chambers again - it's been too long. We'll be playing together at the Gympie Muster, then again, towards the end of my tour, in Victoria right after Bill returns from Kasey's US trip. For many of my Aussie shows I'll be joined by Hoedown Trio from Helsinki, Finland. Ninni (fiddle/accordion/ vocals), Mika (rhythm guitar/vocals) and Olli (anything with strings) and I toured together in Finland last year. If anyone has a piano accordion and a pedal steel guitar they could lend us for our Sydney, Tamworth and Adelaide shows please get in touch! Saturday August 26th is going to be a fun night! I'm to be a guest on John Nutting's famous 'Saturday Night Country' show on ABC Radio, nationally throughout Australia and also on the web. We'll be broadcasting live from the Gympie Muster from 10pm till 2am (Aussie time), singing songs, telling tales and catching up with friends at the festival. Johnno does much to support Australian music whether its from major label or independent artists, and by those same parameters introduces great international artists to Australian audiences. Raechel Lee (of The Lees) is an Australian Idol finalist! I hope somebody records the show as I'd love to see her televised performances. We wish her well for this next exciting phase of her career. The Lees music will no longer be available from Reckless Records. Tune in to Saturday Night Country
Audrey's tour dates updated here... Check out these sites...
New Venue in Berkeley, Ca. - LEFT COAST CYCLERY SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
LAURIE LEWIS
Time Zone Conversion Website

NEW ALBUM - 'LOST MEN & ANGRY GIRLS' HOEDOWN TRIO - AMERICANA MUSIC VIA HELSINKI NEW ALBUM - 'LOST MEN & ANGRY GIRLS'
MerleFest's Chris Austin Song Contest winner and two-time ARIA nominee Audrey Auld Mezera returns to Australia in August/September to touch home-ground and to promote her new album "Lost Men and Angry Girls". It's 'Ameri-kinda' music - traditional American Country and Folk influences with Australian roots. Produced by Bill Chambers and recorded in Australia, the album chronicles the past two and a half years Audrey has spent living on the coast of Northern California, near San Francisco. "My writing has evolved to be less about the state of my heart and more about the path we all share as human beings in this time of great political upheaval and global imbalance," says Audrey. "I'm living in Hippy Central, Ca. but it's still the Wild West. The San Andreas fault line runs through our living-room, onions are a fashion accessory, the cops wear bullet-proof vests, the wealthy look 'Homeless' and you can give and get whatever you want from The Freebox. There's got to be a song in that!" Audrey's previous album 'Texas' received an ARIA nomination in 2005 for Best Country Album. In 1998 Audrey, along with Bill Chambers established Reckless Records in Australia, releasing albums from Fred Eaglesmith, Mary Gauthier, Bill & Audrey, Sam Baker, The Lees and The Yearlings. Audrey tours internationally & has performed and/or recorded Fred Eaglesmith, Buddy Miller, Kim Ritchie, Jim Lauderdale, Bill & Kasey Chambers, Tom Russell, Charlie Louvin, Nina Gerber, Kimmie Rhodes, Carrie Rodriguez, Kieran Kane, Mary Gauthier and Dale Watson. Audrey hails from Tasmania, Australia but is now based in Northern California and is learning to speak American. "She not only sounds like she grew up on Music Row in Nashville, but she writes the kinds of songs that built Music Row in the first place. Second to her song-writing is her expressionistic phrasing, something that Lucinda Williams and Patty Griffin share." ~ Gabe Meline, North Bay Bohemian, Ca.
HOEDOWN TRIO - AMERICANA MUSIC VIA HELSINKI On her 2005 European tour, Audrey visited Finland and toured with Hoedown. The Finnish trio will be touring with Audrey on most of her Australian dates. The trio Hoedown was formed in 2001, based on a love for roots music. Mika, Ninni and Olli were part of the Helsinki musical community playing and exploring country, blues & folk and discovering an audience equally as passionate. Hoedown's music shimmers with sweet harmonies. Their repertoire consists of something of their own, something borrowed and - of course - something blue. Along with their own songs they perform classics from Jackson Browne, Dixie Chicks, Little Feat, Kasey Chambers, J.J Cale, Jann Arden and Julie Miller. Ninni Poijarvi (Poy-yarrr-vee) is Hoedown's beautiful singer, fiddle and accordion player. She has released 2 acclaimed solo albums – “Viidelta” (2002) and “Vapaapaiva”(2005) Mika Kuokkanen (Kow-ka-nen), whose artist name is Kkane, is rooted deeply in the singer-songwriter tradition but is no stranger to urban and sharp edged rock either. His acclaimed solo debut "KKANE" (2003) enjoyed rave reviews and a new solo album is due soon. Olli Haavisto on pedal steel, lap steel, mandolin. Legendary in Finland as the professor of stringed instruments, the no- nonsense master of roots music and the guru of the pedal and lap steel. Olli crowned his 30-year career with a brilliant solo album "Music For Bus Stops" (2002)
Milly's Cafe - Fred Eaglesmith When it comes to Fred Eaglesmith, two things are for sure - every album is different from the last, and every song is great. 'Milly's Cafe' is no exception. This album is imbued with gritty realism, loneliness and a weariness that only years spent travelling can bring to a writer. The characters in Fred's songs live on the dusty edges of time and place, travelling, longing and wondering. The music on 'Milly's Cafe' harks back to the high lonesome harmonies of Fred's early 'black and white' albums and evokes the hard-edged honky tonk sounds of 'Falling Stars and Broken Hearts'. But this time it's Fred's current road band, with a few guests. The sound is raw, the beat is languid, the arrangements sparse, and Willie P. Bennett's harmonica tears at the heart. This is bare bones country music but it's not pretty. If you're new to Fred Eaglesmith have a listen to the audio samples at the link below. Better still, check out his touring schedule and go hear him live. He's a brilliant entertainer, as well as a road warrior, comedian, enlightened Canadian, superb songwriter and an inspiring human being.
'MILLY'S CAFE' TRACKLIST: 18 Wheels Kansas Summer Is Over Thinkin bout her Rocky Milly's Cafe Tired Mrs Hank Williams Sign On The Wall The Rains Reckless Price: $17.00 (inc.tax & card fees) To hear music samples, or to buy 'Milly's Cafe'... ------------------------------ Reckless Records has most of Fred's CDs in store. THE OFFICIAL BOOTLEG SERIES VOL 1. (double live CD solo) THE OFFICIAL BOOTLEG SERIES VOL 2. (double live CD with band) BALIN FALLING STARS AND BROKEN HEARTS RALPH'S LAST SHOW (double live CD) LIPSTICK, LIES AND GASOLINE 50 ODD DOLLARS DRIVE-IN MOVIE THINGS IS CHANGIN' FRED J. EAGLESMITH INDIANA ROAD THE BOY THAT JUST WENT WRONG Enjoy the music! Audrey Auld Mezera Reckless Records ------------------- email: mail@recklessrecords.com USA phone: 415.847.9847 USA fax: 415.868.0278 web: http://recklessrecords.com To order please use our secure online shopping cart. Or you may phone or fax your order. Shipping costs are additional.
Hi Helen, This month we're celebrating the birthdays of Mez, Aileen from KPIG and Jill Blair in NZ, plus the Freight & Salvage on the 16th, with a great line-up of artists including Phil Marsh, David Jacobs-Strain, Annie Johnston and more. We're also looking forward to some great shows at the Larkspur Cafe Theatre and Live Oak Music Festival. Most of all we're rejoicing the return of our puppy Cora, who after 3 days lost on Mt Tamalpais battling rattle-snakes, mountain lions, coyotes and rogue scientists returned home, tired, hungry and intact. Read on... AUDREY AULD MEZERA TOUR DATES BREAD AND ROSES - DONUTS AND SONG LIVE OAK MUSIC FESTIVAL FAR WEST MUSIC FEST BILL CHAMBERS TOUR DATES
Nina Gerber and I had an amazing show at Harrison House, a center for Homeless folks in Berkeley. It can be daunting for a performer when faced with people living in extreme situations (and a pile of donuts on the table). These are not passionate fans paying to hear music, but people who struggle each day to acquire what many of us take for granted. It makes me think twice before declaring I'm having a bad day. The report from the Bread and Roses host, Gary Flatow is shown below. I think we all felt uplifted after the show. It's truly warm and fuzzy to connect, laugh and talk with folks we might otherwise ignore on the street, or not even encounter on our comfortable paths through life. Show Report: Audrey Auld Mezera and Nina Gerber at Harrison House Host: Gary Flatow Venue: Harrison House May 28, 2006, 7:00 PM It didn't look promising. Out front, the old man sat puffing on his cigarette beneath the No Smoking sign. Inside was a room of tables, with a couple of people still eating at them, and a cart piled with dirty dishes at the front of the room. In the rec room next door, a TV blasted the screams of a gory horror movie to a handful of mesmerized viewers. I asked the guy at the front desk where I should set up for the performers. "Right there, by the dirty dishes," he told me. But Audrey Auld Mezera brings sunshine with her. We set up the equipment, the residents moved the tables and brought out the chairs, and the supervisor shut the TV off without a riot ensuing. Audrey brought the fabulous guitarist Nina Gerber with her as accompaniest. Their opening song received a round of applause whose enthusiasm belied the sparsity of the audience. When Audrey followed that with a song about performers who had succumbed to alcohol and pills, there were lots of nodding heads, and everyone was hooked. Despite their down-and-out appearance, this was one of the most engaged audiences I've hosted. Lots of folks call Audrey a country-western singer, but if so, she's a TASMANIAN country-western singer, which is a different species from the American version, and probably one of a kind. As the show went on, Audrey appeared to be having a great time, smiling and laughing throughout her humorous songs, such as I'd Leave Me Too and Self-Help Helped Me ("I'm trying to find myself, but I don't know where to look.") How can you not love someone who writes lyrics such as: "Darling you have a drinking problem--it's me" "You can shove it, 'cause I don't love it" "Darling I don't blame you, 'cause I'd leave me too" Nina dazzled with nifty picking, slide guitar, and lots of whimsy. They ended their set with Audrey belting out "Jellyroll" and Nina pulling out all the stops. Several residents asked her back, one came up to me to thank Bread and Roses and shake my hand, and we made our way out as the fire engines pulled up. Photos by Peter Merts from Audrey and Nina's show...
Read all about it... :: Audrey Auld Mezera & Nina Gerber :: Audrey Auld Mezera - Bhodi Stone Artwork :: Audrey's New Merchandise! :: KRCB Pledge Drive! Audrey's New Merchandise!
T-shirts and Caps Audrey has a great new range of Hanes and Bella 100% cotton T-shirts, 3/4 sleeve shirts and ball caps. These will be on display at Cuisine on the Green, and will soon be added to the
Merchandise page on the RecklessRecords.com site. Audrey Auld Mezera - Bhodi Stone Artwork Exhibition at Cuisine on the Green, 5/13, Stinson Beach Audrey will be exhibiting her 'Bhodi Stones' for the first time at Cuisine on the Green at Stinson Beach this Saturday. Bhodi Stones are painted concrete sculptures cast by David Jaarp of Bolina from Burmese
wood carvings depicting Buddha and other sacred images. They are beautiful and durable suitable for indoor or outdoor decor. KRCB Pledge Drive! Audrey live in studio 5/10, 8pm On Wednesday night, May 10 KRCB will be broadcasting LIVE from Studio J!! First up: Audrey Auld Mezera will perform. Audrey is back from Merlefest in North Carolina where
she won top honors in the best country song contest for her tremendous composition, "Losing Faith". Next: Joni Davis will perform some original songs at our Grand Piano. Joni's star is on the rise;
she is getting rave reviews and turning heads every time she performs. Then: Dave Gleason and Mike Therieau (aka Dos Hermanos Borrachos) will perform an acoustic set.
Dave and Mike are members of the fabulous band, Wasted Days... Last: Pandacide recording artists and indie-rock sensations The Polar Bears will close things
out with a rocking set of music. The public is invited to attend, space is limited, but we will do our best to fit everyone in our studio. Our motivation is to encourage $upport for your local public radio station KRCB-FM, so get
your wallets ready! Basic membership is CHEAP! and public radio can not exist without listener support.
So join the party! Remember that you can listen and pledge online from anywhere in the world. Thanks, Doug & Richard Doug Jayne & Richard Gossett Program Hosts / Connections KRCB Radio 90.9 & 91.1 FM 5850 Labath Ave. Rohnert Park, CA 94928 707-584 -2020 phone (operators are standing by) 707-575-4042 fax Audrey wins the MerleFest USA . "country music" category in the songwriting contest, Megan Laurie came in second. Click here Photos and more info
Audrey Auld Mezera won the Chris Austin Song Contest at Merlefest in the Country category with "Losing Faith", taken from her 2003 album of the same name. Sarah Lee Guthrie, Jason Harrod, Dave Wilson (Chatham County Line), and Holly Lowman (Sugarhill Records) judged the finals of the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest, which attracted a record 1172 entries, 18 more than 2005. The judges say they liked Mezera's use of imagery in her lyrics and her energy. Prizes included an acoustic Gibson Epiphone guitar, cash, D'Addario guitar strings and the opportunity to sing the song on the Cabin Stage (beside the main stage) on Friday night after Bob Weir's show. Rich Brotherton (Robert Earl Keen band) accompanied Audrey on guitar. Merlefest in North Carolina, attracts over 80,000 people and offers a stellar line-up of Americana, Bluegrass, Country, Folk and Acoustic music.
Hi music lover! Reckless Records is proud to announce the release of a new live 2-Cd set "In The House" by Audrey Auld Mezera & Nina Gerber. Audrey Auld Mezera is an Australian singer/songwriter in the ‘Americ-kinda’ style. After marrying and relocating to California it was only a matter of time before she crossed paths with one of the greatest accompanists in the world, Nina Gerber. The magic created by the two was evident from the start and after hearing the recording of their second show together they realized they had something special. ‘In The House’ a live double CD is the result. “’In The House’ is a document of pure fluidity. She writes and sings songs with a worldly truth... She not only sounds like she grew up on Music Row in Nashville, but she writes the kinds of songs that built Music Row in the first place. Second to Mezera’s songwriting is her expressionistic phrasing, something that Lucinda Williams and Patty Griffin share. When she sings that “you’d leave me stra-a-nded” it feels as if her entire body were supported by tiny twigs, each slowly starting to crack. When this delicacy is augmented by Gerber’s sprawling atmosphere of arpeggios, absolute chemistry is at play.” Gabe Meline, North Bay Bohemian "The chemistry between the two women was electrifying. Nina played a variety of acoustic and electric styles, “stretching out,” even for her, complementing every nuance in Audrey's songs. Coupled with Audrey’s fabulous songwriting, glowing smiles, gorgeous voice and giggles, the night was nothing short of magical. I know the sold-out crowd was as blown away as I was." ~ Laurie Schaeffer, Schaef-Abel Productions www.northbaylive.com To order, use this link: http://recklessrecords.com/aa_music.html Includes previously unreleased tracks and a guest appearance from Nina's brother, Scott Gerber. Disc One 1. TALK - INTRO 2. ALCOHOL AND PILLS 3.TALK - LAST STOP SOUTH POLE 4.MOUNTAIN HOME 5.TALK - AUDREY MEETING NINA 6.I'D LEAVE ME TOO 7.TALK - AUSSIE LOVE SONG 8.SHOVE IT 9.TALK - MEN ARE IMPERFECT 10.LOSING FAITH 11.YOUR EYES 12.TALK - NINA 13.I KNOW YOU BY HEART (Nina - Instrumental) 14.TALK - SOUVENIR OF FINLANDIA 15.DRINKING PROBLEM 16.TALK - A HUSBAND THAT'S MINE 17.LOVE YOU LIKE THE EARTH 18.BLACK CLOUD 19.TALK - ONLY HERE FOR THE SOUP 20.JELLYROLL 21.TALK - LIVE DANGEROUSLY 22.HOLE IN MY LIFE 23.TALK - SMOKE, TOKE, TINKLE 24.SONG FOR CLAX Disc Two 1.TALK - PEACE PROCESS 2.IMAGINE (Nina - Instrumental) 3.TALK - MARY GAUTHIER 4.KARLA FAYE 5.TALK - HANK WILLIAMS BUTTON 6.BALL AND CHAIN 7.TALK - MORE INK THAN PINK 8.MY FATHER 9.TALK - GET-A -BONG BEACH 10.SELF-HELP HELPED ME 11.TALK - KEITH ALLEN 12.DEEP WATER (Nina - Instrumental) 13.TALK - JEWISH SINGING COWBOY 14.I STILL MISS SOMEONE (with Scott Gerber) 15.NEXT BIG NOTHING 16.TALK - THANKS 17.ONE EYE 18.HALF A WORLD AWAY 19.TALK - PATTY GRIFFIN 20.MARY
RecklessRecords.com music with the dirt left on Audrey Auld Mezera * Bill Chambers * Fred Eaglesmith * Sam Baker * The Yearlings PO Box 973 Stinson Beach Ca. 94970 USA
Audrey Auld Mezera is a finalist in the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest, with the song "Losing Faith" from her 2003 album of the same name. Friday April 28th at MerleFest brings the finals of the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest on the Chris Austin Stage. By the time three finalists in each of the four categories of songs perform their compositions here, they have been selected from among hundreds of submissions. A panel of Nashville music industry professionals, assembled by 2006 Chris Austin Songwriting Contest chairperson Jim Lauderdale, will again this year evaluate taped entries to pick the dozen finalists. A then unknown Gillian Welch was one of the winners of the initial Chris Austin Songwriting Contest at MerleFest in 1993. Recent winners have included Tift Merritt, Michael Reno Harrell, Adrienne Young, Martha Scanlan, David Via, and Johnny Williams. Steve Fishell, Caroline Herring, Hayes Carll, and Darrell Scott judged the finals of the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest, which attracted a record 1154 entries, 250 more than 2004. RecklessRecords.com music with the dirt left on PO Box 973 Stinson Beach
AUDREY'S RECKLESS NEWS - MARCH '06 * BILL CHAMBERS' NEW ALBUM 'FROZEN GROUND' * FRED EAGLESMITH - IS IT HOT IN HERE OR IS IT JUST MY CAREER? * AUDREY AULD MEZERA - INTERVIEW ON MELBOURNE RADIO * SAM BAKER - 'MERCY' RECEIVES RAVE REVIEWS! * GIG GUIDES - AUDREY, BILL, SAM * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * BILL CHAMBERS' NEW ALBUM 'FROZEN GROUND' Bill Chambers had his Sydney album launch this week, for 'Frozen Ground', the much anticipated 2nd solo album. Reports are it was a wonderful evening. Bill was joined by Kevin Bennett from The Flood, and John McEwan of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band made a surprise guest appearance. McEwan's in Sydney for a while performing in a play about John Lennon. 'Frozen Ground' is getting very positive reviews in Australia. Bill was the featured guest on John Nutting's Saturday Night Country show on ABC Radio last week. I was delighted to chat with Bill and John on-air. It's always good to hear Australian accents again! I don't think I've lost mine yet! For U.S. and European readers, we will have import copies of 'Frozen Ground' so please let us know if you'd like to reserve a copy. (Sorry, no promos!) * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * FRED EAGLESMITH - IS IT HOT IN HERE OR IS IT JUST MY CAREER? (story by Greg Quill) Canadian roots music star and painter Fred Eaglesmith narrowly escaped death Monday night when a fire destroyed his recording and art studio, a converted bait and tackle shop on Port Dover's harbour pier. The singer-songwriter returned Sunday from a tour and was asleep above the studio, where he had been recording a new CD, Milly's Café, with his band, The Flying Squirrels. "Fortunately we had just shipped off the masters to be manufactured, so the work wasn't lost," Eaglesmith told the Star. "I got smoked, but it's no big deal. I was in hospital for 20 minutes. I still have my hands and no one got hurt. Worse things have happened to me." The studio, along with expensive vintage recording equipment, amplifiers, microphones, instruments and original works of art, was gutted in the blaze. Port Dover fire officials are investigating the cause which is believed to be an electrical fault "I woke up about 8:30 and smelled smoke," said the singer, who tried to pour water on the fire. "I thought the whole building would go, so I got out onto the roof and started yelling." When local firefighters arrived, they asked him what he would like saved. "These guys all knew me, and they went over the top to pull out some of my most valuable old guitars and some of my paintings," he said. Eaglesmith, a Buddhist, is taking the loss of his other things philosophically. "It's a reminder that I don't need all this crap. The Buddhist way allows 17 possessions — I had too many." * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * AUDREY AULD MEZERA - INTERVIEW ON MELBOURNE RADIO * Melbourne Radio 3SER 97.7fm will be airing a recent interview with Audrey Auld Mezera on the 14th March at 10.00pm. U.S. insomniacs can listen online at www.3ser.org.au . * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * SAM BAKER - 'MERCY' RECEIVES RAVE REVIEWS! Sam Baker's 'Mercy' has had a wonderful reception from the media. "The best writing I've come across since Mary Gauthier. Mercy is one of my favorite albums of the last five years." Gurf Morlix "I'm absolutely blown away. Sam is an incredible writer. I can see the songs, feel them and almost taste them. Whew, his words hit me on every level." Laurie Schaeffer, Schaef-Abel Productions "'Mercy' is fantastic and all tracks will be given airplay. Had a great response to the track I put to air today." Colin Fielding, Folk and Roots, 3INR (96.5 inner fm), Victoria "a masterpiece" Remo Ricaldone, Italy www.lonestartime.com "Austin singer-songwriter, Sam Baker, got his body blown apart in Peru when a bomb went off on a train. Senseless violence, but Baker chose to make blessings of his wounds. Eighteen surgeries later, Sam had to switch to playing guitar left-handed because of damages. His singing is about as honest as it gets. Mercy works as a suite, simple and complex, offering rich details which activate the imagination. This is a folk album, but don't be fooled by category; there's a genius at work here. Townes Van Zandt would've loved these songs, might've tried to win them in a card game. But Baker's no gambler. These songs are his art. It's been a while since a record sent such a short right hand to my heart, and that was before I read Baker's bio". Doug Lang, freighttrainboogie.com Check out this link for a great story on Sam Baker : http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ent/3648423.html To buy 'Mercy' : http://recklessrecords.com/sb_music.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * That's all music fans! Audrey x RecklessRecords.com music with the dirt left on PO Box 973 Stinson Beach Ca. 94970 USA
AUDREY'S RECKLESS NEWS - FEBRUARY '06 * 'I'D LEAVE ME TOO' VIDEO ADDED TO RECKLESS SITE * BREAD AND ROSES * SAM BAKER * "NEXT BIG NOTHING" BY SUNNY SWEENEY * VILLAGE RECORDS - CATHERINE BRITT * VOTE FOR FRED! IN THE INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION (AND KATIE BRIANNA) * HUCKLEBERRY SWEDE - TAMWORTH FESTIVAL BUZZ! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 'I'D LEAVE ME TOO' VIDEO ADDED TO SITE The 2000 debut video clip by Cori Hopper of "I'd Leave Me Too" can now be viewed on the RecklessRecords.com site. It was made by Cori and Worm, starring Mick Albeck as the forsaker, ("and the Phony Award goes to Aud.....") It was filmed in Woy Woy and at my home at Woy Woy Bay, New South Wales. The last shot was hilarious as Mick had never rowed a boat before and the sun was quickly setting and we all stood on the jetty screaming directions to him, "go right, go right.... no, go left, go left!" Looking every bit the zero budget piece it was ($11.50 for the flowers) we were surprised and delighted when it won several local film festival awards. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * BREAD AND ROSES My first show for Bread and Roses at a Women's Rehab center went very well. I was moved when I received this glowing report... "... The range of her songs and the beauty of her voice transformed the facility immediately. Several of the women were moved to tears and others laughed knowingly... the show bonded us somehow and we were unafraid in Audrey's real and safe company. In recent months I've been wondering about the efficacy of art, what it can really do to change, or at least influence society. Last night's show answered my questions. Audrey's music addressed difficult parts of being alive, of loving, of making a life work out. It helped us see that we are not alone in these struggles and it filled us with a recognition of one another. I was honored to be at this show." D. Lomax * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * SAM BAKER - 'MERCY' Sam Baker's wonderful Cd, 'Mercy' goes out to media this month, so listen up! This is one of my all-time favorite CD's. Every home should have one! "The best writing I've come across since Mary Gauthier. ‘Mercy’ is one of my favorite albums of the last five years." GURF MORLIX * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * "NEXT BIG NOTHING" BY SUNNY SWEENEY I was delighted to learn that Texan sweetheart, Sunny Sweeney has recorded my song "Next Big Nothing". She makes it sound just like it should! The album is called "Heartbreaker's Hall of Fame" and will be available in early March. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * VILLAGE RECORDS - CATHERINE BRITT There are a few Catherine Britt fans on this list who'd be interested to know that Village Records have stock of her Nashville album. It was produced by Keith Stegall and Bill Chambers a few years back and RCA have delayed a U.S. release, but ABC in Australia have released it there, so it's an import to the U.S! New fans really should check out her first album, on ABC in Australia. And while you're ordering from Village, get 'Begonias' by Caitlin Cary and Thad Cockrell. Wonderful country duets - great songs and singing. It's on regular rotation in my 6 CD changer in my NEW CAR!!!! Order from bill@villagerecords.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * VOTE FOR FRED! IN THE INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION Fred Eaglesmith's great song 'ACOHOL AND PILLS' is eligible for the People's Voice - an online voting contest that allows the public to listen to all the finalists' songs and vote for their favourite. People's Voice is separate from, and in addition to, the winners selected by ISC's panel of judges. Be sure to tell all your friends, family, and fans, so that they can vote for Fred’s song too. Voting will take place from February 1 through February 28, 2006. Start voting now at http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/pvwelcome_2005.htm An Australian singer songwriter has a nomination in the Teen category of the same competition - 17 year old, Katie Brianna with her song, "The Devil Came Back For You". Bill Chambers recently produced a 4 song CD for Katie and it's great. If you like Iris Dement, Kasey Chambers and Catherine Britt, you'll like Katie as their influence is apparent. http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/winners.htm * * * * * * * * * HUCKLEBERRY SWEDES - TAMWORTH FESTIVAL BUZZ! Bill Chambers tells me that the South Australian band Huckleberry Swedes were the buzz of the Tamworth country music festival. He and I agree their EP is awesome and their sound is unique. But Bill said to hear them live was even better. So keep an ear out for them as they're working on an album. www.huckleberryswedes.com That's all music fans! Audrey x RecklessRecords.com music with the dirt left on PO Box 973 Stinson Beach Ca. 94970 USA
AUDREY'S RECKLESS NEWS - JANUARY '06 * BRAGGING - BEST OF 2005 * THE NEW YEAR - FIRE AND FLOOD * TAMWORTH COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL - BILL CHAMBERS' ALBUM LAUNCH * GIG GUIDE * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * BRAGGING - BEST OF 2005 * Best Female Artist - FAR REPORTERS # 5 Audrey Auld Mezera * Best Female Artist - David John, Radio KTRU Houston & KEOS College Station, Texas # 2 Audrey Auld Mezera * Top Albums - Michael Van Bruggen, Radio 105.7 Landslide, Netherlands # 1 - Audrey Auld Mezera: Texas (Reckless Records) * Top 20 Best Albums - Thomas Kaldijk, Radio Parkstad, Holland #8 - Audrey Auld Mezera: Texas * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * THE NEW YEAR - FIRE AND FLOOD While most of you were wooping it up on New Year's Eve, drinking and smoking and vowing never to do it again (... tomorrow), many folks in California were dealing with too much water too soon, while in Australia the hottest day was recorded and bushfires prevailed. Here in Stinson, our little house couldn't keep out the murky brown waters. Fortunately the tide receded and our indoor swimming pool was temporary but the wind and rains continued, taking out power for two days. Waves were running down our street and it was only the shoreline houses that held back the ocean. We canoed along our street, the dogs learnt to swim and midnight was celebrated in a pitch black town with candles and a lone trumpet. Down Under same day, Bill Chambers' home was surrounded by fire but survived, though several homes and cars in the area were lost, and the only access to the area was via boat into the bay. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * TAMWORTH COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL - BILL CHAMBERS' ALBUM LAUNCH I'm sad to say I won't be at the festival this year. It's rare that I miss this wonderful week of music and catching up with friends and musicians from all over the country. It's one of the largest music festivals in the world, and takes over the whole town of Tamworth, located about 5 hours north west of Sydney. The weather is hot and every venue, main street and open space is devoted to music. Starting on Jan 20th till 29th, the festival is one big party, culminating in the Gold Guitar Awards on Saturday night. I'd recommend any traveller visiting Australia at that time to check it out (but finding accommodation is tough). For those lucky ones attending the festival be sure to catch Bill Chambers' 'Frozen Ground' album launch Scully Room, Southgate Inn on Wednesday Jan 25th at 8pm. Advance ticket purchase would be advised. Bill also plays most afternoons at The Pub featuring guest artists. This year guests include the Lost Dogs (Kasey Chambers and her new hubby Shane Nicholson), Trev Warner and Kevin Bennett. It's a free show and always a packed house. Check out The Pub's website for ticket bookings and show schedules www.thepub.com.au/html/festival_2006.html Bill's other shows include: Royal Hotel, Bungendore, Friday Feb 3rd 8.30pm Port Fairy Folk Festival, Victoria on March 11 & 12th. Check the recklessrecords.com site for updates. Happy New Year to you all. Let's pray the earth and it's occupants find some balance, love Audrey x * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * RECKLESS NEWS - DECEMBER '05 * NEW RECKLESS TITLES * NINA GERBER * BREAD & ROSES * HAPPY XMAS - FREE SONG DOWNLOAD * GIG GUIDE * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * NEW RECKLESS TITLES We've added some new titles to the Reckless superstore. 'Fred Eaglesmith Bootleg Series : Volume 2' This is one for the Fredheads. A double CD recorded live at Gruene Hall, Texas in '04 with his mighty band. 36 tracks all up! US$26.00 Sam Baker's debut CD is a masterpiece of writing, production and performance. This classic work reveals its beauty more and more, with each subsequent play. 'Mercy' is a collection of stories of people and places made real by detail, believable because of their imperfection and memorable for their universal human experiences. Produced by Walt Wilkins and Tim Lorsch, each song is supported and enhanced by sensitive production. The strings, the haunting steel guitar and the beautiful voices of Joy Lynn White and Jessi Colter combined with Sam Baker's spoken/sung gravelly voice make music that shimmers like an orchestra yet retains the earthiness of Baker's Texas roots. US$13.00 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * NINA GERBER I was delighted to play two shows with the great Nina Gerber. The first was in my (new) home-town of Stinson Beach and the second was in Nina's home-town of Sebastopol. Both shows were an overwhelming success. A big THANK YOU to everyone who sent us such wonderful feedback. We've decided to release the Sebastopol show on CD, and will keep you posted about when it's available. Nina Gerber is famous in California for her sensitive guitar work, and she can chicken-pick a Tele with the best of them! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * BREAD & ROSES - Live Art delivered fresh daily! The Bread and Roses organisation was formed in 1974 by Mima Farina, Joan Baez's sister, in California. Its aim is to provide entertainment for people living in institutions - convalescent homes and senior centers, drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers, special needs schools and centers for the developmentally disabled, mental health facilities, AIDS hospices, detention facilities, hospitals, and homeless shelters. I'm looking forward to playing my first show for this wonderful organization in January. Check out www.breadandroses.org for more information. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * HAPPY XMAS - FREE SONG DOWNLOAD Xmas is a time to 'show the love' so I'd like to give you all a song for Xmas. You know I'd come and sing it to you personally...... but the next best thing is to go to recklessrecords.com and download 'Half A World Away', a new song inspired by living in the Northern hemisphere (with Nina Gerber on guitar). You know, for the first time in my life my ability to differentiate between left and right is totally screwed up. I blame this new hemisphere for that! So, happy Xmas, may all your dreams come true and every day be filled with good love, good music and good food. Thanks for showing up to shows, sending us your messages, enjoying our music and digging 'music with the skunk left on'! Whether you’re a star in a long black car or a songwriter on an all-nighter, it all comes down to the music - the beautiful connection of art, science and maths creating a transcendent moment for whomever is tuned in. love Audrey x * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
CLICK HERE AN INTERVIEW / REVIEW WITH KEVIN, KIERAN AND FATS, AND REVIEWS OF THE LATEST RECORDS BY AUDREY AULD, ANNE McCUE, AND BLACKIE AND THE RODEO KINGS. http://www.rockzilla.net/welcome.shtml
RECKLESS NEWS - OCTOBER '05 * 'TEXAS' RECEIVES ARIA NOMINATION FOR 'BEST COUNTRY ALBUM' * AUDREY'S EUROPEAN TOUR NEWS My first European tour was good fun and a great success. I'm not sure what we enjoyed more - the shows, the cheeses (the bluer the better!), the whisk(e)y or the vodka! For 35 days Mez and I travelled through France, Netherlands, England, Scotland, Ireland and Finland encountering a different culture, language and audience in each country. An invitation from the Dam Country Festival in France prompted the tour. Each year they feature an Australian artist, and this year I was the lucky one. The festival is in the Normandie region, near Rouen but in the country, based around an old Chateau. The setting is beautiful and there's a huge enthusiastic turnout. The festival focuses on American culture - the music is mainly 50's style rock 'n' roll and rock 'n' country performed by European artists. The stalls sell all kinds of American Cowboy and Indian costumes, jewellery, accessories, etc, horse displays feature the American flag and anthem, and many of the attendees dress in very stylish and immaculate costumes from early Pioneer (a la 'Little House on the Prairie') through Confederate outfits to Hollywood Cowboy. I believe it's more an aesthetic appreciation of America, than a political endorsement. I was initially very shy about speaking French to anyone, let alone from the stage, but it became quite fun as my High School French returned. I played with a wonderful band from Paris, called Station. Another Aussie girl, Sally-Ann Whitten was also at the festival, and joined me on-stage for 'Waltzing Matilda' which was a special request from the organisers. I found the people in Paris and in the country areas very warm and friendly, not at all arrogant or stand-offish. The shows in the Netherlands were fantastic. We travelled all over the countryside, with guitar player BJ Baartmans as accompanist. The hospitality shown to us was generous and gracious, and the audiences were most respectful and appreciative. I enjoyed meeting face-to-face people I've known via email for several years. Many Dutch people are passionate music fans. They are very serious throughout a song, and show great enthusiasm at the end. Sandra and Luciano from www.luckydice.nl do a great job of bringing good roots and country music to the Netherlands. Amsterdam is a wonderful city and a great example of how well people can live together peacefully in small spaces. We learnt pretty quickly that the bicycles rule, and that the cyclists know how to dodge stupid rubber-neckers who wander into their lanes! Coming from the USA - land of big cars, wide-open spaces, "personal space" assertion and strip-malls, it was great to walk in a city that's relatively free of cars, litter, franchises and people who go nuts if you 'violate their space'. Too many parties and too many pals lead to a severe throat infection and a gig in Worcester, England where I sounded like the child of Tom Waits and Joe Cocker (generous description), but I still got an encore so they must have been really drunk! I was anxious to go to England as my mother is from London and my brother lives there now. It's way too crowded for my taste, but to walk where my mother walked as a child was very meaningful. We wandered into Trafalgar Square and were caught up in the emotion of a huge crowd celebrating the English cricket team winning the Ashes back from Australia (for the first time in 16 years). I played a couple of shows with a really good bluegrass band, Chatham County Line from North Carolina. High lonesome and powering. www.chathamcountyline.com I realised how 'English' the Australian culture is, since living in the U.S. and visiting England. It made me homesick for Australia. I realised too how much Australians are to be exposed to an equal mix of English and American music. Whilst in England it was refreshing to hear that distinctly British sound that's so familiar to me, but absent these American days. Scotland is a beautiful country, but where are all the people hiding? With only a few days there we spent no time in Edinburgh, just keen to get lost in highland mists. Europeans have finessed the art of the small car, so we hired a Chevy Handbag and were amazed as 6'3" and me and guitar and cases all fitted in this midget automobile ("Excuse me, would you get out while I change gears, please?") Most amazing encounter on this tour? At the Shindown Festival at Invershin in far North Scotland, meeting Aura from Planet Woman, a great N.Z./Scottish band ( www.planetwoman.net ) . She's a beautiful Maori singer I met in Sydney many years ago. Whilst in Scotland I received a phone call from Vital who license 'Texas' in Australia, telling me I've received an ARIA nomination for Best Country Album. Great news!! It's cool when a self-funded album goes up against 3 big budget major label productions (Keith Urban, Paul Kelly, Adam Harvey and Sara Storer). ARIA is the Australian Recording Industry Assn, the Australian equivalent of the Grammys. Yes, haggis is really good (everything but the baaaaaa!) And what do I remember of Cork, Ireland? That Scottish Whiskey tastes just as good in Ireland, and an Irish Whisky distillery tour is a good hair of the dog. I was honoured to join the Lee Valley String Band for a few songs at the Cornerhouse pub in Cork. They've been playing together for 35 years and rarely invite anyone to play. It's a joy to hear music flowing so freely from people, whether from the pubs or singing along at a show. Kevin Gill (from the Lee Valley String Band) and his son accompanied me at the Triskell Theatre. Our final week of the tour was spent in Finland. There's an avid roots/country scene in Helsinki, and one of the best music stores I've seen is Fennica Records. When Kasey Chambers played in Sweden earlier this year Ninni and Mika from the band Hoedown journeyed from Helsinki to hear her play. They met Bill and Kasey and became friends. Ninni Poijarvi, a beautiful singer, fiddle and accordion player, and her partner Mika (KKane), also a singer/songwriter, both record solo albums as well as backing well-known Finnish artists with their band Hoedown. To hear Ninni sing in Finnish showed me that one doesn't need to understand a language to feel the soul of a song. www.ninnipoijarvi.com My shows with Hoedown were great. Fortunately, like the Netherlands, many people speak and understand English. Again, the respect and appreciation displayed was wonderful. We made some lovely friends in Finland. Helsinki is quite an austere city, but autumn was turning the birch trees golden, red and orange like a perfect postcard. It's the land of 60,000 lakes and twice as many saunas, so everyone is soft and clean! The smoked-salmon is the best in the world, but I couldn't bring myself to eat Bear or Reindeer. No wonder Santa uses Fedex these days... all the Russians ate Rudolph, Donna and Blixen! Thanks so much to Bob McCartney of Accor Hotels, Lucky Dice, Sean Kelly, BJ Baartmans, Roland Lanzarone, Ninni and Mika, Rob Ellen, Fred Auld, Robyn Skinner, Sheila O'Donnell and all the wonderful musicians, hosts and promoters for helping create great moments and memories. I look forward to seeing you in future days, Audrey
"SILENT is an anagram of LISTEN" - Bar Mary, Porvoo, Finland.
“MUSIC WITH THE DIRT LEFT ON” IN ARIA COUNTDOWN “If I were American, I’d be Texan. In Texas the air is as balmy as a Sydney summer, the people are as friendly as Tasmanians, and like Melbourne, the music community embraces everyone regardless of genre or origin” – Audrey Auld Mezera. Fledgling label, Vital Entertainment, were delighted to learn that Audrey Auld Mezera’s album “Texas” has been short listed in the ARIA Top 5 Best Country Albums in the company of artists like Keith Urban and Paul Kelly. “It’s exciting to be nominated in the ARIA’s, it’s always great to receive recognition for the work we all put in” Mezera said. A tour of Texas in 2004 resulted in the recording of this live studio album, the first release from Audrey Auld Mezera since becoming a U.S. resident and adopting her married name. Recorded in Gabe Rhodes’ studio in Austin – it’s about people who have inspired the songs, Woody Guthrie, Harlan Howard, Billy Joe Shaver and the Dead Ringer Band – music with the dirt left on! Now based in the U.S., Audrey is currently in Europe on a tour which includes England, France, Holland and Finland where she already has a legion of fans and great chart success. Audrey tours constantly and has shared the stage with Buddy Miller, Kim Ritchie, Jim Lauderdale, Fred Eaglesmith, Tom Russell, Kasey Chambers and Dale Watson to name a few. Audrey’s contemporary inspirations are Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle, Buddy Miller, Bill and Kasey Chambers, and Fred Eaglesmith – artists who defy genre and who set their own style whilst drawing on the roots and traditions of music. “Audrey Auld is one of my favourite songwriters. Not only does she have a way of telling it straight with passion, she’s totally fearless. She reminds me of Steve Earl. Scary! Audrey’s the real deal” – Bill Chambers. Hey y'all! Texas has been nominated in the ARIAs for BEST COUNTRY ALBUM. Woo hoo! Up against major label acts like Paul Kelly, Keith Urban, Sara Storer and Adam Harvey, so whitelight the situation and I'll make the trip home for it (October 23rd methinks) love Audrey x
ARIA AWARDS NOMINATION
BEST COUNTRY ALBUM
Adam Harvey - Can't Settle For Less (ABC Country)
Audrey Auld Mezera - Texas (Vital/Digeridoo)
Keith Urban - Be Here (Capitol/EMI)
Paul Kelly & the Stormwater Boys - Foggy Highway
Sara Storer - Firefly (ABC Country)

AUGUST 05 NEWS from RECKLESS RECORDS
Hi music lover!
We've had to change our Newsletter software, so if you receive this twice, or it's not specific to your area, or you'd rather opt out, please let us know.

* 'Love You Like The Earth' received an Honorable Mention songwriter's award - 2005 Mountain Stage NewSong Contest, presented by Performing Songwriter Magazine.

* I played a wonderful house concert recently in Pacific Grove, Ca. The host has posted a chat we recorded after the show. To listen paste this link:
http://treehouseconcerts.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=12300
Their website is : Treehouse concerts.org

* Praise the lard! The Pig is finally on the air in the Bay Area! Northern Californians will be happy to discover that the famous KPIG-FM, the irreverent radio station from Freedom, CA, (down near Santa Cruz), is now being simulcast in the Bay Area at 1510 AM on your radio dial. It's great to hear a full-time Americana station in the San Francisco area.

* I played 2 hilarious shows with the bluehouse, a trio of very funny women from Australia. It was great to hear Australian humor again, which has a character all its own. Special moment was when the girls broke into a spontaneous harmonized version of Sherbet's 'Howzat'. Would any Americans have heard that song from the '70s?
the bluehouse are still touring the US, so check them out at bluehouse.net

* I'm preparing for my first European tour, starting September 1st in The Netherlands, with shows in France, England, Scotland and Finland. More dates are being added. If you have any friends in these parts, please let them know my Tour Dates, and to come and say "hi". Dates are shown at the end of this message.

* August 17th is my first show in Toronto, Canada (Tranzac club) where I'll be joined by a few of Fred Eaglesmith's band members. Then on the weekend we all head to Fred's annual charity picnic.
The line-up is great including Sam Baker, Willie P. Bennett, Slaid Cleaves, Roger Marin, Washboard Hank and Gurf Morlix (to name a few!). Visit www.fredjeaglesmith.com/picnic/index.html for all the info.
* Bill Chambers is currently touring the U.S. with Kasey and her band. The Greencards are opening the shows, so it's a thoroughly Australian (therefore, thoroughly excellent) affair! At the Newport Folk Festival they shared a stage with Buddy Miller, Elvis Costello and Gillian Welch. Bill's been busy producing recordings for Sandra Humphries, Leanne Rose, and The Lees will be working with Bill on a new album later this year. When Bill returns home from the U.S. he has some really cool shows lined up in September. JUNE '05 NEWS from RECKLESS RECORD * NEW RECKLESS RECORDS.COM WEBSITE * BILL CHAMBERS NEWS & GIG GUIDE * AUDREY AULD NEWS & MEZERA GIG GUIDE * NEW RECKLESS RECORDS.COM WEBSITE Photographer and painter, Eric Jones of San Francisco has totally recreated our RecklessRecords.com website and it looks very flash! It includes lyrics, audio samples of all albums from Audrey Auld Mezera, Bill Chambers, The Yearlings (including their new album), The Lees, and most of Fred Eaglesmith's titles. You can also see videos from Bill and Audrey, plus there's a very easy-to-use shopping cart. Check it out and let us know what you think. Click here for Bill Chambers News
* AUDREY AULD NEWS The song "Next Big Nothing" was played on the Big Brother TV show in Australia recently. 'Texas' continues to receive airplay worldwide, appearing on Americana airplay charts in the US and Europe. I toured with Fred Eaglesmith and his band the Flying Squirrels for 2 weeks, down the west coast of America, and into Vegas and Denver. It was great fun to travel with Fred, especially on his lovely old bus (from the '70s) and with his wonderful band. I joined the Flying Squirrels Review to open the shows each night, and sang a couple of songs with Fred. It's a powerful feeling to sing with both Willie P. Bennett and Fred. When Willie took a solo I could feel an amazing energy. He's a most inspired player. Apart from the back wheels almost falling off, oh and the brakes failing as we hurtled down the hill into Denver, it was a very happy time! Willie calls the bus "the travelling monastery", and I think we all discovered the meaning of Zen as we entered Denver. In the brief time that Fred spends at home he's been painting pictures and they're really good! You can check them out at www.fredeaglesmith.com Roger Marin (pedal steel/guitar) is forging a solo career and will be touring on a shared billing with Hayes Carll in the future. I was delighted to discover fans in towns I hadn't played before. In a town that seems all about sequins and cabaret it was good to meet the Acoustic Routes crew, who host acoustic music in Vegas ( www.acousticroutes.com ). I hope to see you at a show down the road, Audrey x
MAY
* VOTE FOR AUDREY! * THANK YOU, PAL O' MINE! * HELLO 'MUSIC NETWORK' MAGAZINE; GOODBYE 'COUNTRY UPDATE' * AUDREY AULD MEZERA - MAY/JUNE TOUR DATES *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   * * CAST YOUR VOTE! AUDREY NOMINATED - NORTH BAY BEST AMERICANA/COUNTRY ARTIST I've been nominated for a North Bay Best Americana/Country award by the Bohemian newspaper (a Californian publication). If you'd like to cast your vote please do so by May 10th at the following site: http://www.surveymonkey.com/Users/99243145/Surveys/860661037763/EEEADB0B-DB71-40DA-988D-FCBE5DA0FAA6.asp?U=860661037763&DO_NOT_COPY_THIS_LINK. *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   * * THANK YOU, PAL O' MINE! A big THANK YOU!! goes out to everyone who has submitted comments and reviews of our albums to CD Baby and Amazon. In the absence of big buck promo budgets, it's very cool to draw on 'Pal Power' and receive such great support! *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   * * HELLO 'MUSIC NETWORK MAGAZINE'; GOODBYE 'COUNTRY UPDATE' MAGAZINE I'm excited to be contributing a column on Americana, Roots and Country music in the Australian radio/industry bible, Music Network magazine - www.themusicnetwork.com.au It's wonderful to see Americana and Roots music becoming part of the mainstream radio consciousness in Australia. Dare we dream of John Prine's "Fair and Square" at #1 on the Top 40?!! Kym Cheshire will be taking over the 'Roots n All' column in the Australian Country Update magazine. *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *
AUDREY AULD MEZERA’S “TEXAS” IS NOW ON RELEASE IN AUSTRALIA Audrey’s ground-breaking album “Texas” is now available on Vital Entertainment through Didgeridoo Records and One Stop Entertainment.
“If I were American, I’d be Texan”. In Texas the air is as balmy as a Sydney Summer, the people are as friendly as Tasmanians, and like Melbourne, the music community embraces everyone regardless of genre or origin. “Texas” is a child of that embrace. Currently #2 on the Freeform American Roots Chart, Audrey is sitting behind the only other contributor to the songs on this album, Mary Gauthier who penned the haunting “Karla Faye”. The clip for “Love You Like The Earth” has been screening on the Country Music Channel since January.
“Texas” is where you’ll want to be when you kick back with this quality album. Audrey’s touring schedule from April to July this year includes the following- Santa Rosa California, Bryant San Francisco, Stinson Beach California, Pt. Reyes Station, Califoria, Nipomo California, Worcester MA, Rhode Island, Winters California, Fredericksburg Texas, Dallas Texas, Morro Bay California, San Jose California, Monterey Peninsular California – Woody Guthrie Folk Festival Okemah and the Fred Eaglesmith Southern Picnic Ontario Canada.

Audrey's "Texas" CD Cover

RECKLESS RECORDS
PO Box 973 Stinson Beach, Ca. 94970 USA
PO Box 298, Marrickville, NSW 1475 Australia
www.recklessrecords.com
www.audreyauld.com

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

APRIL NEWS from RECKLESS RECORDS

* "TEXAS" UPDATE
* DIGITAL DOWNLOADS & VIDEO UPLOADS
* BILL CHAMBERS/HARVEST
* AUDREY AULD MEZERA - TOUR DATES
* SAM BAKER "MERCY" - RECOMMENDED LISTENING
* FAR CHART
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* 'TEXAS' UPDATE
- We are delighted to learn "Texas" is #2 on the FAR (Freeform Americana Roots) chart!
Thanks to all the reporters who made that choice, and to everyone who is playing the album.
FREEFORM AMERICAN ROOTS #68
#1 Mary Gauthier: Mercy Now (Lost Highway) *AB/*BR/*BS/*JP/*RA/*SB/*SMJ/*TJ/*TT/*WR
2 Audrey Auld Mezera: Texas (Reckless) *BW/*CP/*DO/*EW/*FS/*KD/*PP/*TF
3 Rex Hobart & The Misery Boys: Empty House (Bloodshot) *DF/*DWB/*JE/*JF/*MF/*MM/*S&D/*SH/*XR
4 Devil In A Woodpile: In Your Lonesome Town (Bloodshot) *BE/*GS/*JA/*JM/*JT/*PTT/*TG
5 Dave Insley: Call Me Lonesome (self) *BF/*QB/*RS/*RU

See the end of this message for the complete chart.
- 'Texas' was amongst the Americana Music Assn. top five most added albums in March.
- There's a great review by Michael Hansen at www.rockzilla.net

- 'Texas' is now available in stores throughout Australia and New Zealand, thanks to Vital, Didgeridoo and One Stop.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* DIGITAL DOWNLOADS & VIDEO UPLOADS

Most Reckless titles are now available for download from many digital retailers, including Napster and iTunes.
You can buy individual songs or a complete album.
Go to www.irisdistribution.com/part_outlets.html to find a list of retailers.

- The video clip for 'Love You Like The Earth' can now be viewed at:
www.sonicbids.com/AudreyAuldMezera

Thanks to all of you who voted for its airplay on the Country Music Channel in Australia!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* BILL CHAMBERS
Bill's second album is inching towards completion....

To view Bill's video of "I Drink" go to the Reckless Records site and click on the 'Bill Chambers' button. View his electronic press kit (EPK) including gigs, bio, and some cool new pics by Glen Hannah.

There's also a couple of pics from the debut 'Harvest' show at Avoca Beach.
For those of you who didn't receive the email re the 'Harvest' show last month, Bill, Kasey and Shane Nicholson have formed a band, along with Mick Albeck (fiddle) and Chris Haigh (bass). They play covers by their favorite writers including Tom Waits, Fred Eaglesmith, Bob Dylan, Steve Earle and John Prine.
It's a fun side-project and an irregular return to the smaller, more intimate gigs of Kasey's earlier days.
Bill reports their first show was excellent, with Shane and Kasey working up some great cover songs together.
"No" the show was not recorded, but there may be plans to record a future show, and "Yes", we'll let you know when that occurs.

Bill Chambers will be appearing at the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival in Okemah, OK, July this year.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* AUDREY AULD MEZERA - TOUR DATES
Sat Aug 20 FRED EAGLESMITH SOUTHERN PICNIC, Ontario, Canada

Sun Sep 4 "Dam Country Normandie Festival", Le Thuit Signol,Normandie, France
http://membres.lycos.fr/Damcountry

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* SAM BAKER "MERCY" - RECOMMENDED LISTENING

In amongst the noise and hype of SXSW, it was a delight to discover the excellent album 'Mercy' by Sam Baker, produced by Walt Wilkins and Tim Lorsch.
When musicians are buzzed about an album (as opposed to music industrialists) it's worth a listen.
Check out sambakermusic.com for audio samples, CD credits, and the bargain price of $10 for the CD, with part proceeds benefitting charities.
The songs, the music, the singing - beautiful, meaningful, tasteful.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* FAR CHART

"Freeform American Roots is a monthly radio chart reported to by 139 freeform DJs, mainly in America but also Canada, Europe, Australia & New Zealand and Uruguay, with weekly shows on public, college, community and commercial stations. Because of the very of the format (or lack of it), reporting is based entirely on the DJs' personal preferences - this is what they like, not what they're told to like." John Conquest
The *XX entries indicate an Album of the Month report.
www.3rdcoastmusic.com .

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
'music with the dirt left on'
www.recklessrecords.com

FEBRUARY/MARCH NEWS from
AUDREY AULD MEZERA * HOMECOMING NEWS * 'TEXAS' UPDATE * COUNTRY MUSIC CHANNEL * VITAL SIGNING * SXSW - FOR THOSE ATTENDING * GIG GUIDE * HOMECOMING NEWS It was great to go home and spend a wonderful month in Australia, and a few glorious days in New Zealand. I think I miss the Australian sun most of all - it's strong, warming and addictive - (hence the 'Slip Slop Slap' campaign, though I think 'Sip Sop Crash' might be more appropriate for summer down-under!) I was overwhelmed by the love I felt from so many people when I got to the Tamworth Country Music Festival, and as I continued around the country. It was one big cuddle-fest! It was great not to feel 'foreign' anymore and to hear so many people say they miss me, my voice and my songs. My show in the Scully Room was one of the best I've ever played. The pleasure of working with Bill Chambers and Chris Haigh, combined with a lot of love in the room, sparkley sequins and lots of new songs made for a very special night. "It is the music and the power of her lyrics that gives this show its power, as well as a feeling of intimacy and friendliness. Judging by the line of fans waiting to buy the new CD the show was a great success. 'Texas' should be added to all country music lovers' collections." Simon Chamberlain, Northern Daily Leader The National Film and Sound Archive in Canberra hosted another wonderful show. Be sure to check it out when in Canberra. Their small 1920's era theatre is a perfect venue for intimate acoustic shows. Donal Baylor and his Tennessee Tuxedo String Band played a ripper opening set that made the night extra special. If you love Hank Williams, Bob Wills, Bill Monroe and the Louvin Bros then seek out the new Donal Brothers album - best played LOUD at your next party! Write to Donal at dkjbay@homemail.com.au. He'll be visiting the US with Bluegrass Parkway later this year. *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   * * 'TEXAS' UPDATE "Texas" has been met with much acclaim, especially the songs 'Love You Like The Earth' and 'Hole In My Life'. It's pleasing, as a songwriter, to know the songs connect with people. Thanks to everyone who's emailed to share their response to the album. It has just been released in the US and good feedback from radio is already coming in. 'Texas' is already # 21 on the February Euro Americana chart and I'll be touring Europe in September - the virgin trip! *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   * * COUNTRY MUSIC CHANNEL/NU COUNTRY TV If you watch the Country Music Channel in Australia, then you may have seen the video for 'Love You Like The Earth' (starring Mez and Gypsy, our dog). It's filmed at Bolinas and Stinson Beach, a little north of San Francisco. You can request the clip be aired by visiting www.countrymusicchannel.com.au Exercise the power of one, register with CMC and request 'Love You Like The Earth'. You could get it on the video chart! Mez was thrilled to be recognised, whilst in Melbourne, by folks who'd seen him in the video on Nu Country TV in Melbourne. *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   * * VITAL SIGNING I'm excited to be working with new Australian label Vital Entertainment Solutions. Here's their recent press release: AUDREY AULD MEZERA SIGNS TO VITAL Vital Entertainment Solutions is proud to announce the signing of Audrey Auld Mezera and the release of Audrey’s new album “Texas” for the territory of Australia and New Zealand. Audrey is a great singer songwriter and holds a unique place in contemporary Americana/Roots music. Described by Fred Eaglesmith as “one of the most honest original artists I know”, she has built a firm fan base in this territory through sheer hard work and tenacity in her pursuit of success. Relocating to the U.S. following her marriage to an American in 2003 has provided Audrey with fertile ground for songwriting and “Texas” is an absolute gem! “Texas” is about people – those who have inspired the songs – Woody Guthrie, Harlan Howard, Billy Joe Shaver, Karla Fay Tucker, Dead Ringer Band, father, husband and the universal family to which we all belong. It’s also about an ensemble gathered in the studio capturing the essence of the moment. Recorded in Austin late last year, this latest album features a group of friends from Austin, as well as Bill Chambers who was touring Texas with Audrey at the time. “This beautiful songbird has a voice that I am sure is making Tammy Wynette smile in heaven” quotes a recent American review, and there is much to enjoy on this new album with Audrey’s unique vocal style. The album contains a wonderful collection of thought provoking, evocative and diverse songs which reflect the life and thoughts of this very interesting woman. During her recent trip to Australia to perform at the Tamworth Country Music Festival Audrey negotiated with Vital to represent her in this territory with the release of “Texas” to be followed by a new studio album produced by Bill Chambers at his Central Coast studio. Vital’s Meryl Gross reports “having been a personal fan of Audrey’s for many years, I am delighted that we have reached a deal to work with this incredibly talented performer and songwriter over the upcoming years. Audrey has built up an enviable reputation by sticking with country music traditions and developing her own unique style which audiences love.” Audrey joins a select group of Vital artists which include Steve Forde and the Flange, The Corb Lund Band, David Lee Murphy and Fred Eaglesmith and the “Texas” album will be released in Australia at the end of March 2005. For further information please contact: Ronda Toner 02 9798 8824 Gill Robert 0419 266 640 Email: vitalentertainment@gmail.com *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   * * SXSW For those attending SXSW, these shows are not official SXSW shows and are Free!! *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *

AUDREY AULD MEZERA SIGNS TO VITAL
Vital Entertainment Solutions is proud to announce the signing of Audrey Auld Mezera and the release of Audrey’s new album “Texas” for the territory of Australia and New Zealand.

Audrey is a great singer songwriter and holds a unique place in contemporary Americana/Roots music. Described by Fred Eaglesmith as “one of the most honest original artists I know”, she has built a firm fan base in this territory through sheer hard work and tenacity in her pursuit of success. Relocating to the U.S. following her marriage to an American in 2003 has provided Audrey with fertile ground for songwriting and “Texas” is an absolute gem!

“Texas” is about people – those who have inspired the songs – Woody Guthrie, Harlan Howard, Billy Joe Shaver, Karla Fay Tucker, Dead Ringer Band, father, husband and the universal family to which we all belong. It’s also about an ensemble gathered in the studio capturing the essence of the moment. Recorded in Austin late last year, this latest album features a group of friends from Austin, as well as Bill Chambers who was touring Texas with Audrey at the time.

“This beautiful songbird has a voice that I am sure is making Tammy Wynette smile in heaven” quotes a recent American review, and there is much to enjoy on this new album with Audrey’s unique vocal style. The album contains a wonderful collection of thought provoking, evocative and diverse songs which reflect the life and thoughts of this very interesting woman.

During her recent trip to Australia to perform at the Tamworth Country Music Festival Audrey negotiated with Vital to represent her in this territory with the release of “Texas” to be followed by a new studio album produced by Bill Chambers at his Central Coast studio.

Vital’s Meryl Gross reports “having been a personal fan of Audrey’s for many years, I am delighted that we have reached a deal to work with this incredibly talented performer and songwriter over the upcoming years. Audrey has built up an enviable reputation by sticking with country music traditions and developing her own unique style which audiences love.”

Audrey joins a select group of Vital artists which include Steve Forde and the Flange, The Corb Lund Band, David Lee Murphy and Fred Eaglesmith and the “Texas” album will be released in Australia at the end of March 2005.

For further information please contact: Ronda Toner 02 9798 8824 Gill Robert 0419 266 640 Email: vitalentertainment@gmail.com

Click here for Bill Chambers Artists Report

Audrey's new album "Texas" will be available at the shows, and look out for Audrey's new video

"Love You Like The Earth" on CMC.
www.recklessrecords.com
EPK - Electronic Press Kit - www.sonicbids.com/AudreyAuldMezera"


TEXAS" Audrey Auld Mezera “If I were American, I’d be Texan. In Texas the air is as balmy as a Sydney summer, the people are as friendly as Tasmanians, & like Melbourne, the music community embraces everyone regardless of genre or origin. “Texas” is a child of that embrace. When in Austin I love to play music with Gabe Rhodes. His casual invitation to record led to the casual creation of this album. We had no band or masterplan. The only decision made regarding the production of this album was to make as few decisions as possible; to not assume knowledge of the overall outcome and to let the players have their way. In October 2004, Bill Chambers and I were touring Texas so it was natural to invite Bill along to the recording session. Carrie Rodriguez & Darcie Deaville came along to the shows, so I invited them along to the session. Will Landin & Wally Doggett from Jimmy La Fave’s band are Austin natives so I invited them along too. Gabe’s mum is Kimmie Rhodes & his studio is located out back of her house at Briar Cliff, West of Austin. He built the place, brick by brick, over a 6 year period & it’s imbued with all the earthy beauty you hear in his music. “Texas” is about people – those who have inspired the songs – Woody Guthrie, Harlan Howard, Billy Joe Shaver, Karla Faye Tucker, Dead Ringer Band, father, husband and the universal family to which we all belong. It’s also about an ensemble gathered in the studio, capturing the moment when, united by the music of a song on the edge of being known, the here & now is transcended. The ‘one-take’ tracks include the creaking of the pump organ pedals, the anticipation of skin on steel & wood, the deflated sighs as John Kerry conceded, and the ash softy falling from Gabe’s cigarette…” Audrey "TEXAS" TRACK LIST: 1. LOVE YOU LIKE THE EARTH (Audrey Auld Mezera) A rare love song from my pen! It was a thrill to hear Kimmie Rhodes sing harmonies. 2. KARLA FAYE (Mary Gauthier/Crit Harmon) Karla Faye Tucker was executed in Texas in 1998. After an extended drug-binge she and another person murdered two people. Imprisonment lead her to a Christian faith and a plea for a stay of execution in exchange for a life-long sentence. Denied. 3. MY FATHER (Audrey Auld Mezera) Redemption for the teenage years…. 4. SONG FOR HARLAN (Audrey Auld Mezera) On hearing the story of Harlan Howard’s passing I wrote this song whilst playing his guitar, sitting in his chair. Heavenly harmonies by Kimmie Rhodes. 5. BALL AND CHAIN (Audrey Auld Mezera) Featuring Bill Chambers on his hillbilly lap-top. 6. HOLE IN MY LIFE (Audrey Auld Mezera) Death: the inevitable separation. Inspired by a banner in San Francisco promoting ‘Walk for AIDS’ – a fundraiser for ongoing research. 7. WOODY (Audrey Auld Mezera) Woody Guthrie is an icon to the travelling singer/songwriter. His writing rings true, today as much as ever. 8 MISSIN MEZ (Audrey Auld Mezera) I met Mez when I was 18, in Hobart, Tasmania. I saw him for a day in San Francisco 10 years later, and married him 21 years after our initial meeting. This song came during the 6 weeks we spent on our respective continents (USA and Australia) prior to our wedding. Now I’m Audrey Auld Mezera, and he’s Lucky! 9. BILLY JOE (Audrey Auld Mezera) No Depression magazine conducted an interview with Billy Joe Shaver soon after his Son Eddy had passed away on New Year’s Eve of 2000. In 1999 Billy Joe’s mother, his Wife Brenda, and her mother had all passed away. Billy Joe said he’d always thought that he’d be the first to go but was glad that it was he who was left if it meant sparing his family the pain of grief. Billy Joe Shaver is a most impassioned entertainer and his songwriting is the most vital it’s ever been. Features Darcie Deaville on fiddle and harmony. 10. SHINE (AUDREY AULD MEZERA) It would seem the Dead Ringer Band have travelled every road in Australia, and carved a few new ones. Their faith, talent and vision are an inspiration to many. 11. ONE EYE (AUDREY AULD MEZERA) I thought I wrote this about ‘other people’, then realised it’s as much about me as anyone. Features vocals from Carrie Rodriguez and Bill Chambers. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HOW TO BUY CDs "Texas" is now available via mail order direct from Reckless Records. US orders: Please send $18 (includes tax and postage) to : Reckless Records, PO Box 973, Stinson Beach, Ca. 94970 Fax credit card orders to 415.868.1720 Phone credit card orders to 415.847.9847 European orders: Please send US$22 (includes postage) to the address above. Fax credit card orders to (1) 415.868.1720 Australian orders: Please send AUD$28 (includes postage) to : Reckless Records, PO Box 298, Marrickville, NSW 1475 Fax credit card orders to 02.95578546 Phone credit card orders to 0418.972.019 Distributed in the US by Burnside Distribution Corp sales@bdcdistribution.com Audio samples and artwork will be available on the website soon. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RECKLESS RECORDS PO Box 973 Stinson Beach, Ca. 94970 USA PO Box 298, Marrickville, NSW 1475 Australia www.recklessrecords.com www.audreyauld.com

"SANTA SPEND XMAS WITH ME"
Looking for a special Xmas song to fill that space between Xmas songs?
Don't forget Track 14 of the 'Reckless Records Garage Sale' CD is Audrey Auld singing "Santa Spend Xmas With Me"
written by Gillian Welch/Ilene Allman.
Happy Xmas and many thanks for the airplay and support you've given us at Reckless.
Best regards,
Audrey Auld Mezera and Bill Chambers

* TEXAS NEWS
* UPDATED HANDLE
* AUSTRALIAN TOUR IN JANUARY
* BUBBLE & SQUEAK
* GIG GUIDE

* TEXAS NEWS
This newsletter finds me shaking the Texas dust off my boots and trying to remember what happened after that first sip of Tito's Vodka. One week in Texas quite happily turned into two. Bill Chambers and I were kept busy doing shows in Austin, San Antonio, San Marcos, Gruene, Marble Falls and Luckenbach. We performed quite a few of Bill's new songs which was fun, especially "Poison Blood", a co-write with Worm. This song is perfect for all the air-guitar champions.

It was a great surprise to run into Buddy in Austin, who hails from the inner-city Sydney honky tonk scene. He's honeymooning throughout the U.S. with his sweetheart.

My final evening in Austin was spent at Kasey Chambers' show at La Zona Rosa. Ah, the joy of hanging out with a bunch of Australians. I felt almost normal (although that's easy around that mob). They all seem very happy, and were eating Texas style BBQ ribs for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

I also spent some time in the studio recording with Gabe Rhodes, Bill and a bunch of great Austin musicians, so I've got a new album coming out sooner than I'd planned! I'll let you know more about that in a future newsletter. It's called "Texas" and will be out in Australia in January and in the US in early March.

I'm returning to Texas in June next year for the Marble Falls Music Festival. Marble Falls is a beautiful little town only an hour from Austin. After that it'll be on to Okemah for the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival in July. Yay!
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* UPDATED HANDLE - AUDREY AULD MEZERA
You may have noticed my new name in the subject line. I've been married a year now so since the warranty is out and it hasn't broken down I'll keep the husband! Mezera is of Bohemian origin and I now have millions of cousins in Wisconsin and Chicago.
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* BUBBLE & SQUEAK
- Aussie Fredheads will be happy to know Fred Eaglesmith is returning to Australia in April, including the Byron Bay Blues & Roots Festival. His new album "Dusty" is now available from www.fredeaglesmith.com .

THE YEARLINGS
- South Australian duo The Yearlings have a beautiful new album in the works. Whilst retaining their earthiness, their sound has developed, with fiddle, piano and banjo complementing their lovely vocal & acoustic guitar blend. Their singing and writing manages to combine an old-world feel but with contemporary images. "Don't wanna be used up and burnt out like a stolen car."

- Jimmy La Fave is in production of a new album, and it's about time too! Recently at the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival in San Francisco, Jimmy and his band played to a huge crowd. They were rocking out. We became friends at the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival and it was a big surprise plus a huge thrill when he invited me on stage to sing with him in San Fran.

- Kimmie Rhodes has just released her new album called "Windblown" and I'm proud to say I received the first, personally signed, 'hot-off-the-press' copy! It's a beautiful album and is an accompaniment to a theatrical production due to play in Austin in January. "Windblown" more than satisfies this "I'd take 'West Texas Heaven' to a deserted island" fan.

- Censorship in America is becoming stricter all the time. I had an entertaining chat with John Conquest, coordinator of the FAR Radio Report, at Casbeers in San Antonio recently on just this subject. Seems some radio stations are so fearful of being fined or losing their license that they've created their own laws above and beyond the "seven deadly words" censored from media broadcast by the US government. Put simply, anything that goes into or comes out of the body is not allowed to be uttered on radio.
What about tears? There goes all the Country songs!
And what of sweat? There goes the Blues!
I hope to see you soon,
Audrey x
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*
RECKLESS RECORDS
PO Box 973 Stinson Beach, Ca. 94970 USA
PO Box 298, Marrickville, NSW 1475 Australia

www.recklessrecords.com
www.audreyauld.com

Click here Fest Photos 2003 Singer Songwriters Show with Audrey, Bill, Kevin Bennett and The Yearlings

Click here Audrey's Fest. Photos 2003 Bill Chambers Band Night.

Click here Bill Chambers Session Friday with Fred Eaglesmith and Audrey

* BILL & AUDREY IN THE U.S.
* BILL CHAMBERS UPDATE
* AUDREY AULD UPDATE
* RECKLESS RECORDS UPDATE
* GIG GUIDES
* SARAH'S STORY
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* RECKLESS RECORDS UPDATE
Sydney readers may be familiar with Robyn Skinner who has had a show on Radio 2RRR for many years. Robyn is now running the Australian office of Reckless Records. She can be contacted on 0418 972 019 or fax 0295578546. Our new mailing address is shown below.

As Reckless has created an awareness of Fred Eaglesmith and Mary Gauthier in Australia, we also hope to raise awareness of some Australian artists in America. There's a lot of interest in what Australia has to offer and there are some great independent Australian artists who deserve a larger audience.
* BILL CHAMBERS UPDATE
Bill's currently in the studio recording tracks for his next album. It'll be released next year on Nash Chambers' label Essence/EMI in Australia and on Reckless Records in the US. Bill's new songs are great. He's obviously writing from a different time and place in his life.

Keep an eye out for newcomer Ben Crick. Bill produced his debut album and it's awesome. Very Australian sounding, wonderful lyrics and Ben's voice is unique. Ben grew up playing drums in his family band 'Hot Diggety' with Olivia Jane and Steve Crick. Ben's album will be out on Essence/EMI.

Bill's been playing a lot of shows with The Flood over the past year and it's a great combination. Fingers crossed they'll all get to tour the US next year. Lead singer of The Flood, Kevin Bennett, has a sound and style evoking Pat McLaughlin and Delbert McClinton - in other words, he's incredibly soulful, and all together, they rock in the grooviest way! Look out for a future US release from The Flood.
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* AUDREY AULD UPDATE
In August I went on tour for three weeks, driving from Bolinas, California to Cleveland, Ohio on Highway 80 East. Now I know why there is corn syrup in all the processed food in America. They have to do something with all that corn they're growing! Miles and miles of corn fields, and then, for something different, some soybean fields. There's something peaceful about all those fields, forever in the distance. What do the farmers do whilst the corn is growing? Surely not listening to the same five country songs on the radio. It's a sure sign keith urban is doing well when his songs are included on those incredibly limited playlists.

I travelled with our dogs Gypsy and Sarah and sadly only returned home with Gypsy. See 'Sarah's Story' below to read of her tragic and unnecessary demise.
Mez joined me in Cleveland where we stayed downtown - the cleanest friendliest city I've been to. Even the homeless folks greet you in the street! A highlight was our visit to the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, reading Jimi Hendrix's song lyrics in his own handwriting and seeing his clothes and artwork. His stuff really vibrated with a powerful presence. Thanks to Charlie Saber at Radio WRUW for his hospitality.

Chicago is a story of a lost dog, meeting the in-laws and coping with way too many people for that patch of earth.

So arriving in Wisconsin (more in-laws) was a welcome, peaceful, green relief. Prairie du Chien has the best smoked fish, the squeakiest cheese curds and the naughtiest cousins who insisted on giving me whiskey shots throughout my show which made for an erratic but fun performance!
Thanks to John Banta for his hospitality in Stephens Point. Clark Place is one of the most musically attuned venues I have visited.
Our travels included Nebraska, Iowa, Omaha and Utah. Lori Rosendahl of KRCL hosted a lovely house concert in a florist store, then supplied us with tapes of her great radio show for the road. One of those tapes included a beautiful and unforgettable song called "Ghandi" which turned out to be Cheryl Wheeler - a name I'd heard but not her music.
So, with the 'Check Engine' light glaring we headed back home on 80 West, spending our first anniversary in the whore capital of Nevada - Winnemucca (you can imagine the songs I wrote about that town!)

With one 'sleepover' after arriving home, I headed straight off to the Strawberry Music Festival, near Yosemite National Park. This is almost a secret event, in that there is no sign, to the passer-by, that 5000 people are camped out in the forest! The festival sells out very soon after tickets go on sale. It is set amongst tall pine trees and is very laid back with more tie-dye than I've ever seen, jam sessions all over the place, kids running wild and a great range of music on the main stage, as well as more intimate workshops. Great new discoveries for me were Jackie Greene - classic American blues with shades of Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix, and Martin Sexton - a solo man sounding like a band. With a special mic he sings a lead break and sounds like an awesome electric guitar solo.
I enjoyed checking out the different camps, each with their own banner announcing the name. It was also good to meet a few radio presenters whom I've been sending music to for several years. It's always good to put a face to a name on a list. Thanks to Dave Gordon and Sherry Austin for your wonderful hospitality, good camping and great new songs, Sherry!

The art of the house concert is quite refined in some areas of the US. Bill Wagman in Davis and Joel Sonenshein in Arcata both host shows in beautiful homes where everyone feels very comfortable. It's much better for the performer when the audience is familiar and comfortable with the concept, as it's quite a different experience to that of a public venue show. A house concert can be quite confronting for some as there's no sound system and no stage, and it's a very 'up-close' performance. It's also great when the host has paid attention to the lighting, as we're all more beautiful in the dark.

I plan on recording my new album early next year. Many Australian artists head to Nashville to record, but I'm heading home! Bill Chambers will be producing and we'll be recording on the central coast at Music Cellar (McCormack Bros. studio) and the Boneyard (Bill's studio). I hope to play a show or two during the Tamworth festival and also in Sydney, Melbourne and Tasmania.
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* SARAH'S STORY (August 2004)
Old dogs get old because they’re allowed to, with love and good care. This is the story of one old dog, Sarah, who travelled with her owner, Audrey from California to Chicago. Sarah was a 14-year old black lab, with a very large, unmistakeable, benign tumour on her side and arthritic hips. She slept a lot but had her puppy moments. Audrey's destination was Cleveland, but stopped over to see family (Jon and Lenka) in Willow Springs, IL for the night. They offered to take care of Sarah and give her a few days of sleeping in the grass rather than the car until Audrey and husband Mez returned to Chicago. Sarah had a tendency to walk until she found her owners, so Jon and Lenka had been warned to keep her in a fenced yard. Unfortunately Sarah was allowed to remain on the front verandah, from where she eventually wandered on Wednesday morning.

Many residents of Willow Springs saw her walking the streets that morning. The UPS guy gave her half of his sandwich. Eventually she was picked up by Tami at 79th and Archer. Sarah was a little muddy from walking in the creek, but was as friendly as ever. Tami took Sarah to the Animal Welfare League on Southwest Hwy, Chicago Ridge where she was helped from the car by Mark and taken into the front reception area to sit and wait with her rescuer for check-in. Tami gave her loving and snacks as they sat and waited, watching a crazed German Shepherd that bothered everyone but Sarah. It was 10.30am.

Jon and Lenka went out looking for Sarah, to discover from road-workers that they’d seen a woman collecting a black dog from the roadside.

At twelve o’clock Jon visited the Animal Welfare League enquiring about Sarah. He was told by the lady on the front desk, who had been in attendance all morning, that no dogs had been brought in that morning and that he was not allowed to ‘look out back’ at the unwanted dogs in cages. Jon left. Several hours later more family members visited the shelter enquiring after Sarah. They were allowed to search the cages for her, to no avail.

Audrey and Mez returned to Chicago Thursday afternoon where they immediately made 200 ‘Wanted Dead or Alive’ flyers including a photo of Sarah and offering a reward. They called the Animal Welfare League, with no success. Over the next four days Audrey and Mez distributed 500 posters, searched creeks, train-tracks, bush, backyards, trailer parks, streets, highways, police-stations, animal clinics, and the memories of residents, crying but hopeful of a reunion with the dog that was their family for 14 years. Everyday Mez searched the cages of the Animal Welfare League only to exit with nothing but tears.

On Monday afternoon Mez received a call from Tami, who had seen the Wanted poster on La Grange, advising him that Sarah had been taken to the Animal Welfare League on Wednesday. Confused but hopeful, Mez and Audrey rushed to the shelter. Nobody seemed to know about Sarah’s existence. Richy, the supervisor, said that he had work to do and granted Mez and Audrey ‘access all areas’ to the shelter. Once again the search was to no avail, but knowing that Sarah had been taken there, Mez and Audrey weren’t leaving without answers. Inter-office phone calls were exchanged in a secretive manner. Eventually Mez & Audrey were ushered into an office by a trembling Richy and two other attendants. Richy, who obviously had no idea what happened to Sarah, started to tell his story of Sarah’s admission, then promptly exited the office. Mez and Audrey were left, in the most insensitive manner, to wonder what was going on. Richy subsequently returned after 5 or 10 minutes and a phone call from his Director, to tell a story of Sarah being admitted, that “he” was bleeding from the nose and rear, displaying aggression, no tags, large tumour, old dog, etc. and advised that “he” was put to sleep on Thursday afternoon. Richy’s lies were evident to Mez and Audrey. They knew that Sarah trembled visibly when taken to any clinic, and never showed aggression. Tami had made no mention of any injuries or blood, only that Sarah was friendly. It was obvious that the Animal Welfare League were not going to give straight answers about Sarah’s demise, and advised Mez and Audrey to call back tomorrow and speak with the Director.

Audrey called the Director, Linda, the next day. Linda had no answers and said someone would call Audrey back shortly. After waiting an hour for a return phone call, Mez, Audrey and Jon visited the Animal Welfare League in person. The same woman Jon had spoken with on his initial visit to the shelter was working. She had no recollection of anything, except Jon’s visit, and seemed quite concerned and surprised at the turn of events.

A meeting was held with Linda, several staff members including Mark, and Sarah's family. The family asked to be honoured with the truth so they could all rest easy. Linda advised that Sarah had been euthanised on Wednesday morning.

Why was Sarah killed so quickly? Isn’t there a law requiring dogs be held for at least 5 days? Why weren’t the family told she was gone? Why wasn’t Jon allowed to look for her Wednesday morning? Why was he told no dog had been brought in? Why were the owners allowed to search there everyday for a dog that had been killed days ago? Why did the Animal Welfare League lie? Maybe they didn't see an $85 re-adoption fee in an old lumpy dog.

As the questions continued, the Animal Welfare League story changed. The Director read from some paperwork that Sarah had been brought into the shelter with a split tumour, bleeding from the nose and mouth, had been hit by a car and died of her own accord. Mark, who had carried her from the car, advised she was never taken to the front entrance, but was taken to a restricted area at the rear of the building, where she died shortly afterwards. The same Mark who helped show Mez, photo in hand, around the cages on his initial visit.

The fact is Sarah is gone. This loving old dog deserved better treatment in her last moments. Mez and Audrey deserved to be reunited with their dog, at the very least the chance to bury her. More than that Sarah and her family deserved to be treated in a humane manner by the very organization whose business is meant to be built on humane welfare.

Audrey and Dan wish to thank all the residents of Willow Springs who helped them during their quest for their dog. The community found their dog but the place where she should have found safe shelter, the Animal Welfare League of Chicago Ridge, let everybody down.
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I hope I haven't ended this on too sad a note. The questions for me are, why did no-one take responsibility for their actions and why turn to telling lies so quickly? It is this behaviour that really needs addressing.
Our other dog Gypsy was rescued from a PAWS shelter in Oklahoma, where they practice a "no kill" policy because they really care about animal welfare.
Sarah's story did make the front page of the Daily Southtown newspaper, so let's hope donors think twice before supporting the Chicago Ridge Animal Welfare League, who need training in animal and human welfare.

Till next time,
Audrey x
RECKLESS RECORDS
PO Box 973 Stinson Beach, Ca. 94970 USA
PO Box 298, Marrickville, NSW 1475 Australia
www.recklessrecords.com
www.audreyauld.com

* RECKLESS UPDATE
* AUDREY'S MUSIC ON AUSTRALIA'S BIG BROTHER TV SHOW
* WOODY GUTHRIE FOLK FESTIVAL
* TEXAS TOUR
* THE GREENCARDS
* AMA CONFERENCE
* THE LEES
* MARY GAUTHIER
* GIG GUIDES

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- Reckless Records now has offices in Sydney and San Francisco.

Our full catalogue can be seen at www.recklessrecords.com

Titles include :

RECKLESS RECORDS GARAGE SALE 1997 - 2003 Audrey Auld, Bill Chambers and guests
LOSING FAITH Audrey Auld
THE FALLEN Audrey Auld
SLEEPING WITH THE BLUES Bill Chambers
LOOKING BACK TO SEE Bill & Audrey
THE YEARLINGS The Yearlings
THE LEES The Lees
THE SONGS OF FRED EAGLESMITH : A Tribute
plus all Fred Eaglesmith and Mary Gauthier titles

Shock Records distribute to stores in Australia.
Burnside Distribution (BDC) distribute to US stores.
www.fredeaglesmith.com has selected Reckless titles for Canadian customers.

Ordering options:
Direct from the website
Email - mail@recklessrecords.com
Australia phone Robyn Skinner 0418 972 019 or fax 0295578546
US phone A-Mez 415 847 9847 or fax 415 868 1720

* AUDREY'S MUSIC ON AUSTRALIA'S BIG BROTHER TV SHOW

Several people emailed me telling me of hearing 'Jackson', 'Jellyroll' and 'Doin' Well' on Australia's Big Brother TV show. 'Next Big Nothing' would surely be appropriate too?!!
Thanks to Peter et al @ Shock Publishing for helping make that happen.

* WOODY GUTHRIE FOLK FESTIVAL

July 14th is Woody Guthrie's birthday and each year in his home town of Okemah, OK the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival celebrates his music and philosophy.
The festival is free and covers 5 music filled days and nights. The ethos is 'leave your egos at the door, come in and join the family'.
The festival opened my eyes to the fact that there is a wealth of extremely talented musicians and entertainers who are out there touring the country, making great music, who will never be famous but succeed in touching the hearts and lives of those lucky enough to hear them play. Maybe, as a newcomer to the US, the ignorance of these artists' existence is mine?
Steve Earle was this year's special guest, powerful, solo and riveting.
Festival favorites are Jimmy La Fave, Arlo Guthrie, Sarah Lee Guthrie and Johnny Irion, Slaid Cleaves, The Burnes Sisters to name just a few. There are just too many great acts to mention.
But briefly......
Steppin' In It, from Michigan, are wonderful. Their new album is roots music at its best.
Christopher Williams has to be heard and seen to be believed. The music flows through his body with such passion, whether he's beating the drum or playing guitar.
Jeff Plankenhorn has finally stepped out from behind whichever front-person he's backed over the years, with his own new album "Plank". He's got a beautiful voice and great songs.
Ray Bonneville is no stranger to many of you in the US and Canada, and now, no longer to me! He's so cool. Slide, blues, harp, stomp and groove.

* TEXAS TOUR
Prior to the Woodyfest, I toured Texas, which is always good for the soul. Highlights include my Threadgill's show in Austin backed by the mighty Greencards, the Cactus Cafe song swap with Susan Gibson (writer of "Wide Open Spaces"). She's a wild-card and a lot of fun to share the stage with.
When in Austin I love to play music with Gabe Rhodes. He's the son of Kimmie Rhodes, and is extremely musical and spontaneous.
Two near-death experiences on Dallas freeways were worth it, in order to get to Bill's Record Store for the high noon beer n pizza n music fest. Any visitor to Dallas must check out this store. It's a living museum of music history. Uncle Calvin's Coffeehouse was a good venue for my debut Dallas show. Especially, in this lovely intimate venue, to hear Jimmy La Fave up close and personal. He's so great. His voice cuts right to your soul.
The inaugural Marble Falls Music Festival, just an hour out of Austin was good fun, though dampened by too much rain. Todd Snider, Charlie Robison, Ray Wylie Hubbard, the South Austin Jug Band and many others managed to avoid electrocution which made for added entertainment. The town is beautiful and the people very friendly, so I hope the festival continues. Any town that has 'Pie Happy Hour' (at the Bluebonnet Cafe) is good for me!

Jim Dirden is the man who has captured some great festival pics from Woody Guthrie Folk Festival and Marble Falls Music Festival.
Check out jimdirden.com for pics of all the artists, including a few of me n my new 'do' (it's cheaper than a face-lift!).
(We're adding some new pics to the Reckless website too).

* THE GREENCARDS
I'm so proud to see The Greencards doing so well in the US. They've just received a nomination from the Americana Music Assn. (AMA) in the Best New Act category. I've known Kym Warner and Carol Young for quite a few years (both from Australia) and it's wonderful to see their talent and hard work finally starting to pay off. Eamon McLaughlin is an amazing fiddle player who can lift your heart with the swoop of his bow. Their live show is energizing and fun, their 'Movin' On' CD sells like hot-cakes and the audience response is happy and enthusiastic.

* MARY GAUTHIER
Mary is currently finalizing her new album due for release early next year on Lost Highway.
In the meantime she's touring as the opener for John Prine. What a great line-up!

* UPDATED RECKLESS RECORDS WEBSITE

Many TV shows in America focus on the perfecting of the imperfect. A quick demolition of all that is unbeautiful, too big, too small, too rough, too-whatever-it-is-not, whether it's a house or a human or a psyche.
Under this new influence, I've put Terry Phillpot to work and he's created a whole new Reckless Records website. Now I'll never be one for bells and whistles, so don't expect a "Swan" entrant. We are "music with the dirt left on" after all!
Terry has done a great job though, and hopefully the new Superstore pages will make purchasing CDs as easy as ever, whether you're in Australia, the US, or Timbuktu.

* MARY GAUTHIER
I recently spent some time with Mary Gauthier in Nashville, who's preparing to release her next album on Lost Highway. It's produced by Gurf Morlix and is as beautiful and as strong as her previous albums.
To learn more about Mary, read Frank Goodman's wonderful interview at www.puremusic.com then buy one of her albums so you can hang out like the rest of us for the new record!

* STORIES OF A MUSICAL PILGRIMAGE
Prior to my stay to Nashville I travelled through Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia. As an avid reader of American musical history and biographies, it was wonderful to experience some legendary places firsthand.
Going from Dollywood one day, to the Carter Fold the next, demonstrated how divergent the paths of mountain folk can be!
In Dollywood the stores rang with the sounds of cash registers. At the Carter Fold the hills hummed with music and song.
The ghost of Dolly was sparkling and alive in her museum which included her original coat of many colors (it was never corduroy in my mind).
In Hiltons, Virginia, the caretakers of the Carter Fold have disassembled AP Carter's home, log by numbered log, and reassembled it next to his store, which is now a museum. The old home is yet to be completed and although it is still just an empty log home it is very much alive with ghosts from the past. I felt very lucky to experience his old home place before it also becomes a museum piece.
Where Pigeon Forge, home to Dollywood, is filled with every franchise in existence, Hiltons has one corner store that'll give away the hot-dogs if they're so inclined, and they don't have a postcard of the place. I hope Hiltons remains as unchanged and as unvarnished as it seems to be.

Merlefest in North Carolina was a wonderful 4 day music festival. Banjos galore, great sound, great audiences and great music. Vince Gill and Patty Loveless reaffirmed my love of country music. Roseanne Cash was unfazed and gracious as we sat in our plastic ponchos in the pouring rain (squealing, of course). She was wonderful, especially to hear her sing "I Still Miss Someone" with Doc Watson. The Indigo Girls were amazing. Gillian Welch and David Rawlings are going to make mountain music the new Pop. David Rawlings has that rare fire that captures great musicians and takes us with them as they play. (They'll be touring Australia later this year). I was proud to see the overwhelming reception The Waifs received. They have a huge following in the US, and this festival of predominantly acoustic, earthy music really suited their style. The Greencards also did a great set and are creating a buzz. This festival is a picker's dream. All over the place small groups are playing, singing and dancing. And as the "bubbas on golf-carts" drove around, I couldn't help but think of Fred Eaglesmith and his boys, lying under their bus, Canadian airspace, fetal positions, tequila bottles.....
One question did come to mind during the festival: If the banjo originated from Africa, where are the banjo-playing African-Americans?

Thanks to Nancy Apple I also managed a quick trip to Memphis. This town doesn't deserve a cursory glance as there's much to see and absorb. Like Virginia, the air is heavy with music and the brick walls have many stories to tell.

In Nashville I was fortunate to sit a while in Harlan Howard's office. He's always been a hero of mine and I never thought I'd get to breathe that air. It's exciting to know he has several thousand songs yet to be recorded, and still more songs to be finished. Without thinking I picked up a guitar only to learn it had been his gift to Chet Atkins who had used it on many recordings. Goosebumps!

* LUCINDA HOLDFORTH - RECOMMENDED READING
Whilst travelling I was absorbed by a wonderful new book written by my good friend, Lucinda Holdforth.
"True Pleasures: a Memoir of Women in Paris", out through Random House in Australia.
Lucinda writing captures all the elegance and sophistication of all things European, then slams it home with humorous Aussie vernacular. She's an urban Sydney girl touring Paris on foot; part travelogue, part history of remarkable women in Paris, part journey of self-discovery - all delivered with sparkle, wit, insight and sensual imagery.

* SOME GREAT NEW CD RELEASES
Some great new CDs that have crossed my path :
KIERAN KANE & KEVIN WELCH "You Can't Save Everybody" - The best modern hillbilly music I've heard in a long time. This album reminds me why I find them so inspiring.

PATTY GRIFFIN "Impossible Dream" - It's Patty! It can only be good!

LORETTA LYNN "Van Lear Rose" - Satisfy all your go-go girl desires with this one. It's Loretta, just the same, but the band is rocking out!

GURF MORLIX "Cut and Shoot" - Great country music (I don't get to say that very often anymore)

FERAL SWING KATZ "Round 3" - More great western swing from this popular Aussie band, featuring their lovely new singer Camille Te Nahu. Cheesey artwork, but you can't go wrong when Stuart French (guitar) and Michel Rose (pedal steel) wrap their swingin' licks around classic jazz songs.

COUNTRY SONGBIRDS - Here's a true story.... I got this Cd and stuck it in the player. After a few tracks I thought "I wish I was on this CD". Into CD 2, Mez points out that "Losing Faith" is on it! I was really chuffed. Dave Laing from Shock Records in Australia has put together this 2 CD set and it's great. The song selection covers all decades from Patsy Montana through to Mindy Smith, with all your favorite Girl Singers in-between (Patsy Cline, Lucinda, Emmylou, Alison Krauss, Gillian Welch, Dusty Springfield, Janis Joplin to name a few). It's stylistically diverse and mixes the familiar with the new in perfect balance. Great travelling music.

Hi all,
The highlight of this month was the week I spent touring with Fred Eaglesmith and his band in California. We travelled on Fred's old 1970s bus which is a haven on wheels. We were joined for all the Ca. shows by a group of Fredheads who would often pass us on the highway to the next venue, screaming and yelling. You know you're a Fredhead when.... you can watch a Fred show 7 times in a week and still be captivated and entertained by him. No two shows are alike. His band are great people who are really entertaining on the bus and create a lovely sense of family. Fred's next album is almost done. It has the Funmaker organ all over it and includes some very soulful gems from Fred.

Another highlight occurred in Lulu-Belle's Cafe, Grants Pass, Oregon. By chance I happened to meet Don Maddox of the Maddox Brothers and Rose. It was an overwhelming moment for me, as I've read Rose Maddox's biography and love their music. Don played the fiddle in the band, and is the last remaining band member. Don recently sent me a type-written letter in response to me sending him the Bill & Audrey 'Looking Back To See' album. "I don't know why you guys haven't hit the bigtime... you guys are commercial and you have good rhythm, good listening, good beer drinking music." I don't think there could be higher praise!

I recently co-hosted a radio show featuring Australian music on the local community station, KWMR (West Marin), with Kay Clements. I put out the call to my Australian muso friends to send me material for airplay. I felt really proud to play such a great standard of writing, production and performance and to display a wide range of material. I hope to help a few Australian acts get their music released in the U.S. in the future.

I'll be spending a week in Nashville in May and attending Merlefest in Carolina for the first time. The most exciting stopover is Dollywood, of course! Then in June/July I'll be back in Texas, and happy to be so! All my gigs are listed below and updated on the websites.

The Reckless site is being overhauled and will be finished soon. The main changes are at the Superstore and Catalogue pages. Reckless now has offices in Australia and the U.S., so we can keep the postage costs specific to your region.

Kasey Chambers is working on her new album at the moment. She'll be touring Australia in July/August and then in the U.S. around November. Fingers crossed Bill Chambers will have his new album ready later this year too. He has sung me some new songs over the phone and they're great. It's his best writing yet. Diane Chambers is having a "sale" of Kasey's merchandise, so if you want to score a bargain email her direct at chambersmerch@bigpond.com . Bill's son, Jake Chambers, turned 1 and took his first steps this month!

Congrats too to Camille Te Nahu and Stuart French (Feral Swing Katz) on the birth of their son Chet, on St Patrick's Day. No prizes for guessing his destiny.

Don't forget to check out my 'Roots n All' pages in the Australian Country Update magazine. The new issue is out now.

Thanks to those who are helping me out with gigs and tours in the U.S. Sometimes the size of this country is overwhelming and it feels like I'm starting over, but it's an exciting challenge and I'm discovering it's a beautiful country with wonderfully enthusiastic music fans.
your pal,
Audrey

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Audrey and Dan