Their music a surprisingly happy union of southern acoustica and ’60s/’70s pure pop, The Swamp Dandies combine the permanent talents of ARIA Award winning singer-songwriter and APRA Songwriter of the Year Greg Arnold with
John Bedggood (Bernard Fanning and The Wilson Pickers) and Monique Zucco (Canvas). Previously of Things of Stone & Wood, Arnold’s recent work includes producer credits for Stonefield, Skipping Girl Vinegar and Carus Thompson.
Sounding like a Mark Twain character walking down Carnaby Street in 1966, The Swamp Dandies blend fiddles, mandolin, gospel piano and stompy drums with sweeping pop melody and harmonies.
Their first album, Fall (set to be released on November 18th), is a colourful emotive journey with plenty of pocket sized melodic and harmonic feasts, like the charming ‘Tomorrow’ and the Georgia Fields’ duet “Tumbling Down”. First single “Olivia” tells the tale of a Nashville waiter who’s days are spent pining for a visit from Livvie and “Until You Fall” is a Let It Be-esque ballad of Spector-ish proportions with all of the strings and brass and none of the hand guns. “The Deal” is a dark ocean journey, whilst “Are You True?” is a slow swampy suspicious rock out.
The Swamp Dandies show dates:
Friday 4th November
Harvester Moon Lavender Farm & Restaurant, Bellarine
Tickets: phone 5259 3200
Sunday 6th November
Thornbury Theatre, Thornbury (matinee show)
Tickets from Oztix
Friday 25th November – Sunday 27th
Queenscliff Music Festival with Carus Thomspon (Greg Arnold solo)
Tickets from website
Thursday 1st December
The Torquay Hotel, Torquay with Carus Thomspon (Greg Arnold solo)
Sunday 4th December
Powerhouse, Brisbane
Thursday 8th December
Northcote Social Club, Melbourne with Carus Thompson
Tickets from venue
Saturday 14th January
Laver’s Hill Town Hall, Laver Hill
