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Greetings ! Welcome to the first bumper issue for 2012. It is a pleasure to introduce you to a host of new writers whom we welcome warmly, and hope you enjoy the 'add-ons' this time including a roundup of the burgeoning Melbourne country scene. It is our hope that this will extend to include reports from Perth and other city capitals with country music clusters. If January's Tamworth festival is any guide it looks like a robust year for all things country music, as personally, I had a great time and have never enjoyed so much excellent music. Every show seemed more outstanding than the previous and I still missed seeing a host of acts I wanted to catch as time wouldn’t allow. Crowd numbers were well up and the weather was cool and pleasant- and the rain blessedly held off till we all left town! The overall mood was one of approval, camaraderie and celebration. There were sufficient great Australian albums released during the festival to keep the most fastidious fan satisfied for the remainder of the year- John Williamson, Harmony James, Kristy Cox, Lachlan Bryan, Luke O'Shea, Amber Lawrence - and the list extends to eagerly anticipated extras with Troy Cassar Daley and McAlister Kemp in March. Speaking of McAlister Kemp - congratulations to Drew McAlister and wife Justina on the arrival of their new daughter Matilda whose debut occasioned her Dad a rapid departure from Tamworth back to Sydney. The Awards show was a non-stop extravaganza! The 40th anniversary theme of 'Looking Forward Looking Back' was splendidly embraced with sensitive tributes to the past and pioneers, while showcasing the 'here and now' with upcoming stars of the future. Special bouquet to the great band who made everyone sound superb. Congratulations to all winners on the night, and especially our Bluegrass columnists Hamish and Lachlan on the Golden Guitar for Instrumental – their third - placing them level with Keith Urban and Tommy Emmanual in that category – a feather in your cap guys - we love your work! Look for the Country Update team at CMC Rocks the Hunter, Bluesfest or Urban CM Festival as we'll be there with bells on! Regards, Denise |
