By Emily Iannello
The Geelong Independent is giving away 10 double passes to see Russell Morris at The Wool Exchange on 9 August.
To enter, follow the simple instructions on the Indy’s Facebook page, facebook.com/geelongindependent.
The competition closes midday Thursday 31 July. Winners will be notified via Facebook.
Australian rock legend Russell Morris is bringing his Van Diemen’s Land tour to Geelong.
Morris built a reputation as one of the country finest singer/songwriters with five Australian top-10 singles in the ‘60s and ‘70s.
After starting out in band Somebody’s Image, he found fame with seven-minute epic The Real Thing, which reached number one in Australia and the American capitals of Chicago, Houston and New York in 1969.
Morris continued his success last year when he won his first ARIA Award for Best Blues and Roots Album with Sharkmouth.
He described music as “predominately blues with other diversions”.
“It’s not entirely blues. It’s almost folky and sometimes on the rough edges of country but the ‘60s stuff is pure pop,” he said.
Morris described the new Van Diemen’s Land album as covering historical Australian stories including Breaker Morant, the Sandakan railway, the Eureka Stockade and more.
“Sharkmouth was about gangsters, back streets and city sort of stuff. I had in my mind I’d do a trilogy and the second album had to create a bigger picture of Australia’s, so I asked myself where did it all begin,” Morris said.
“Well, it began with the ships that brought the first people out here.”
Morris carried out plenty of research to get his facts straight for the album’s lyrics
“I knew a lot of the stories and other people told me about some, so I’d research them,” he said.
“My songs aren’t journalist articles. I allude to dates and names and intersperse with poetry.
“You have to make sure you get the basic facts right, otherwise you’ll be at some gig and a guy with a flowing beard will come up and correct you.
Morris hoped his new songs would encourage listeners to carry out their own research.
“It’s a selfish way for getting people to read about Australian history,” he laughed.
Morris struggled to nominate his favourite song on the new album.
“They’re like children – you love them all the same. They’re all close to you because you’ve put them down and committed to them.
“You have to be able to live with them and like them.
Morris said the audience in Geelong, which he considered one of his “main stages,” could expect a musical journey.
“It’s also a bit of a historical journey, a bit of fun. People will get their money’s worth.”
Morris said his tour set lists covered a “combination of the last two big albums and maybe a bit of the ‘60s stuff.”
He was particularly excited about his support act for Geelong, rising Australian blues artist John McNamara.
“He’s a really talented guy. He is going to be a big star,” Morris enthused.
“I wanted to hit him on the head with a hammer, he’s just too good. I approached him and asked him to play at my concert, so he’s coming to Geelong with me, which is great.”
Morris plays The Wool Exchange on 9 August.
