Thursday, February 04, 2010

Beautifully Mad

Tony King and Kris Ralph are Beautifully Mad, two of Australia’s finest Singer/songwriters. ARIA Award winning Tony King was named Australian Songwriter of the Year 2009. Kris Ralph is an award winning songwriter and ex-actor, who performed with Russell Crowe and trained with Jazz legend Kerrie Biddell. Together they light an exhilarating acoustic candle that flickers between Folk and the silhouette of Jazz.
  • Comparison: James Taylor, Sting, Paul Simon, Diana Krall, Nina Simone
  • Influence: James Taylor, Sting, Leonard Cohen, Rickie Lee Jones, Luka Bloom

A breathtaking ride that recalls the beauty of James Taylor, some honey from KD Lang, a lyrical spice of Cohen washed down with some Waits-like humour. An acoustic candle that flickers between Folk and the silhouette of Jazz. Beautifully Mad are Kris Ralph and Tony King, who was recently crowned Australian Songwriter of the Year 2009. The Basement is lucky enough to have the extended lineup of this must see band with Bill Risby on piano, Peter Badenoch on bass, Abraham Rounds on drums, and guest saxophonist Craig Walters. Expect goosebumps in the hauntingly beautiful vein of Luka Bloom, to the exotic tones reminiscent of Cassandra Wilson to the wild Hendrix spiked guitar and dirty New Orleans exhilaration of a band possessed. 
Tony has a reputation for setting fire to a 12 string with his solos, while Kris melts hearts with her rich, mellifluous voice and nylon string guitar. Kris is also a fine painter represented in collections around the world, with several exhibitions in recent years often focusing on portraiture. Subjects have ranged from musicians such as Tom Waits to Protest Singers including Nina Simone, Peter Garrett, Archie Roach & Ruby Hunter. Tony has also toured extensively as lead guitarist for Andrew Strong, the incredible voice from the Commitments. They also co-wrote an album together in Ireland called Gypsys Kiss. Dont miss this rare opportunity "Beautifully Mad" were simply stunning. Excellent guitars and fabulous voices combined with lyrics that can only have come from people who have really lived, loved, lost & laughed through life. Their songs cut straight to the heart as they transported us. Thoroughly delightful entertainment! -Bill Arnett, Folkus Room Canberra

0 comments: