Fremantle based songwriter and instrumentalist David Hyams recently released his third album "Travelling Bones", a departure from the Celtic inspired fusion of the Miles to Go lineups.
The songs are more rooted in folk & country with bluesy tinges though the strong connection to the WA landscape remains, with stories of an encounter with an emu on a desolate stretch of North West highway, a celebration of a Kimberley night, and the ritual pilgrimage to favourite southern coastal haunts. Hyams was also inspired to write by years of working in WA jails, during which time he produced two albums of songs written by inmates, including the "Murru" album in the WA North Western town of Roebourne, where he worked with Bill Chambers, Lucky Oceans, Archie Roach, Harry Hookey and Emma Donovan, this line-up recently opening the 2014 Melbourne Festival.
The Travelling Bones line-up features Melbourne based cellist Francesca Mountfort and versatile WA fiddler Charlie McCarthy.
The album songs have been quick to gain recognition, with nominations for WAM Song of the Year, Music Oz, ASA (Australian Songwriters Association) and the Tamworth Songwriters Association.
‘'Travelling Bones' is a beautiful contemporary folk and country album with a hint of blues that fills a small part in your soul that you wouldn't otherwise have even known was empty’.(Emma Bradstock – Isolated Nation)
Visit David's web site.
"Sometimes you kick goals with both feet. We did this year when David and his illustrious crew agreed to travel across the Nullaboar to perform at Maldon." Mike Ruggles, Artistic Director, Maldon Folk Festival 2005
"Some of the loveliest pieces sound like really good "traditional" tunes that one's somehow managed to miss hearing before - no small compliment to David's skills as composer. The leader plays beautifully but doesn't hog the solo space" Doug Spencer, ABC Radio National's The Planet
"Dave Hyams' Miles To Go band has become a fixture at many Australian festivals over the last few years. Its not hard to see why with this line up of instrumental talent. But it is really the skill and artistry of his compositions and their power to evoke place - from Ireland to the Fitzroy River - that tantalizes. "
Ken Ferguson, The West Australian Newspaper, 29 April 2003
"an eclectic mix of instruments rendering wonderful music" Marie Rayner, Town Crier magazine, 2004
"If intricate arrangements and instrumental acoustic expertise were the criteria, Perth's David Hyams and the Miles To Go Band were among the standout acts..." Tony Hillier - The Australian Newspaper - Review of the Woodford Folk Festival
View full photo album of the concert.
Feedback/Comments
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