Gail Page
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Gail Page simply has one of the biggest voices in the business. Her earth shattering vocals, extraordinary musical feel and bubbly personality in combination with the extreme musical talents of Parris Macleod draws immediate attention when performing live and leaves the audience with the feeling they have experienced 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 Sydney's finest musicians that featured in "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. It is no surprise that when Gail announced she had decided to put aside her music and pursue a new life west of Adelaide in South Australia, this came as a shock to fans and music industry alike. Fourteen 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 whom 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.
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"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... 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... One of a kind, unique, powerful, touching."
- R&V Publicists Nov 2007
"It doesn't take too many minutes into this debut album from this Central Coast singer/songwriter to understand why Page picked up the Best New Talent and Best Female Vocalist gongs at this year's Australian Blues Music Chain Awards. She's got that rare, authentic vocal tone that reeks of the best American "old school" soul/blues/gospel singers.nbsp; There's a definite Nina Simone kind of lilt, though Page's range is broader and her delivery more supple - soft and velvety one minute, dark and powerful when it needs to be and deeply imbued with the wear and tear of having lived: a real woman's voice. Luckily, Page is well served by her songwriting muse and collaborator, Parris Macleod, who is also the album's producer. A set of songs are delivered that reference that old school soul/blues/gospel catalogue with a reverence and skilful understanding, which ensures that Page's lyrics are provided with a powerful yet natural and sincere setting allowing the urgent undercurrent to retain its edginess while the session players have room to stamp their own feel on the slick yet supple arrangements. With sidemen like guitarist Dave Longo, bass player Leon Gaer and drummer Gordon Rytmeister and guests like guitarist Mal Eastick, how could you go wrong? Listening to this album has been like discovering a new Renee Geyer, another white Australian girl with an African-American musical soul. Let's hope Page is given the chance to reach Geyer's status; a big call at a time when Australia only seems to want the "original" American version if at all."
- Michael Smith (CD Review from Drum Media) August 2008
Colours That Run
The Colours That Run recording
sessions at Cloud Studios August - October 2007
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. |
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DISCOGRAPHY Colours That Run
(2008)
 Gail Page:
Vocals
Parris Macleod:
Piano, Hammond
Gordon Rytmeister:
Drums
Leon Gaer:
Bass
David Longo:
Guitar, Dobro
Tessa Nuku:
Backing vocals
Pete Collins:
Harmonica
Special Guest
musicians
Mal Eastick:
Guitar
Mark Atkins:
Didgeridoo
All songs written by Gail Page and
Parris Macleod except Gecko Moon and
So Scared: Bill White and
Nicole Walkem
You Can Hear It: Gail Page, Parris Macleod, Gordon Rytmeister, Leon Gaer and David Longo Produced by
Parris Macleod
Recorded and mixed by
Parris Macleod at Cloud Studios
Assistant engineer:
Shaun Cullerton
Mastering:
Shaun Cullerton
Photography by
R&V Photographers, Wendy Gleen, Christian Marsh and Leon Gaer. |
Colours That Run CD Launch
Parris assembled the band together for a showcase that was held to a capacity audience at The Basement in November 2007. The band lineup (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 soon.
Australian Blues (Chain) Awards
Febuary 2008
- Female Artist Of The Year - Gail Page
- Best New Artist - Gail Page
- Producer Of The Year - Parris Macleod