Legendary Australian songman Russell Morris has completed the trilogy of albums with Mitch Cairns, a musical journey into Australia’s history told through blues and roots. Sharkmouth was first, followed by Van Diemen’s Land.
Sharkmouth was mostly based on the people of the depression years and surrounding years and would become one of the highest-selling Aussie albums of the year, also landing the ARIA for ‘Best Blues and Roots’ album. Van Diemen’s Land, meanwhile, redirected its focus from individuals to larger events – the penal settlements, the First and Second World Wars. That album would become the highestcharting of Russell’s 50year career. Now he presents Red Dirt Red Heart.
Morris: “Any history of Australia albeit, very brief, has to include the people who have inhabited this wonderful country for at least 40,000 years. It would have been remiss of me not to do so. Stories of two bushrangers, a song about a beautiful town, a song about a loner, a recluse, and an escape artist (‘Goal’, that is), a snake and the spectacular Nullarbor. We have also included some of our great Indigenous heroes in the hope that we can share their stories.” The Barwon Heads Hotel, Barwon Heads – December 19 & Torquay Hotel, Torquay – January 10.
