Kerri Simpson will be one of the special guests performing with Charles Jenkins at the Blue Atlas Winter Ball on July 4 a the Corner Hotel in Melbourne.
The show will feature an array of special guests including Tim Rogers and Davey Lane of You Am I, Abby Dobson, Spencer P. Jones, Anna Burley, Cal & Van Walker and the Blue Atlas Stings.Kerri talked to Dust Devil Music about Chuck.
Dust Devil Music: How were you first introduced to Charles’ music?
Kerrie Simpson: I was doing a residency at the Dan O Connell, he was on the bill. Dave Hosking was on the bill as well, every Sunday night after the gig we’d have a tipple or two and discuss the finer points of crafting a tune.
Dust Devil Music: What do you admire about Charles as a songwriter / performer?
Kerrie Simpson: Charles comes from such a different musical background from mine, his choice of melody and harmony constantly intrigues and baffles me. I learn more about the intricacies of song writing with each album he releases. His songs are instantly recognisable, he makes up these wacky chord structures and progressions, that never sound like anyone else. I’ve made attempts at versions of his songs but they’re killers to interpret. As a singer I’m partial to his lyrics. I adore his command of the Queen’s English, the ambiguity, complexity he can squeeze into some songs, then the way he contrasts them with songs that are the very essence of simplicity. He’s brilliant at constructing insights into the Australian “everyday”.
Dust Devil Music: Do you have any interesting stories about Charles to share?
Kerrie Simpson: He’s really quite a humble fellow underneath that safari suited facade.
Dust Devil Music: What is your favourite song from the Blue Atlas?
Kerrie Simpson: It could only be Autumn Fall, every songwriter wishes they’d thought of a line like
“The air in here’s the colour of a great love lost”
Dust Devil Music: Other favourite Charles Jenkins tracks?
Kerrie Simpson: Nipple, Gasworks Park, Record collection, Princess, Barcelona, Deepest night
Sailors here. Bungalow is my favourite album but he never does anything that doesn’t instantly captivate. I confess to being a hopeless “Jenkins” fanatic!
Dust Devil Music: What are you looking forward to most about the Blue Atlas Ball?
Kerrie Simpson: Finding out what Charles is going to wear!
Dust Devil Music: What are you working on at the moment?
Mixing # 2 in my “ Knockin at the backdoor” series, Charles wrote and played piano on one of the tracks, “Fortune favoured me”.
Dust Devil Music: What plans do you have for the future?
Getting “ Knockin at the backdoor” #2 mixed, mastered and released!
Come to the Blue Atlas Ball Click here and purchase your ticket now for just $23 including booking fee
