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Makin' room for a rare Slim Dusty truckin' track!
The family of the late Slim Dusty recently made an important discovery... a musical find that has even further strengthened the significance of an upcoming 80 x song Slim Dusty trucking collection titled Sittin' on 80. Just prior to EMI's finalising this new unique Australian trucking song collection, Slim's wife Joy McKean contacted the company to notify them that a never heard before musical treasure from Slim had been found. The unreleased recording, Give Me Room, is classic Slim Dusty and will undoubtedly prove to be another major highlight in Slim's quite extraordinary trucking song catalogue. Give Me Room was written by one of Slim's favourite songwriters John Dohling. John, an outback station hand and good mate of Slim's, passed away in November of last year... sadly, he never got to hear the final version of Slim's recording of his fantastic trucking song. It is understood the recording took place in Slim's home studio (i.e. Columbia Lane) sometime in 1997. Also involved in the recording were members of his legendary Travelling Country Band. The track has been completed and digitally mastered by Australia's mastering guru Don Bartley especially for the upcoming CD collection SITTIN' ON 80. Slim Dusty GIVE ME ROOM also available on the Slim truckin' collection Sittin' On 80 80 songs & over 3 hours of Slim's Aussie Trucking classics ! Slim Dusty Centre appoints new Project Director A working group met in Sydney at the Powerhouse Museum this month to analyse the floor plan amendments recently made to the Slim Dusty Centre design, as a necessary step in the process of preparation for tender release. The tender is anticipated to be issued on June 1, which would see construction commence in the months to follow.
"I would like to pay tribute to Joy McKean and her family for their determination to bring the project to Kempsey, and to the team for their untiring efforts. I have enjoyed my time working with the group and believe that John Kent will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge, keeping the project moving forward," he said. Kent's impressive credentials here and overseas include project needs analysis, fitout management, budgeting, completion to deadline, strategic property advice, functionality surveying, facility development and more. Recent involvements include the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (Australia-wide), major universities, the Stockman's Hall of Fame (Longreach), the National Management Institute, the Royal Agricultural Society and the Olympic Coordination Authority, among many others. "I look forward to the challenge of working with the Slim Dusty Foundation and the project architects in delivering a state of the art facility that will enable broad celebration of Slim Dusty's achievements," Mr Kent said. The Foundation recently entered into a contract with Schreiber Hamilton Architecture to undertake detailed design and tender documentation, including construction certificate. Since receipt of $1.5 million in State Government funding, the project has increased its momentum. Joy McKean, Chair of the Slim Dusty Foundation, can now finally see the opening in sight, given the strength of the team entering the tender preparation stage. "The government funding has allowed us to appoint a project director, project accountant and curator. It is an especially progressive time for the project and we are grateful for the involvement of all new team members, but especially for Phil Lahey's generosity and valued advice over the years," she said. Newly selected curator, Linda Raymond, has the mammoth, yet enviable task of assessing the large collection of Slim Dusty memorabilia. "This is a wonderful project that almost any curator would give their eye teeth to be associated with! I feel privileged to be able to work with Joy and Slim's family to draw together more than fifty years of life in 'show biz'. Theirs has been such a significant contribution to Australia's musical and cultural landscape - we certainly have a lot of hard but enjoyable work ahead of us, with the ultimate goal of bringing this fabulous story to visitors from all over the world," she said. The Slim Dusty Foundation made a successful application to the Powerhouse Museum for support under the Regional Services Program 2009. Under this program, the Powerhouse Museum provides professional advice and expertise in museum development, providing services to assist organisations working with cultural heritage. They also encompass professional advice, site visits, workshops and seminars in regional locations and at the Powerhouse Museum, the Powerhouse Discovery Centre and the Sydney Observatory. Collaborative partnerships can include exhibition and collection development, internships, staff exchanges, training, research and facility redevelopment. Mr Brad Baker, Manager Exhibition, Development and Design at the Powerhouse Museum, was pleased with the progress made at the review meeting held in February. "The Slim Dusty Centre being developed for Kempsey is an exciting venture that will be a fitting showcase on the life and achievements of Slim Dusty, a true blue Australian legend. The architects design reflects a contemporary and dynamic approach whilst being sympathetic with the surrounding environment. I am pleased to be invited to contribute to this inspiring project," he stated. General Manager of the Slim Dusty Foundation, Kathryn Yarnold, said that whilst the project's momentum is currently fierce, the commencement of construction is dependant upon the arrival of the remaining Government pledges, which would allow a Centre opening to be possible for the end of 2010. "We have just completed and submitted the pro forma for the federal government's Better Regions Program, which relates to the $6 million pledge, so hopefully the arrival of those funds is not too far away," she said. "With the injection of new blood and enthusiasm on to the team - and our proud association with the Powerhouse Museum - the team is now just eagerly awaiting that long anticipated fufilment of government promises, and then all lights will be green for go!" she added. The Slim Dusty Foundation invites people, businesses and corporations wishing to support the creation of the Slim Dusty Centre to make their tax-deductible donations to the Slim Dusty Foundation by calling 1800 18 SLIM (1800 18 7546) or by visiting its website at www.slimdustycentre.com.au. Photo (from left): Ian Gill (Schreiber Hamilton Architecture), Paul Gould (Slim Dusty Foundation Project Accountant), Kevin Schreiber (Schreiber Hamilton Architecture), John Kent (Slim Dusty Foundation Project Director), Kathryn Yarnold (Slim Dusty Foundation General Manager), Brad Baker (Manager Exhibition Development and Design, Powerhouse Museum), Kevin Farrawell (Slim Dusty Foundation Director), Linda Raymond (Slim Dusty Foundation Curator) and Joel Chamberlain (Schreiber Hamilton Architecture). Slim Dusty Family Show at Tamworth '09 Following their highly successful Reunion Tour this year, the Slim Dusty Family have announced they will be staging one show only during the upcoming Tamworth Country Music Festival. The show will be held in Tamworth's new Capitol Theatre which has been constructed as part of the major new shopping centre in the middle of the central business district. It will be staged at 8 o'clock Friday night, January 23. In the years following the passing of Slim Dusty, rumours emerged that the family would create a musical tribute. As the pressure grew, so did the expectations. But then the "Dustys" are no ordinary family ’Äì as they proved this year with the release of the number one charting Reunion album and the very successful staging of the "Reunion Tour". The tone of celebration in the concert is set from the start with Slim's How Good It Is, another collaboration between Slim and Cold Chisel writer Don Walker (previous collaborations have included Looking Forward, Looking Back and Charleville). Rather than putting together an album of covers or unreleased material, the family members ’Äì Joy McKean, David Kirkpatrick, Anne Kirkpatrick and their children, James and Kate (Anne) and Hannah and Daniel (David), decided to use their own words, with additions by Paul Kelly, Eric Bogle and Peter Denahy, to chronicle their feelings about Slim and celebrate the life, times and music of the most famous of all Australian country performers. It was a decision that would have greatly pleased "the old man", staunch advocate that he was for young people following their own direction and finding their own voice. The Slim Dusty Family's Reunion album has two finalist nominations in the following day's Golden Guitar Awards... Old Purple written and recorded by David Kirkpatrick and a recording of Slim's, Sunburnt People, written by Slim and Joy McKean. Tickets for the concert are available on-line here. Enjoy a marathon seven hours of Country Music at this year's Slim Dusty Country Music Memories night The Kempsey Racecourse will once more come alive on November 1st, 2008 for the annual and much anticipated Slim Dusty Country Music Memories night. This event is growing each year and this year is headlined to be even bigger and better than ever with the introduction of new artists and innovative ideas to satisfy all country music fans. Gates will open at 2pm for an afternoon concert leading into the evening performance by the family of Australia's most celebrated and awarded Country Music Legend, Slim Dusty!! The afternoon will kick off to the familiar country sounds of the Salvo Country Band and then host the talent of one of the Macleay's own, 2008 Golden Guitar award winner Steve Passfield. Dianne Lindsay, female vocalist in Gidgee Coal Bush Ballad and Gold medallion awards is another addition to the lineup that guests will not want to miss, as will be Tom Maxwell, 2004 Golden Guitar finalist in the Bush Ballad of the Year. The Slim Dusty Family will as always headline the evening with Slim's life long partner and fellow performer Joy McKean OAM and her family on stage with the Slim Dusty troupe in this much anticipated annual event. Slim's daughter Anne Kirkpatrick will be joined by her son (Slim's grandson) James, to entertain the crowds and will be joined by 2008 Golden Guitar Bush Ballard of the year winner Amos Morris, another Kempsey boy as well as the renowned Travelling Country Band. Proceeds from the Slim Dusty Country Music Memories night will, as in previous years, go towards the funding of the construction of the Slim Dusty Centre in Kempsey and is a much appreciated boost for the Slim Dusty Foundation each year.
Photo: The Slim Dusty Family (and guests) performing at last year's Slim Dusty Country Music Memories Night. This calendar event for country music fans will be presented by the Rotary Club of Kempsey West who will as always, have the event running smoothly with auctions and raffles of exquisite red cedar items handcrafted from the timber originated from Slim's Nulla Nulla property. The Rotary Club of Kempsey West are a community minded organisation and the effort and professionalism in which they present this Country Music evening is indicative of the spirit they exhibit in all the community programs that they participate in. The Slim Dusty Country Music Memories night has grown from a quiet get together at the property of Rotarian Bruce Woods, to a now, consistently entertaining annual event. Event Co-ordinator Bruce Woods anticipates another huge crowd at the Kempsey Racecourse this year and with such a star-studded line-up to celebrate the memory of Australia’Äôs father of Country Music, he is extremely excited about this years concert "we have people coming from as far away as Tasmania, Sydney, Brisbane and various country towns. Mr Steve Pandel from the Central Coast will be in attendance once again and has been a great supporter of the Slim Dusty Foundation. We will have four members of the Traveling Country Band that performed at the Slim Dusty Family Reunion Tour recently. We will also have Anne Kirkpatrick and Dianne Lindsay performing together. Our final performer this year will be our own Amos Morris, who participated at our very first concert in 2004 as a 16 year old and has now become a renowned performer on the country music scene. Amos was also a special guest on the Slim Dusty Family Reunion Tour this year." Bookings are booming with tickets just $27 and school-age children admitted free. Tickets are available from In Harmony Music (Centrepoint Arcade, Kempsey) and Travelscene (Belgrave Street, Kempsey). Guests may also purchase tickets and obtain further information by contacting Event Co-ordinator, Bruce Woods on (02) 6562 4795 or on his mobile 0418 491 499. Adding to the ambience of the day will be free entertainment outside the main gate by Tamworth Busking Champions, the "Nobodies" from 1pm to 2.15pm. This will be followed by the afternoon program compered by Kathryn Yarnold, General Manager of the Slim Dusty Foundation, leading up to the main concert with the Slim Dusty Family at 6pm for a marathon of exciting country music. Seating will be supplied with BBQ facilities, soft drinks, tea, coffee and cakes available on the night. BYO drinks. For any further information regarding the Slim Dusty Foundation and its aims and progress, please contact Kathryn Yarnold on (02) 6562 6533 or 1800 18 SLIM or visit our website at www.slimdustycentre.com.au. The Slim Dusty Family releases live in concert DVD On August 1, 2008, The Slim Dusty Family performed the last concert on their successful Reunion Tour in Canberra. The Slim Dusty Family "Live In Concert" DVD captures that final and historic concert tour performance and will be released Saturday October 25.
The DVD features Slim's legendary Travelling Country Band headed by Slim's Producer & Musical Director, Rod Coe. Joy McKean also managed to orchestrate the Travelling Country Band coming out of retirement exclusively for this family tour! Also included on the DVD are some special performances by young and exciting Bush Balladeer and 2008 Golden Guitar Award winner, Amos Morris. In January 2008 (Tamworth) The Slim Dusty Family announced they would release their debut album, Reunion. Three months later came the announcement that all three generations of the Dustys would head off in July on their first Australian Tour and now comes the release of that special tour, "Live In Concert" the DVD. The Slim Dusty Family Reunion album debuted at #1 on the national ARIA Country Chart and stayed at #1 for 6 weeks! The 23 date (9000 Kms) Reunion concert tour proved to be one of the most successful Australian country music tours by any Aussie act for many, many years. Kym Eitel from Outback City Express says "Slim Dusty would be tickled pink that his family has gone to such great lengths to honour him and his memory, and if he's watching from up above, I reckon he’Äôd be cheering and clapping louder than anyone!" From every perspective the success of the Slim Dusty Family debut album and tour totally surpassed any modest expectations that Joy McKean and the rest of the family members may have had - the Live DVD should be no exception! The Slim Dusty Family - Live In Concert DVD The Slim Dusty Family hit the road on The REUNION Tour The Slim Dusty Family recently released their number one charting "Reunion" album to much public and media acclaim, and now the three generations are continuing a family tradition by hitting the road and heading out on tour.
Family matriarch and driving force behind the "Reunion" project, Joy McKean, confirmed this week that the line-up for the upcoming Reunion shows will include Slim and Joy's son and daughter David and Anne Kirkpatrick, as well as their children Kate and James Arneman together with Hannah and Daniel Kirkpatrick. Joy is thrilled to also confirm that Slim's long time record producer and tour Musical Director Rod Coe has managed to get Slim's legendary Travelling Country Band (TCB) back together especially for this historic tour. "We are very proud of the new album. Of course, we were all hopeful that Slim's many fans would accept and embrace the new songs, but we were truly overwhelmed by the support shown to our family on the release of the album. We are so excited about the fans' response and now all of us are just looking forward to getting out on the road to perform the "Reunion" album material live and singing quite a few of the old Slim Dusty classics as well," said Anne Kirkpatrick. The tour, the Family are pleased to also announce, will now be presented by the Country Music Channel. The SLIM DUSTY FAMILY REUNION TOUR 2008
HOW GOOD IT IS... To commemorate what would be the 81st birthday of Australian legend Slim Dusty, EMI Music will release a new single together with a specially produced promotional video on Friday June 13. The new song - How Good It Is - was written especially for Slim by singer/songwriter Don Walker (Cold Chisel co-founder and huge Slim Dusty fan). The track was recorded by Slim just before he fell ill back in 2001. The video was created by two time Golden Guitar Video award winner Mark Jago. On June 13, Slim Dusty family members will gather with fans, industry friends and a host of prominent country music stars, politicians and media personalities to celebrate the 81st anniversary of the birth date of the great Australian, Slim Dusty. The "Many Happy Campfires" tribute evening at Sydney's prestigious Westin Hotel will feature performances from some of Australia's major country entertainers including Australian Of The Year Lee Kernaghan. The artists will rally support for the building of the Slim Dusty Museum and perform musical tributes to this legendary Australian. Since Slim Dusty passed away five years ago, Slim's wife Joy McKean, with a dedicated band of supporters, have been devoting all their time and resources to the establishment of this cultural centre and museum in regional Australia. It is now finally looking like a reality! THE SLIM DUSTY FAMILY REUNION ALBUM - OUT NOW Lee Kernaghan will headline a star-studded tribute to the late, great Slim Dusty in June. The tribute, being held in Sydney on the 81st anniversary of Slim's birthday on June 13, will feature a host of high profile country and pop entertainers to honour the legendary Australian. Titled "Many Happy Campfires", the tribute is being staged as a fund-raiser for the Slim Dusty Centre being built at Kempsey on the NSW North Coast. Radio star Ray Hadley will act as MC on the night with Graeme Connors, Barry Crocker, Peter Denahy, Gina Jeffreys, Tania Kernaghan, Anne Kirkpatrick, David Kirkpatrick, Jimmy Little, Amos Morris and Melinda Schneider joining Lee to entertain, performing with Slim’s original Travelling Country Band. The Kempsey project is being built to realise Slim’s dream of building a Centre in his home town where the memorabilia collected all over Australia during his long and illustrious career could be preserved and shown and where visitors would be involved in "an interactive journey through the heart and soul of Australia". The Centre will also develop scholarships to assist young talented musical artists to obtain the best possible start to their country music careers. The Museum will be an iconic Australian experience built around Slim Dusty, his links with the nation’s indigenous people and his vision of Australian culture, as depicted through his eyes and the lyrics of his timeless songs. Tickets for "Many Happy Camp Fires" (including VIP packages) can be obtained by telephoning Kelly Wong on (02) 8306 9555. Click here for more information and reservation form (713 kb file). Slim Dusty Foundation celebrates Government commitment Despite a report in a Sydney newspaper that suggested that the Slim Dusty Centre project progress may be slowed due to delayed State Government Funding, nothing could be further from the truth. Speaking from the Slim Dusty Foundation office in Kempsey today, the General Manager of the Foundation, Kathryn Yarnold, said that she was in receipt of a most welcome letter from The Hon Gary Gray AO MP, the Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development and Northern Australia, stating that the $6 million pledge made on the 3rd of November, 2007, by the former Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Mark Vaile MP, will indeed be honoured by the new Federal Government. The letter, received on Friday, states "The Australian Government will deliver on its 2007 Election Commitments to regional Australia made under the Better Regions initiative. The Government's $6 million commitment to the Slim Dusty Centre project is to be managed by the Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government." "Whilst we always remained confident that the new Federal Government would continue the support of this mighty Australian initiative, it is comforting to see their commitment to the Slim Dusty Centre, in writing. The Centre will certainly be about Slim and his life, but it will also depict the heritage of Australia and its people, and we believe that the Government's support echoes the voice of the people in getting behind the Slim Dusty Foundation," said Ms Yarnold. The $6 million commitment made by the Federal Government is in addition to their initial pledge of $1.5 million made in 2004. Whilst the Slim Dusty Foundation is still awaiting an announcement from the State Government to match this initial Federal pledge, there is absolutely no reason to doubt that the State Government, too, will continue their strong support of the project, with an announcement expected in the very near future. Ms Yarnold added "The State Government were the very first to recognise the tremendous community benefits that the Slim Dusty Centre will generate into the future, economically and socially. Previously the State has funded our Business Plan and Website, and opened up a 12 hectare site under lease for the Slim Dusty Centre to be built on the Pacific Highway at Kempsey. The entire Slim Dusty Foundation team remain fully optimistic that the State Government will follow the Federal Government’Äôs indication of support with a strong financial commitment that will be an investment into the future of regional New South Wales." Chair of the Foundation, Joy McKean OAM, added her elation at the Federal Government commitment and her faith in the State to continue their wonderful support. "While confirmation of the level of funding at times seemed slow, we have been quietly confident of forthcoming support. Given the State Government's past assistance and encouragement, we have been sure that this critical funding would eventually be made available, in order to advance a project of such importance nationally, and to the Macleay River district and its people," she said from Sydney today. Celebrating East West Plaza Opening - Slim Dusty Family Rededicates Plaque The official rededication of the plaque which will celebrate the recent refurbishment of the new East West Plaza (formerly the Credit Union Plaza and Mayfair Theatre) will be performed by Joy McKean OAM, Slim Dusty's wife and partner of over fifty years. The original commemorative plaque was unveiled by Slim Dusty AO MBE in September 1986. The new plaque will be located next to the original one to celebrate the history of the Plaza in Clyde Street, Kempsey. It also celebrate’Äôs Slim’Äôs beginning, as it unfolded, with his first live performance in Kempsey being at the Mayfair Theatre. It was in 1942, when at 15 years of age, he and childhood mate Shorty Ranger appeared as the Yodelling Boundary Riders. Two glass-fronted red cedar display cases will pay tribute to Slim Dusty and the history of the Plaza, where a permanent exhibition will be housed. They will feature a prominent display of historical Slim Dusty news items displaying unique memorabilia celebrating his strong connection to Kempsey and the Macleay Valley. The dedicated people at the Macleay River Historical Society will develop and provide the rare materials for the displays, in an ongoing capacity to ensure that there is future rotation to create and maintain interest. Nearby will be a large screen that will play Slim Dusty songs and feature concert footage from his popular DVDs, creating an ambience of heritage country atmosphere. At the official rededication ceremony, to take place on Thursday 10 April, at 10am, Joy will be joined by their daughter, Anne Kirkpatrick, a successful and extremely popular performer in her own right. Anne will sing several of her Dad’Äôs songs for the large gathering expected to attend the momentous occasion. Joy McKean, also speaking on behalf of the Slim Dusty Foundation, has expressed their thanks to Dr and Mrs Tiong Ting, Plaza owners, for taking care to retain the historical original plaques for remounting. Joy will travel from Sydney to rededicate the plaque at the memorable ceremony that will also be attended by the Federal Member for Lyne, The Hon Mark Vaile MP, Federal Member for Cowper, The Hon Luke Hartsuyker MP, Deputy Mayor Cr Janet Hayes and other local dignitaries. Mr Richard O’ÄôLeary, a notable community leader, Kempsey businessman and Rotarian, will be the MC for the occasion. The new East West Plaza and the rededication ceremony will also celebrate the additional new life being breathed into the CBD of Kempsey. The Clyde Street Mall will be bubbling with the Thursday morning markets, where the CBD already enjoys the strong, steady pulse of long established and successful businesses. Within the East West Plaza itself, where the rededication is being staged, there are many major long-term Kempsey businesses, specialty shops and a new Food Court. In continuing to celebrate Slim Dusty and keep his memory alive, the East West Plaza will continue to attract tourists and shoppers to the Kempsey area, his home town. That will, in turn, help maintain the impetus for the continuing work of the Slim Dusty Foundation on the Slim Dusty Centre project. Information about the Slim Dusty Foundation and its aims is available from General Manager, Kathryn Yarnold at 02 6562 6533 or 1800 18 SLIM or www.slimdustycentre.com.au. Family album continues to chart The Slim Dusty Family Reunion album continues to chart nationally, moving back up to number 17 this week on the mainstream ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) Album Chart. Now four weeks in the top 20 (every week since its release), the album is also number one for the fourth week on the ARIA Country Albums chart. More than 50 years after The Pub With No Beer became Australia's biggest selling record, Slim Dusty is riding high again on both the Australian country and pop charts simultaneously. The newly released Slim Dusty Family Reunion album was released on March 1 and debuted at number one on the national ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) Country Chart and at 15 on the mainstream Top 100 Albums Chart.
"It certainly goes to prove that the legacy of the young bloke who 70 years ago decided to adopt the name Slim Dusty is in safe hands," according to a spokesman for EMI Music, Slim's record label. "Pick It Up And Pass It On, written by Paul Kelly especially for the family project, is one of several songs on the album proving a real favourite with reviewers and Slim fans alike," EMI said. "Slim’s wife, Joy McKean, his children David and Anne and his four grandchildren, have done exactly as Paul suggested and Slim would no doubt have wanted, by honouring the family tradition and infusing it with new energy and new voices. Judging by the early response to the Reunion album, the fans are loving it!" "We are overwhelmed by all the support shown to our family on the release of our Reunion album," said Anne Kirkpatrick, "thank you one and all." "With an album that truly features so many highlights, there would have to be special praise for Slim and Joy’s grandchildren (James, Hannah, Kate and Daniel)," EMI said. "Their individual musical contributions would have greatly pleased the 'old man'. Slim was always a staunch advocate of young people following their own direction and finding their own voice – they certainly have achieved that." "The chart positions are fantastic and make us all really eager to get out on the road in July and perform all the album material live," said James Arneman. Reunion features 12 songs inspired by memories of Slim and three previously unreleased Slim Dusty recordings. A bonus DVD titled Behind The Reunion is being offered with the album for a limited time featuring interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. The Slim Dusty Family... Reunion In the years following the passing of Slim Dusty, rumours emerged that the family would create a musical tribute. As the pressure grew, so did the expectations. But then the "Dustys" are no ordinary family - as they've now proven with the release of the Reunion. The tone of celebration is set from the start with Slim's How Good It Is - another of the fine collaborations between Slim and Cold Chisel writer Don Walker (previous collaborations have included Looking Forward, Looking Back, Charleville...)...
Rather than putting together an album of covers or unreleased material, the family members - Joy McKean, David Kirkpatrick, Anne Kirkpatrick and their children, James and Kate (Anne) and Hannah and Daniel (David), decided to use their own words - with wonderful additions by Paul Kelly, Eric Bogle and Peter Denahy, to chronicle their feelings about Slim and celebrate the life, times and music of the most famous of all Aussie country performers. It was a decision that would have greatly pleased the 'old man', staunch advocate that he was for young people following their own direction and finding their own voice.
There are the things we would expect - Anne's beautiful, soulful singing - Joy's fine songwriting. But there are wonderful surprises to be had in this reunion. Apart from the three previously unreleased gems from Slim Dusty himself... there is David’Äôs emergence as a songwriter and performer and great songs and singing from the younger generation who've been "handed the reins". Like all the best reunions, there's laughter, there's tears, there's longing and there's love. Love for the beloved husband, father, grandfather, and love for the music that was such a part of all their lives. It's a tribute to the family, the splendid Travelling Country Band and the production/studio crew, that we don't feel like mere observers, but more like old friends invited to share this joyous experience. But the last word should belong to the man who inspired it all - Slim himself (lyrics taken from the final track of the album. This Slim recording not listed on artwork; year of origin unknown!) As we start to look back down life's rugged track Young voices are raised, they're proud and they're brave Photo: a shot of the media conference announcing the Reunion album. The Slim Dusty Family REUNION album Behind The Reunion... BONUS DVD AVAILABLE FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY! The Slim Dusty Family REUNION - Track Listing / Production Credits 1. HOW GOOD IT IS... Slim Dusty (Don Walker) Sony / ATV Music 2:40 2. ROAD DREAMIN'... Anne Kirkpatrick (Anne Kirkpatrick) Slim Dusty Enterprises Pty Ltd 3:25 3. RESTING PLACE... James Arneman / Hannah Kirkpatrick (James Arneman / Hannah Kirkpatrick) Slim Dusty Enterprises Pty Ltd 3:11 4. OLD PURPLE ...David Kirkpatrick / Harmonies: Anne and the Family (David Kirkpatrick). Slim Dusty Enterprises Pty Ltd 3:39 5. TOOK HIS SADDLE HOME... Anne Kirkpatrick / Harmonies: David (Peter Denahy) Control 3:29 6. PICK IT UP AND PASS IT ON... David Kirkpatrick, Anne Kirkpatrick / Featuring James Arneman & the Family (Paul Kelly) Universal Music Publishing 3:11 7. TOO MANY MEMORIES... Joy McKean / Harmonies: Anne (Joy McKean) Slim Dusty Enterprises Pty Ltd 3:17 8. SUNBURNT PEOPLE... Slim Dusty / Harmonies: Joy & Anne (Slim Dusty & Joy McKean) Slim Dusty Enterprises Pty Ltd 3:05 9. KEEP ON ROLLING (THE SONG)... David Kirkpatrick / Harmonies: Hannah & Anne (David Kirkpatrick) Slim Dusty Enterprises Pty Ltd 3:16 10. HIGH, WIDE AND HANDSOME... Kate Arneman / Harmonies: James and Anne (Joy McKean) EMI Music Publishing 2:07 11. THE DREAMER... Hannah Kirkpatrick / Harmonies: Anne (Eric Bogle) Larrikin Music/ Control 2:50 12. MIDDLE OF THE ROAD... James Arneman / Harmonies: Kate (James Arneman) Slim Dusty Enterprises Pty Ltd 3:53 13. FAMILY REUNION... Joy McKean & the Family (Joy McKean / Slim Dusty ) Slim Dusty Enterprises Pty Ltd 3:21 14. FROM THERE TO NOW... Anne Kirkpatrick / Harmonies: James, Kate, Mike Kerin & the Family (Anne Kirkpatrick) Slim Dusty Enterprises 2:55 Bonus Track (Not Listed on CD) 15. The Unknown Song (Demo)... Slim Dusty (Slim Dusty ) Slim Dusty Enterprises Pty Ltd 1:33 Mixed by Mike Vidale For further information go to www.musichead.com.au In conjunction with the Reunion media conference, a special presentation was made marking an astounding seven million sales for Slim Dusty albums in Australia.
At last weekend's 36th annual CMAA Golden Guitar Awards held in Tamworth, the charismatic 19-year-old bush balladeer Amos Morris became the youngest ever artist to win a Golden Guitar in the prized Bush Ballad of the Year category. The young Nulla recording artist, just a little earlier that evening, had won over the Awards crowd with a stirring performance of his award winning song Sign Of The Times. This was also a very special award win for Nulla Records' Joy McKean... even though Joy and Slim Dusty have between them won more than 40 Golden Guitars; this was actually the first Golden Guitar award for the family label. The recently re-established Nulla Records label represents a new joint venture between the Slim Dusty Family and EMI Music Australia and was set up for the sole purpose of providing support to new and talented Australian traditional country music artists. Amos, hailing from Slim Dusty's own hometown of Kempsey on the mid north coast of NSW, is the Nulla label's latest signing. Over the last few years, he has been steadily building a devoted following both in Australia and New Zealand with his strong live performances combined with his totally fresh approach to the traditional Australian bush ballad style of music. Amos was discovered by Joy McKean back in 2003 at a Slim Dusty tribute night in Kempsey and after several years of mentoring, Joy signed Amos to her Nulla recording label. The Amos Morris debut Nulla album Sign Of The Times was produced by multi Golden Guitar award winner Anne Kirkpatrick and recorded in Slim Dusty’s own Columbia Lane Studios. Meanwhile, another track from the Sign Of The Times album is also gathering attention... the video for the Frustrated Truckie track has now entered the CMC Top 50 video chart at number 37.
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