After a long absence from the music industry, the awesome voice of Gail Page is back with avengeance!
Fast tracked by Parris Macleod (producer of the year 2007 Australian blues "Chain" awards), Gail and Parris collabirated together to record and write Gail's debut album "Colours That Run", released at The Basement November 2007.
Australian Female Artist of the year Best New Artist Producer of the year (Parris Macleod)
Australian Blues "CHAIN" Awards
Who is Gail Page?
Gail simply has one of the biggest voices in the business. Her earth shattering vocals and bubbly personality in combination with the extreme musical talents of Parris Macleod on piano and hammond organ draws immediate attention when performing live and leave the audience with the feeling they have witnessed something very special.
Gail's career started in 1993 when she first met Parris at the Beachcomber Hotel and asked if she could jump up with his band at the time ("The Mix"). Parris was so impressed that after one song he asked her to join the band as the lead singer. Gail continued on for the next two years as the lead singer for the Sunday residential band performing with many of Sydneys finest musicians that joined "The Mix" including Mal Eastick, Kirk Lorange, Gordon Rytmeister, Sunil de Silver, Garry Steel, Paul Green, Andy Atwill, Roby Seracussa, Steve Furnley and many more.
This experience gained her widespread respect as an incredibly promising and powerful blues singer and also a beautiful personality. It is no surprise that when Gail announced she had decided to put aside her music and pursue a new life west of Adalaide in South Australia, this came as a shock to fans and music industry alike.
Fifteen years later Gail visited Parris and asked if he would co-write and produce an album with her. After hearing that amazing voice again Parris agreed and soon after was on the phone gathering together a line up of some of Australia's greatest musicians for the album, some of which were the same musicians that had previously worked with her in the early days. It was to prove easy to assemble the group as they had not forgotten Gail and were excited she was back, so much so that all the musicians on the album offered to perform for her live in the future. This was followed by a recording contract seeing Gail sign with Sunball Records and Project National.
Production on the Album started in August 2007 and was completed and released late October. The album "Colours That Run" includes 8 disturbingly soulful originals composed by Parris and written by Gail .
Parris assembled the band together for a showcase that was held to a capacity audience at The Basement in November 2007.
The band (most as on the album):
Parris Macleod - Musical Director, Piano Gordon Rytmeister (Australian Idol house drummer) - Drums Leon Gaer (Barry Manilow) - Bass Dave Longo (Doug Parkinson) - Guitar Mal Eastick (Australian Blues legend) - Guitar Lachlan Doley (Powderfinger) - Hammond organ Mark Atkins - Master of the Digeridoo Pete Collins - Harmonica Tessa Nuku (Australian Idol) - Backing Vocals Brendon Bowney (Australian Idol) - Backing Vocals
The Basement show was filmed on HD digital and was so successful that negotiations are already underway for televising the concert on several networks. A DVD of the concert is due for release in Late February. Plans for a 2008 Australian tour with the Gail Page Band are currently underway.
In addition to this Gail and Parris have formed a Duo and recently performed at the 2008 Tamworth Country music festival receiving immediate praise and selling out of CDs. Gail and Parris are next due to perform at the Australian Blues Festival in Feb 2008.
"Ask us to describe her style and we falter a little. In a sense she defies description. Close your eyes and you’d swear you’re in New Orleans listening to one of the greats – Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin - then again, modern comparisons bring Toni Childs to mind – but wait, now she’s singing the most beautiful rendition of an Eva Cassidy song. A musical chameleon unlike any other.
One of the most powerful voices we’ve heard in a long time, microphone seemingly a mere prop, we can’t even place her in a specific genre. Initially blues and jazz spring to mind, but some of the songs would more appropriately be categorized as alternative contemporary. Don’t label this performer because the minute you think you have it worked out, she’ll surprise you with something new.
Be prepared to be moved. Gail doesn’t just sing, she tells a story. And the stories are from the heart. They convey the emotions of a life’s journey, messages of hope and strength and the uncanny ability to touch something inside every person that hears them. We’re not saying you’ll be spilling tears all night, but certainly expect at least a goosebump or two. We haven’t yet met a person who hasn’t been affected by her music. It isn’t just the clarity and power of her voice, nor simply the genuine emotion behind the songs. As we stated earlier, we dare not put her into an existing category. One of a kind, unique, powerful, touching". --- R&V Publicists Nov 2007
In the early hours of this morning someone stole our photographic equipment, including three cameras, lenses, cards, the lot!
They stole other items as well, but the the photographic equipment was our livelihood, and our means of assisting hundreds of Central Coast musicians over the years.
If you're reading this, then the photos or film clips we took of you or your friends were taken with those cameras. If you're from Wyong Shire, If we've ever helped any of you out, then please do us this one favour - ask around and help us find out who is stashing our cameras. This is a small community, someone is bound to hear of someone who has miraculously obtained three cameras, lenses etc. The brands are Canon and Fuji.
By the pattern of the theft, it's a local team who think it's hilarious to steal people's property and leave trails of it behind them as they work their way up the street. Hey dudes, really hilarious when you've taken away someone's income AND the very things we use to HELP (for free) other people get ahead.
It's very rare for us to ask for help, but we NEED it. PLEASE help us to find our cameras by listening out for any clues as to who might have taken them.
Howdy Gail, you were great at the warners bay gig, dig that funky song we were doing with harry, it's getting very exciting seeing things evolving into a powerfull team of great friends that are such good people, it's a privilege to share the stage with you guys.....
Hey Gail, I'm around this week so drop in anytime. It would be great to see you and have a write. I'm in Newcastle friday night for the jazz fest this weekend, so if you're about come say "Good Day". Love ya work. Dave
