by John Rasmussen
Melbourne singer songwriter John Rasmussen (1946-2009) performed and composed all of his life and has recorded a number of albums with bands in Australia and the USA (Smiths Gully, Eucalypso, The Belvederes), but this is the first time that the majority of his songs have been assembled in one place — on the new posthumous double CD, October Moon launched at Montsalvat, Eltham on March 28, 2010.
John died of cancer last December. He recorded these vocal and guitar tracks up until a few months before his death. Since then many of John’s close musical friends have banded together to help complete the recordings—he gave clear directions for the instrumental additions that he wanted.
This selection of songs from over thirty-five years hails from riversides, kitchens, old folks’ homes and the streets of the world that John travelled. His songs are of drifters, dreamers, hobos and gamblers, but most of all they are about those who have taken chances — the bravest ones. Traces of the bush poets haunt his lyrics, and a deep love of the land — its people, its birds, rivers and moons — resonates through the melodies. His tribute to the great Essendon footballer, John Coleman, deserves to become a classic.
John’s original songs canvas a vast spectrum of human experience and endeavour. The thought provoking political themes explored in songs like The Breaker and It’s Not Your Land; the heartfelt sense of place and longing captured in Bend of Isles, Wangaratta and Broometime Blues; the intimately personal Song to You and The Bravest Ones and the hilarious story told in Christian Radio speak to us in a true voice.
You can listen to three tracks from the album on the music page.
You can order the album through the Trad And Now website by clicking here.
SALES: Email: chrldwly@fastmail.fm
ENQUIRIES: Maureen McCrane Tel. (03) 94370931, Email: mccrane@hotkey.net.au