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CD91
BONDI CIGARS
DOWN IN THE VALLEY
Rouseabout Records
'Music is a peculiar animal in that it takes so many ever-changing forms.
Rhythm 'n' blues has a noble history born of blues and emerging rock 'n' roll somewhere in America during the war-torn nineteen forties. It is indeed a twisted path that also takes in Elvis-styled hillbilly music, big band beat, jazz, gospel and soul. Musical labels are always confusing however some sense can be made if one generalises as follows: Hillbilly is white
country music; rock 'n' roll is latter day hillbilly plus rhythm 'n' blues, and rhythm 'n' blues is soulful blues with a big beat. To further complicate the puzzle there is such a thing as Australian rhythm 'n' blues and there is little doubt that the Bondi Cigars is its greatest success story. Formed in
1989 the band has well and truly played itself into Australia's musical heart. After nearly a dozen years, a half a dozen albums and exhaustive touring schedules the band continues to attract new audiences for their music. One of the keys to the continuing success of the Bondi Cigars is the highly original songs written and performed by frontman Shane Pacey. This is no here-we-go-again 'covers' band and that in itself is evidence of a genuine Australian R&B new tradition. Shane Paceys songs smack of the real R&B tradition and I when I listen to songs like 'Bad Weather Blues', 'Key to Your Heart' and 'Don't Bite The Hand That Feeds You' I still have to remind
myself that these great songs were written right here in Australia by Shane
Pacey. When the band does perform covers they do so with real bite and I
further recommend you to listen to their highly original version of Bob Dylan's 'Don't Think Twice, It's Alright'. I believe the Bondi Cigars contribute a major slice of originality and excitement to the Australian musical landscape. This album celebrates their 12th Anniversary - long may their unique R&B rule this land!'
Warren Fahey
Rouseabout Records
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