Audrey Auld Mezera


Audrey Auld Mezera
www.audreyauld.com
www.MySpace.com/AudreyAuldMezera

Photos Audrey Auld Mezera at Harrigans Cessnock
Photos Hoedown at Harrigans Cessnock


Small Song Sample from "Lost Men and Angry Girls"
Small Song Sample from "Texas"

Go to www.youtube.com then type Audrey Auld in the search box and press enter. It's the amazing video of "I'd Leave Me Too"
Video from Audrey Auld's digital video camera - Trev with Audrey at her home in Nashville having a jam session.
NASHVILLE Deep Fried everything!! I took the photo shown here at the Dave Macon Days fair in Murfreesboro, TN. Settling into our new home in Nashville has been fun. It's a big change from our close little community of Stinson Beach. For a start, there's no fog - Nashville is steaming hot! Frogs live in our pool, there are bugs the size and colours I've never seen before and the garden grows like crazy. Everyone is a musician or songwriter, or used to be.... I'm keen to meet a guitar player with whom I can tour this part of the country. Yes, big shoes to fill! It was a big thrill to be in the audience during Charlie Louvin's new "Ira" video release at the Country Music Hall of Fame. Charlie sang a few with his band and made us all laugh with his stories. It was moving to witness the great esteem and respect in which he is held. Melinda Schneider is in town co-writing songs for her next album. It's been fun hanging out with her and speaking Australian. Can you imagine the Southern Strine I'll develop after a few years here?! Melinda performed at the Bluebird Cafe in-the-round with some of her co-writers. She's been nominated for an Americana Music Assn. Best Song award for her co-write "It Takes Balls To Be A Woman" with Elizabeth Cook. Sunny Sweeney, who recorded my song "Next Big Nothing" has been nominated in the same AMA awards for Best New Artist. Sunny will be touring Australia in Jan 08. We went to hear Catherine Britt play a 30 minute showcase set in Nashville, as she pursues a new label deal. Her 7 piece band rocked hard and managed to drown out her voice. She's a long way from the trad country influences of her past, delivering a straight out rock/country set. Boy, she sure can sing! VIRGINIA and beyond!
My first show in Virginia is a Country Jamboree at the Halifax County Fairgrounds in South Boston. The Jimmy Glass Band is also on the bill and he's pure country. I love exploring these new regions of America. It's a beautiful country. Here's a pic from a recent Birmingham, Alabama house concert. This region is very pretty but the locals prefer it kept a secret so they don't get built out. Thanks Small Stages for an excellent evening. Nothing beats playing for a tuned in audience who're not backward about coming forward. If you're interested in hosting a house concert or can suggest an acoustic venue where I can play a show, please let me know. I book my own dates and have much to learn about venues and promoters in the South and on the East Coast. Email me at audrey@recklessrecords.com Country JAMOREE, South Boston VA. 8/10
CALIFORNIA DREAMING
I'm looking forward to some California shows later in August. After another Bread & Roses writing workshop in San Quentin I'll be getting up waaay too early in order to hang out with Sleepy John in Santa Cruz on KZSC 8/17. He's a fun way to start the day. Friday night I'm joined by Nina Gerber (I miss you girl!) and Kenny Edwards (original Stony Pony!) in Sebastopol. Good music, good people and good food - what lucky buggers we are! Saturday night I'm playing a house concert at Tom Montgomery's in Berkeley. Tom's helped me out a lot with getting established in California. Details for the show are shown in the Tour Dates column. French GARDEN RESTAURANT, Sebastopol, 8/17
GOOD NEWS FROM HOME Check out Kasey Chambers' website for her news and a pic of her new son, Arlo! Her weekly gig with the Lost Dogs continues at the Avoca pub with great guests each week and the best band in Australia! Kasey's site


AUDREY AULD MEZERA TOUR DATES Sat November 10 8:00 PM CHARLES & MYRTLES HOUSE CONCERT Chattanooga, TN $10 andrewk166@charlesandmyrtles.com Thur March 20,'08 COFFEE GALLERY BACKSTAGE Altadena, CA Fri March 21, '08 MUSICA DEL RIO HOUSE CONCERT ATASCADERO, CA Sat, March 22, '08 KUWUUMBA JAZZ CENTER Santa Cruz, CA Sun, March 23, '08 STUDIO E House Concert Sebastopol, CA Wed, March 26, '08 FREIGHT & SALVAGE COFFEEHOUSE Berkeley, CA More Info and updates here...

Charlie Louvin at the recent AMA Nominations party in Nashville. Mez and I bought a home here and moved in early June. We're very happy playing house. It was an honor to meet Charlie Louvin there. His latest album has a song 'Ira' dedicated to his late brother. Charlie played at Bonarroo recently, one of the biggest festivals in the US.

'BREAD & ROSES' song - NOW AVAILABLE

'


AMERICANA MUSIC ASSN. NOMINATIONS "Lost Men and Angry Girls" is eligible to be nominated for the upcoming AMA awards. If you are a member of the AMA, you have already received your invitation to nominate and your nomination could look like this!! 1. Album of the Year LOST MEN & ANGRY GIRLS 2. Song of the Year (presented to the songwriter) LAST SEEN IN GAINESVILLE - AUDREY AULD MEZERA 3. Artist of the Year AUDREY AULD MEZERA 4. Instrumentalist of the Year NINA GERBER 5. New/Emerging Artist of the Year AUDREY AULD MEZERA (OK, OK it's pushy I know but I'm my own label boss so who else is gonna ask you?) PLEASE SEND YOUR NOMINATIONS TO: awards@americanamusic.org BY 5:00PM THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2007. INCLUDE YOUR NAME ON YOUR LIST. Audrey's website TEXAS
Two weeks in Texas is never enough, but better than not at all. Like the Northern Territory there's something about Texas that gets in your blood. I happily returned to Luckenbach for a really fun show with Tina Wilkins and Susan Gibson (writer of "Wide Open Spaces") both wonderful singers and entertainers. The private house concert (read "backyard stage and ampitheatre") that brought me to Austin was awesome. These music fans have created the best acoustic music venue in Austin in their own backyard!! Cheers to such passionate entrepreneurs. Austin certainly felt like a big city this time around, with more and more highways and high-rises. But what remains is the same down-home friendliness that'll get you a new friend every time you visit the place. I'm sure if you spend enough time on Hwy 71 in the Texas Hill Country you'll have a "Willie" moment... well I had mine, but I'll tell you about it at a show when next we meet... For a laugh, read this article re Willie's latest close encounter with the law: www.pugbus.net/artman/publish/04257002_11_freewillie.shtml NEW MUSIC I COLLECTED IN MY TRAVELS: Guy Forsyth "Unrepentant Schizophrenic Americana" - an excellent double live CD Sam Baker "Pretty World" (due out on Reckless in August!) Darcie Deaville "Living on the Lucky Side" - there's more to Darcie than a sawing fiddle. Susan Gibson "Outer Space" - this is not a new release but I love her voice and writing, plus you get to hear the original version of "Wide Open Spaces". From Australia: One of my favorite guitar players, Peter Baylor, has a new CD "I Hear The Road" - described as "Hillbillly Bop Combo with vocals". Peter's the real deal. (photo above by Ron Baker taken at Threadgill's). BY THE WAY... * THANK YOU to everyone who voted for me in the CMT video competition. Yes, the boy in the pick-up truck beat me out but your dedication at the mouse is very touching. Heaps of people have checked out the video on YouTube with the best comment being "country is for druggies, druggies are poor, quit trying to get rich off druggies." Mmmmmm.... so many responses, so little time..... * Mez and I are moving to Nashville later this month. We've bought our first home in a quiet East Nashville neighbourhood (well, it'll be quiet till the hollerin' hubby, dawgs and chooks move in!). We're looking forward to a new chapter living in a music town. * Recently you should have a received an email requesting that you 'Confirm' receipt of this newsletter. Please 'Confirm' if you'd like to continue receiving News and Tour Updates as after this May Newsletter only Confirmed email addresses will continue to be on the list. (photo above taken by David Leslie) BLAME SALLY - Santa Cruz Benefit Show BLAME SALLY ( www.blamesally.com ) Benefit for Santa Cruz Women's Health Center Saturday, May 19th, 7:30 PM The Rio Theater 1205 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA Tickets (831) 425-4480
(photo above taken by Baron Wolman at Studio E) TOUR DATES UPDATED HERE...
LOST MEN & ANGRY GIRLS
#1 on the FAR (Freeform Americana Roots) chart - Feb & March
#2 Euro Americana Chart - Feb
#33 Roots Music Report - March

"a superb vocalist and songwriter in the roots tradition... excellent collection... an artist who deserves wide recognition..."
**** ~ C. Baguely, Country Music People, UK

"a clutch of melodic, thoughtfully observed songs shot through with wisecracking humor... her most fully realized, polished effort to date."
~ Bliss, Pasadena Weekly, LA

"A sharp-eyed storyteller... She also can flash some sly social satire or a powerful sense of moral indignation, all the while sounding like your good friend" ~ M Berick, No Depression, USA

"...her strongest album yet. It all still comes down to the songs and Audrey's new maturity and confidence is to the fore" ~ Keith Glass

"This is Mezera's most solid, cohesive collection of songs yet." ~ Bill Frater, Freight Train Boogie.com

"one of Australia's best country singer-songwriters.
This latest effort should help solidify her reputation on this side of the planet."
**** ~ Mike Regenstreif, the Montreal Gazette
Audrey's website
CHAMBERS' ORCHESTRA
Here's a pic taken at the Central Coast Country Music Festival, NSW, Austalia (thanks Val & Pete!) Bill and Kasey Chambers have much to smile about as both are expecting new members to the family. Kasey and husband Shane are due in July, and Bill and girlfriend Kate expect their child in September. Recently Bill's been touring Australia as a guest guitar player with Fred Eaglesmith's band.
Bill Chambers's MySpace page
EVER THE OUTLAW
After Billy Joe Shaver left a bar in Lorena, Texas on Saturday night he was followed into the parking lot by a stranger. It was 8.30pm, about 80 miles north of Austin and 15 miles from Waco, Billy's home town. The stranger was drunk and aggressive and he was brandishing a knife. So, in self-defence - Billy Joe shot him in the cheek. The attacker was OK after the shooting - talking and alert, and hospitalized. Billy Joe tried to turn himself in on Monday night but wasn't arrested because the cops didn't have a record of an arrest warrant. He has since been charged with aggravated assault and possessing a firearm in a prohibited place. Billy Joe showed up to play an in-store set at Waterloo Records on Tuesday after he was released. It's been a long, hard, eventful road for Billy Joe Shaver. His musical gifts to the world are numerous and treasured. Exiting this world by knife-blade in the parking lot just isn't fitting...

AUDREY AULD MEZERA TOUR DATES May 13 DON QUIXOTE'S International Music Hall, Felton, CA May 22 FREIGHT & SALVAGE COFFEEHOUSE, Berkeley, CA (+ Nina Gerber) June 2 SPIRIT OF THE OUTLAWS SHOW, Nashville, TN Aug 17 FRENCH GARDEN RESTAURANT, Sebastopol, CA (+ Nina Gerber & Kenny Edwards) Aug 19 BERKELEY HOUSE CONCERT, CA More info and updates here...

Click here to Vote...

VOTE FOR AUDREY! 'I'd Leave Me Too' video in CMT's Music City Madness competition The video is the debut production of Cori Hopper and Worm Werchon, with random styling tips from Kasey Chambers. It's set in Woy Woy Bay, NSW, my old stomping ground. The 'love interest' is Mick Albeck, the most excellent fiddle player who plays on many of my albums. The heartache was real, the budget was low, and the streets of Woy Woy really are filled with furniture! You can vote as many times as you like! Please forward this to your friends! SEE LINK BELOW FOR HOW TO VOTE In the spirit of 'American Idol gets more voters than a U.S. presidential election'... My video for 'I'd Leave Me Too' has been selected amongst 64 out of 600 entries in the CMT Music City Madness video competition for unsigned artists. You can help me win by voting, EVERY DAY, ALL DAY, for my video! Vote as many times as you like! Give up your job, and vote for Audrey!!! You don't need to vote for every entry. My name is listed towards the bottom of the left column. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS - then close the blue box in order to vote. Use the Zoom slider to read the text. Persevere... I'm worth it! The nationwide talent search offers unsigned artists a chance to reveal original, unpublished music to fans across the country. The winning entrant will receive an all-expenses paid trip to CMT’s Nashville studio to record an episode of STUDIO 330 SESSIONS, CMT Loaded’s original online performance series. Fans can narrow down the top 64 entrants in a single elimination competition online over the next two weeks. On Tuesday, February 27, the brackets will narrow and only 32 contenders will be left to battle for votes. New brackets will be posted weekly afterwards, until the winner is announced on Tuesday, April 3. Click here to Vote...

I wrote this song, then a month or so later it snowed in December in Australia (that's Summer time!) PRIMAL AGE There's a primal age coming on A wave of change and it's strong The rooster is crowing It's summer and it's snowing There's a primal age coming on The alter of the earth has been defiled Motherless baby, desecrated child We hope and pray and cry As the stakes grow higher The alter of the earth has been defiled Give up the gas and walk the extra mile Turn to your opposer and face him with a smile It's Peaceville or bust In love we trust Give up the gas and walk the extra mile Dust and diamonds glitter just the same We're all pink on the inside And our tears could float a whale Turn out the light, it's a cool world at night Dust and diamonds glitter just the same Turn out the lights Let the world cool at night There's a primal age coming on © Audrey Auld Mezera 2006 Read about... AUDREY AULD MEZERA GIG GUIDE 'LOST MEN AND ANGRY GIRLS' SAN QUENTIN PRISON SONGWRITING WORKSHOP BILL CHAMBERS & MARY GAUTHIER 'LOST MEN AND ANGRY GIRLS'

#1 on the FAR Chart! #6 on the Euro Americana chart! "Strong, mature album" David Obermann, KUT Austin "a great pleasure to receive recordings that are stunners like this one." Chris Darling, WMPG "I love it!" Mark Taylor, WVUD "I have just about worn out the CD" Thomas Greener, KVMR "Your new one is fantastic. I really like it a bunch. It's a gem!" Paul A. Hefti, Voice of Sacramento "You are amazing!!!!" Wesley Robertson, KVMR "I appreciate the awesome music you are doing! Your voice is superb! I love the intimate atmosphere you create, both in happy and sad songs." Max Cooper, RVM- FM Switzerland How to order
SAN QUENTIN PRISON SONGWRITING WORKSHOP


Returning to San Quentin Prison for a song-writing workshop was a fruitful and rewarding experience. I had 2.5 hours with about 15 guys and we talked, laughed and sung throughout. I started out with a stream-of-consciousness writing exercise, to help get ideas flowing and explore the inner world. For a few inmates this was quite difficult but others jumped right in to writing verse immediately. I was fortunate to read their writing and discovered some lines that were pure gems. I pointed out that they are in a perfect situation for writing – much free time for self-evaluation, self- expression and a wealth of hardship to draw on. Hey, it’s cheaper and more fun than a therapist! The gems of suffering shall be our delight. The guys had many questions about music and singing, and we finished the evening listening to their songs. For some it was their debut performance, voices low and life gone wrong. Excerpt from ‘In These Woods’ © Christopher D Rich 8/06 "We are living in these woods, we’re lined up just like trees And we fall where we once stood, so deep where no one sees But we’re calling out – Won’t you listen please! We are living in these woods, surrounded by a wall Some are growing, doing good, but you can’t hear our call And we’re getting older – Yeah, it’s nearly fall There are people walking proudly There are brothers singing loudly There are sons of mothers standing strong Men are dying, some decaying Some are crying, some are praying We’ve been living in these woods too long We are living in these woods, the days can be real dark With trees from many neighbourhoods, with different colored bark But we’ve all grown here, and we leave our mark" Some inmates are allowed to borrow guitars or a keyboard to play in their cells. Every Saturday night between 6pm – 9pm the band gets together and rocks out! I felt very comfortable amongst the inmates, and hope to continue this work. “Thanks so much again for the great contribution you made to Bread and Roses and to our friends in San Quentin last week. You were well prepared and creative and engaging and encouraging and funny! The guys were really floating afterwards. You gave them a rare opportunity to open up and express the creativity within. You're a valuable addition to the Bread and Roses family.” K. Huget, Bread and Roses
See more SQ photos by Peter Merts


I just had to share with you this great photo of Mary Gauthier and Bill Chambers, taken by Lisa Sharpe at the Harvest Festival, Victoria, Australia. Mary fell in love with Melbourne, and wonders why I ever left Australia! (the 'hairy magnet' I explained...) Mary was a huge hit during her first visit to Australia. She heads back into the studio in March to record a new album


TRACKLIST BOLINAS The Summer of Love continues in this little town on the wrong side of the crack (San Andreas fault line). There is no road-sign to Bolinas as the locals always tear it down. The Indians used to advise against living there as it led to craziness. Now, it’s neon peace signs, Zen surfers, “Homeless” as a fashion statement, restraining orders are de rigeur, wealth, poverty, pot as currency and organic food. “Speak American” was the order to the new Aussie girl in town... MORPHINE The original hand-written lyrics to this song reside in a private collection in Austin, TX. Written in lead pencil on grey paper bearing the letter-head - Oklahoma Rehabilitation & Industrial Estate. Signed by Bonnie Lamb AKA Bonnie Parker (of Bonnie & Clyde), this is the first recording of her song. Bonnie notes that the lyrics are to be sung to the tune of “M-O-T- H-E-R”, from the 1930’s. LAST SEEN IN GAINESVILLE After reading a “Missing Person” poster in a Texas truck- stop, this song haunted Audrey until the song was complete. Sadly, these stories are often left unresolved and untold. BUCK HUNGRY (with Bill Chambers) There’s a buck to be made any which way these days, but the 3rd verse (the true story of a most valuable exchange) involved no money at all! LOOKING FOR LUCKENBACH The smallest town in Texas with the biggest reputation. Thanks to Ray Wylie Hubbard for the inspiration. HALF A WORLD AWAY (with Nina Gerber) To point out another’s peculiarities is alienating, but to be peculiar is liberating. Births, deaths and marriages are the events that bind us as a community. WE CRY Death seems to be one of those things that happens to everybody else. The fact that we die is definite. When we die is indefinite. CLINCH MOUNTAIN PRAYER (with Bill Chambers) Written in Hiltons, Virginia - home of the Carter Fold. The ghost of A.P. lives on, Sara rests in peace and Maybelle’s music is in the air. DOWN IN A HOLE Sometimes you just have to write a song that lets the musicians shine! Australia’s best - Bill Chambers (guitar), Rod McCormack (banjo) and Mick Albeck (fiddle). NOT I (with Raechel Lee) This is not a love song. Anger is hatred, attachment and ignorance. Love thy enemy (in this case, ‘thy crazy stalker’) for they teach the greatest lessons. SELF-HELP HELPED ME The hardest thing to look at is ourselves. DUBLIN BOY (with Karl Broadie) Here’s to the Irish! LULLABY FOR BABY TAYLOR A new life and a new Baby Taylor guitar... AUDREY'S WEBSITE “Lost Men and Angry Girls” chronicles the past three years Audrey Auld Mezera (Mez-air-ah) has spent living on the coast of Northern California. Musically and personally it’s been an eventful period for the Chris Austin Song Contest winner and two- time ARIA nominee (Australian Recording Industry Association). “My first year in America was spent living in Bolinas in Marin County. It's the Wild West! Within a matter of months I got married, moved hemispheres, filed a restraining order on a stalker, dealt with grief, and missed my musician friends back home” says Audrey. No surprise then at the title of this album. Mezera calls it 'Ameri-kinda' music - traditional American music influences with Australian roots. Love, Hate, Life, Death, Money and Music. Mezera’s writing has evolved to be less about the state of her heart and more about the path we all share as human beings in this time of political and global imbalance. But there’s no finger-pointing in these songs of small towns, self-help, lives derailed, musical heroes, lost men and angry girls. Mezera travels her path with humor, insight and a great band. Recorded primarily in Australia with her home-land’s best musicians and produced by her trusted collaborator, Bill Chambers, who retains the sparse arrangements that characterize Mezera’s work. “It’s always exciting to work on music with Audrey. These songs reflect her life, where she now lives and the places and people she comes in contact with. I’ve always been proud to be part of Audrey’s recordings, but even more so with this one.” ~ Bill Chambers The move to America has been good for Mezera. After winning the prestigious Chris Austin Song Contest (“Losing Faith”) 2006, she the was a finalist in the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival songwriting contest (“Last Seen in Gainesville”). It was only a matter of time before she crossed paths with one of the greatest accompanists in the world, Nina Gerber with whom she recorded a double live CD “In The House”. “She writes and sings songs with a worldly truth... She not only sounds like she grew up on Music Row in Nashville, but she writes the kinds of songs that built Music Row in the first place.” ~ G Meline, North Bay Bohemian, CA. “Do believe the hype” M Kramer, Pacific Sun, CA. “Australia’s loss has been America’s gain” S Libowitz, Montecito Journal, CA. Music with the dirt left on! Audrey Auld Mezera Reckless Records -------------- Email orders: mail@recklessrecords.com Phone orders: 415 847 9847 Web orders: http://recklessrecords.com Available in U.S. stores February 13 BDC (Burnside Distribution) CIMS (Coalition of Independent Music Stores) and all popular digital outlets (IRIS) OneStop Entertainment - Australia Southbound Records - NZ Good stuff to look forward to in 2007! AUDREY AULD MEZERA GIG GUIDE BREAD & ROSES AT SAN QUENTIN MARY GAUTHIER GOES DOWN UNDER! FRED EAGLESMITH RETURNS TO OZ IN APRIL OTHER NEWS... Check out these sites... BILL CHAMBERS' TAMWORTH FESTIVAL DATES AUDREY'S MYSPACE WITH RIVER'S MYSPACE FUR DIXON & STEVE WERNER'S MYSPACE
BREAD & ROSES AT SAN QUENTIN
Later this month I'm returning to San Quentin Prison to host a Songwriting workshop.
The prison has an active arts program for its 6500 inmates including several bands.

"Morphine" from my new album "Lost Men and Angry Girls" was written by Bonnie Lamb (AKA Bonnie Parker from Bonnie & Clyde) whilst she was in the Oklahoma Rehabilitation and Industrial Estate. She took the melody from a popular song of the day
("M-O-T-H-E-R") and re- wrote the lyrics.

I'm keen to hear songs from the pens of contemporary inmates, and share with them what I have learnt along the writer's way.

Here's my plea - if you are a writer who would like to share a few gems of wisdom, please send them to me at mail@recklessrecords.com . I would like to provide as wide a range of experience and guidance as possible.
Photo by David Leslie

MARY GAUTHIER GOES DOWN UNDER!

Well finally Mary Gauthier is heading down under! It's only 4 shows so don't miss out.
Reckless introduced Mary's music to Australian audiences several years back, before she signed with Lost Highway.
Many Australian fans will know Mary via Bill Chambers' recording of her song "I Drink". Bill may just show up on stage at the Red Hill festival!
Mary is a great songwriter and entertainer and it's a rare treat that she's travelling to the Southern Hemisphere.
She'll be sharing the stage with her constant touring partner, Thomm Jutz. Thomm is originally from Germany and we played together in Nashville several years ago. That's where Mary heard him play and she's been touring with him ever since! He's a master guitar player and works magic with Mary's songs.

Gauthier = say "go shay"
Jutz = say "yootz"
Mary's Australian Tour Dates :
Jan 17 Governor Hindmarsh Hotel, Adelaide, SA
Jan 18 The Harp Hotel, Sydney, NSW
Jan 19 Northcote Social Club, Melbourne, Vic
Jan 21 Harvest Festival Red Hill, Vic
Mary Gauthier's Site
FRED EAGLESMITH RETURNS TO OZ IN APRIL
But wait there's more! Is Australia where it's all going on?! Fred Eaglesmith makes his 5th (?) visit to Australia with his excellent band, joined by Bill Chambers. Australia is rife with Fredheads! I am so bummed I won't be there for Fred's shows. Fred's Australian Tour Dates : March 29 The East Brunswick Club, Melbourne VIC March 30 Peninsula Lounge, Moorooduc, VIC March 31 The Palais Hepburn Springs, Vic April 1 Rudy's Lounge, Belgrave VIC April 3 The Vanguard, New Town , Sydney April 4 The Vanguard New Town , Sydney April 5 Kincumber NSW, Lizotte's Restaurant April 6 - 7 - 8 Byron Bay Blues Festival Fred Eaglesmith's site OTHER NEWS... Sam Baker is nearing completion of his much anticipated follow up album to 'Mercy' - a favorite on the best of 2006 lists! I'll be celebrating my birthday in Nashville on Jan 14th, and hopefully the Greencards will be giving me a pre-release copy of their new album "Viridian"! (hint hint) Kasey Chambers is expecting her 2nd child in July, to husband Shane Nicholson. She'll be playing some acoustic shows in Australia accompanied only by Shane and her father Bill Chambers. What a treat! Her voice sounds awesome in an acoustic setting. Maybe they'll bring in a campfire and some dingos for old time's sake! Bill Chambers and Huckleberry Swedes will be touring the US in July. AUDREY AULD MEZERA GIG GUIDE Thursday, Jan 25 6pm SAN QUENTIN PRISON, CA Bread & Roses Songwriting Workshop Saturday, Jan 27 7:30 PM $20 STINSON BEACH COMMUNITY CENTER, Stinson Beach, CA Belvedere Ave, next to FireHouse Tix from Odyssey Video in Stinson, or at the door. with NINA GERBER & special guests With River & Sharon Allen Tuesday, Jan 30 2pm LAGUNA HONDA, San Francisco, Bread and Roses show with NINA GERBER Saturday, Feb 03 9pm $10 THE LAST DAY SALOON 120 Fifth St. @ Davis St., Santa Rosa, CA KRSH Radio Listener Appreciation Party - various artists Hotline: 707.545.2343 with NINA GERBER Sunday, Feb 18 3:00 PM $10 ORDINARY MIRACLES 8280 Old Redwood Hwy, Cotati, CA Open song circle at 2pm. 707-795-2462 Saturday, March 10 7:30 PM $10 THE BARN - Private House Concert Gilroy, CA Contact Eric for details - ebehlmer@yahoo.com Saturday, March 17 7:30 PM $14, $11 members, kids under 18 free LIVING TRADITION CONCERT SERIES The Downtown Community Center, 250 E. Center St., Anaheim CA 92805 http://www.thelivingtradition.org/ Reservations : (949) 646-1964 or tinkersown@ca.rr.com Opening for The Buccaneers Friday, March 23 8pm $20 LARKSPUR CAFE THEATRE 500 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur, CA with NINA GERBER Saturday, March 31 7:30 PM FREIGHT & SALVAGE COFFEE HOUSE Berkeley, CA Women in Song, Local Treasures - with Beth Robinson, Elaine Dempsey & Megan McLaughlin Saturday, April 07 8:00 PM $12/$15 WEST SIDE THEATRE 1331 Main St, Newman, CA opening for David Jacobs-Strain 209.862.4490 Saturday, April 14 7:30 PM $22 STUDIO E HOUSE CONCERT Sebastopol, CA northbaylive.com for details with Fur Dixon & Steve Werner Saturday, April 28 PRIVATE SHOW, Austin, TX Saturday, May 12 8:00 PM DREW PEARCE HOUSE CONCERT San Rafael, CA more info from drew.pearce@yahoo.com Gig guide updated here Check out these sites... BILL CHAMBERS' TAMWORTH FESTIVAL DATES AUDREY'S MYSPACE WITH RIVER'S MYSPACE FUR DIXON & STEVE WERNER'S MYSPACE Join our mailing list! email: mail@recklessrecords.com web: http://recklessrecords.com

'tis the season to be eating..... As Christmas approaches it's time to think about neat little CD sized gifts that mail well, stuff into stockings, and can be enjoyed instantly on Christmas day. Reckless CDs!!!! Share your favorite music with your loved ones! Buy 2 CDs from RecklessRecords.com and receive a bonus gift of another CD for free! (till Dec 25) Happy Thanksgiving! Audrey x Here are some suggestions... See the Reckless Records Catalogue for the complete range... 'MILLYS CAFE' FRED EAGLESMITH 'IN THE HOUSE' AUDREY AULD MEZERA & NINA GERBER 'LOOKING BACK TO SEE' BILL & AUDREY 'MERCY' SAM BAKER 'FROZEN GROUND' BILL CHAMBERS Or the gift of live music.....!
MILLYS CAFE' FRED EAGLESMITH
Fred J Eaglesmith's excellent 06 release 'Milly's Cafe' placed at #29 on the Americana Music Assocation's top 100 of 2006. No wonder Fred, it's a very popular CD! MI LLY CAFE

"IN THE HOUSE'
AUDREY AULD MEZERA & NINA GERBER
This live 2CD set of Audrey and Nina's 2nd show together was recorded in Sebastopol, California at Studio E in Dec 2005. " The chemistry between the two women was electrifying. Nina played a variety of acoustic and electric styles, “stretching out,” even for her, complementing every nuance in Audrey's songs. Coupled with Audrey’s fabulous songwriting, glowing smiles, gorgeous voice and giggles, the night was nothing short of magical. I know the sold-out crowd was as blown away as I was.” Laurie Schaeffer, Schaef-Abel Productions www.northbaylive.com Feb. 2006 IN THE HOUSE 'LOOKING BACK TO SEE' BILL & AUDREY
Bill Chambers & Audrey recorded this (her first album) in 1998. If you like traditional country duets and close harmony singing that's upbeat, heartfelt and hardcore then you'll LOVE this album. Chet Flippo featured this album in Billboard and it continues to be a favorite of many Reckless fans. * Winner of Best Album - Australian Independant Country Music Awards 1999 LOOKING BACK TO SEE
'MERCY' SAM BAKER
You will want to buy more than one copy of Sam Baker's 'Mercy' as it's a rare and beautiful album you'll want to share with others. Each listen reveals more detail and subtlety in both music and lyrics. Now that's value for money!
MERCY

'FROZEN GROUND' BILL CHAMBERS
"There's nothin' worse than a raging thirst When you're drownin' in the rain You live so fast but it only lasts As long as a sniff of cocaine Then they lower you down In the frozen ground Where hell lurks just below And you're colder than the winter And you're fallin' like the snow"
Bill Chambers' 2nd solo album consolidates his brilliant talents as songwriter, singer and musician. Look out for his US tour dates in July 07. FROZEN GROUND
Or the gift of live music.....! AUDREY AULD MEZERA GIG GUIDE Sunday, November 26, 4PM (no cover) RANCHO NICASIO, Petaluma And Nicasio Valley Roads, Nicasio, CA. 8th Annual Thanksgiving Hillbilly Hootenanny Various artists. For information, call Rancho Nicasio at (415) 662-2219. Or go to their website.
Friday, March 23
LARKSPUR CAFE THEATRE
Larkspur, CA
with NINA GERBER

Saturday, March 31
FREIGHT & SALVAGE COFFEE HOUSE
Berkeley, CA
Women in Song, Local Treasures
with Beth Robinson, Elaine Dempsey & Megan McLaughlin

Saturday, April 28
Private Show
Austin, TX

BILL CHAMBERS GIG GUIDE
Sunday, November 25 7:45PM QUEENSCLIFF MUSIC FESTIVAL, Vic.

email: mail@recklessrecords.com web: http://recklessrecords.com

See the Reckless Records Catalogue for the complete range..
BILL CHAMBERS - Sleeping With The Blues - Frozen Ground
AUDREY AULD MEZERA - Lost Men and Angry Girls - Texas - Losing Faith - The Fallen
AUDREY AULD MEZERA & NINA GERBER - In The House BILL & AUDREY - Looking Back To See - Reckless Records Garage Sale:1997-2003 (various artists)
FRED EAGLESMITH
- Millys Cafe
- The Official Bootleg Series Vol 2 (2004)
- The Official Bootleg Series Vol 1 (2002)
- Balin
- Falling Stars and Broken Hearts
- Ralph's Last Show
- Lipstick Lies and Gasoline
- 50 Odd Dollars
- Things Is Changin'
- Indiana Road
- The Boy That Just Went Wrong
- Fred J. Eaglesmith

SAM BAKER
- Mercy

THE YEARLINGS
- Wind Already Blown
- The Yearlings

VARIOUS ARTISTS
- Eaglesmith: The Songs of Fred Eaglesmith - A Tribute
- Twenty Odd Hollers

CLICK HERE TO BUY

Check out these sites... RECKLESS RECORDS MERCHANDISE Audrey's MySpace Bill's MySpace Auds Fans Yahoo Group
Here's news from Australia, San Quentin and some good stuff to look forward to. Check out www.MySpace.com/AudreyAuldMezera for tracks from my new album 'Lost Men and Angry Girls'. You'll hear more about the album in future news as it's due for U.S. and Euro release in Feb 07. But you can buy 'Lost Men and Angry Girls' now from www.RecklessRecords.com , digital outlets, CD Baby, Lucky Dice (NDL), and in Australian stores thru One Stop Entertainment and NZ stores thru Southland Distribution. There's also a blog I update from time to time on MySpace. Go to www.iSound.com/Audrey_Auld_Mezera and share the love! Download a free copy of "Love You Like The Earth" and send it to a loved one. Be well, stay true and be happy, Audrey
AUDREY AULD MEZERA TOUR DATES AUSTRALIA - HALF A WORLD AWAY BREAD AND ROSES IN SAN QUENTIN PRISON BILL CHAMBERS TO TOUR U.S.A. AUSTRALIA - HALF A WORLD AWAY

Mez and I had the best tour in Australia. In 6 weeks we went from the Gympie Muster (a huge 10 day festival set in Amamoor Forest) to the most beautiful tropical town of Port Douglas and the Great Barrier Reef to the cities of Melbourne and Sydney, the pretty country town of Tamworth, to the lush green farmland of country Victoria. Melbourne was in the grip of AFL Grand Final fever (so exciting, except Sydney lost to the "one point wonders" from the West.) Hoedown Trio from Finland were excellent road companions and experienced some truely Australian moments. Losing Steve Irwin and race car champ Peter Brock in the same week were two of the more melancholy national moments. We saw much wild-life (apart from Mez after the show) including a koala with her baby, an emu with 7 babies, a huge perentie lizard, roos and a glimpse of a platypus. Australia is in the midst of its worst drought on record and with plans to dam more rivers we were fortunate to see these animals in the wild while their native habitat still exists. Our 'time off' in Australia was spent with family in Central Australia. The Northern Territory is like a whole different country within Australia. The colours of the earth and rock formations are bright orange and the sky is bright blue, the air is soft and sweet and the people are very relaxed. It's about the only place in Australia where one can sleep out under the stars, in a swag without a tent. The Milky Way put on a splendid display as the dingoes serenaded us at night. I visited lots of radio stations to promote "Lost Men and Angry Girls" and want to thank everyone for taking the time to write a review, play some tracks and have a chat. "Excellent album"~ Greg Bush, Capital News “the songs here consolidate Mezera’s enormous writing talent” ~ K Porter, Forte Magazine, Vic "While more traditional than 'Texas', Mezera doesn't yield to the temptation to mug a southern accent and is a country- folk oddity in that she doesn't over-Strine her vowels." ~ T Jellett, The Australian Photos Stephen Skok's photos from the Melbourne show with Bill Chambers and Dave Steel

BREAD AND ROSES IN SAN QUENTIN PRISON


I played a Bread and Roses show at San Quentin Prison on Saturday, Oct 14th. Visitors are very limited as to which items can be brought into the facility, and we went through several check points before arriving at the huge outdoor exercise yard. There we found a stage setup, overlooking a gorgeous view of Mt Tamalpais, a football field, basketball courts, exercise equipment and tables and chairs. About 50 prisoners gathered to hear my set and it was fun! We had a laugh, they connected with the songs, and afterwards asked for 'Losing Faith' again, and then for me to repeat my whole set! Kurt Huget played with his band, and we finished with 'Ring of Fire' to which many inmates sang along. Afterwards we signed flyers, though I think they wanted the paper more than the ink as a piece of paper is a precious thing in this place... I've never anticipated a gig more than this one. Many thoughts and feelings about entering such a place gave me some restless times, which eventually worked themselves out in a song which I sang for the prisoners. Later one guy admitted the song brought him to tears, which is a big deal given the circumstance. It was a great day and the saddest part was leaving, as I realised those guys just stayed right where they were as we left the yard. (Yes, the show was recorded, but the file wasn't saved before powering off the recorder...) BREAD AND ROSES If I could bring you anything I'd bring a banquet for a king With cheese and wine and fruit and pies A taste of everything I'd have made you a cake But the hacksaw didn't fit the pan I'd bring more than I can hold In these two hands If I could bring you anything I'd bring a meadow full of flowers With hummingbirds and dragonflies No fences for miles You'd lay on the grass And feel the breeze kiss your face I'd bring the open sky Erase time and place If I could bring you anything It would be peace of mind An ocean of serenity Freedom inside I'd bring love for the lonely Afraid to ever love again And beer for the innocent To drown their sorrows in If I could bring you anything I'd bring Jesus Christ Buddha, Mohammed Whatever gets you through the life Good whiskey for those Who don't believe any more And smoke for those who need To think on it some more But all I could bring Was my guitar and these songs Bread and roses for the wayward Been hungry so long I'll take with me the memory Of the day my life was changed And the hope that when you leave this place You never come back again If I could bring you anything © Audrey Auld Mezera 2006 Peter Merts photos from San Quentin
BILL CHAMBERS TO TOUR U.S.A. Whilst back home it was wonderful to play music with Bill Chambers again. He's a demon on the lap steel and is so entertaining on stage, whether he's rocking out with the band or melting hearts with a tender acoustic song. There's the same magic between us when we sing together again and it was lovely to dust off some of the old songs. The good news is Bill and I are planning to tour together in America next year (June/July) with the Huckleberry Swedes, also from Australia. I'll be putting the tour together so please get in touch if you'd like us to play in your town. email: mail@recklessrecords.com AUDREY AULD MEZERA TOUR DATES Audrey's tour dates updated here


NEW ALBUM FROM AUDREY AULD MEZERA
NEW AUDREY T-SHIRTS AND CAPS


Tracklist : BOLINAS A little town on the west coast of America, on the wrong side of the crack. CalTrans gave up posting the “Bolinas 2 miles” sign on Hwy 1 as the locals kept tearing it down. The Indians used to advise against living in Bolinas as it led to craziness. Neon peace signs, tie-dyed hippies, wealth and poverty side by side. “Speak American” was the order to the new Aussie girl in town... MORPHINE Bonnie Parker, (of Bonnie and Clyde) was also a poet. This is the first recording of her song. The original hand-written lyrics reside in a private collection in Austin, Tx. The tune is taken from the ‘30s song ‘M-O-T-H-E-R’. LAST SEEN IN GAINESVILLE This song haunted Audrey till it was completed. We never get to hear the end of the story when we see the posted flyers - “Missing Person”. BUCK HUNGRY (with BILL CHAMBERS) Money talks so loud we cannot hear what the earth is saying. LOOKING FOR LUCKENBACH The smallest town in Texas with the biggest reputation. HALF A WORLD AWAY (with NINA GERBER) To point out another’s peculiarities is alienating, but to be peculiar is liberating. Still... there’s no place like the home- land. WE CRY Death - seems to be one of those things that happens to everybody else. The fact that we die is definite. When we die is indefinite. CLINCH MOUNTAIN PRAYER (with BILL CHAMBERS) Hiltons, Virginia - home of the Carter Fold - where the ghost of A.P. lives on, Sara rests in peace and Maybelle’s music is in the air. DOWN IN A HOLE Lessons in the face of adversity.... or, any excuse to let Bill Chambers, Rod McCormack and Mick Albeck let loose with the band! NOT I (with RAECHEL LEE) Anger is hatred, attachment and ignorance. Love thy enemy for they teach the greatest lessons. This is not a love song. SELF-HELP HELPED ME The hardest thing to look at is yourself. DUBLIN BOY (with KARL BROADIE) Here’s to the Irish! LULLABY FOR BABY TAYLOR A new life , a new guitar, a new song. Click here to purchase and to hear audio Samples


Audrey's new T-shirts, caps and poster are now on display at the Reckless Records online superstore! All are great quality 100% cotton, Mens and Womens, with a loose or a snug fit depending on your style. Check out Nina's dog Tootsie Roll modelling her favorite cap! Also, check out the new 'Lost Men & Angry Girls' poster, designed by Eric Jones. Click here to view the complete range

AUDREY'S MUSIC...
TAKE A PEEK AT AUDREY'S NEW POSTER, SHIRTS AND CAPS...
SATURDAY NIGHT COUNTRY on ABC Radio

Audrey Auld Mezera
MerleFest's Chris Austin Song Contest winner and two-time ARIA nominee Audrey Auld Mezera returns to Australia in September to touch home-ground and to promote her new album "Lost Men and Angry Girls".
"Lost Men and Angry Girls" Chronicles the past three years Mezera has spent living on the coast of Northern California. It's 'Ameri-kinda' music- traditional American Country and Folk influences with Australian roots; a beautiful mix of acoustic and electric instrumentation. Producer Bill Chambers retains the sparse arrangements that characterise Mezera's work.
Mezera's writing has evolved to be less about the state of her heart and more about the path we all share as human beings in this time of great political upheaval and global imbalance. She travels that path with humor, insight, pathos and compassion. There's no finger-pointing in these songs of small towns, self-help, life, death, lost men and angry girls.

"America is such a political entity in the world, and I'm living in Hippy Central, CA but it is still the Wild West", says Audrey, "The San Andreas Fault line runs through our lounge room, restraining orders are fashion accessories, the cops wear bullet-proof vests, the wealthy look 'homeless' and you can give and get whatever you want from The Freebox. There's got to be a song in that!"

Recorded primarily in Australia, this is the first album from Audrey where she has handed over the production reins to her trusted collaborator, Bill Chambers.

"I'm always seeking to venture into uncomfortable zones in order to learn more and hear with new ears" sats Audrey. "As the songwriter I hear the songs fully produced in my mind, but I trust Bill completely when it comes to music so it was exciting to hear how the songs evolved under his care.

The move to America has been good for Mezera. After winning the prestigious Chris Austin Song Contest this year (previous winners include Gillian Welch and Tift Merritt), she is also one of the 10 finalists (of 900 entries) in the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival songwriting contest with her song "Last Seen in Gainesville" the single from the new " "Lost Men and Angry Girls" album.: The California music community has embraced Mezera as one of their own and she's been nominated in several regional music awards.
After marrying and relocating to California in '03 it was only a matter of time before Merera crossed paths woth one of the greatest accompanists in the world, Nina Gerber. The magic created by the two was evident from the start and after hearing the recording of their second show together they realized they had something special. 'In The House' (2006) a live double CD was the result.
'"In the house' is a document of pure fluidity. Second to Mezera's songwriting is her expressionistic phrasing, something that Lucinda Williams and Patty Griffin share. When she sings that "You'd leave me stra-a-nded" It feels as if her entire body were supported by tiny twigs, each slowly starting to crack. When this delicacy is augmented by Gerber's sprawling atmosphere of arpeggios, absolute chemistry is at play." ~ Gabe Meline, North bay Bohemian, CA.

Audrey Auld Mezera & Nina Gerber The new double live CD "In The House" from Audrey and Nina will be available, Gerber has accompanied many artists including Kate Wolf, Nanci Griffith, Greg Brown and Michelle Shocked.


email: mail@recklessrecords.com
web: http://recklessrecords.com
Audrey's Small Song Sample
Click here Photos Audrey Entertaining at Val and Peter's House Party
www.americanmusic.tk/ (discography - Belgium music online site )


Hi Helen, It's gets crazy here in our sleepy beach town as the temperatures rise, the crowds pour in, bake and gaze and remember why they love the earth. Here at RR HQ we are counting down the days till we head off for the "Lost Men and Angry Girls" Australian tour later this month. I hope to see you soon, Audrey Read on... AUDREY AULD MEZERA TOUR DATES KPIG SONGWRITER'S FESTIVAL Aug 6th ROCKY MOUNTAIN FOLKS FESTIVAL Aug 18th NEW AUDREY T-SHIRTS AND CAPS! AND IN OTHER NEWS... AUDREY'S YAHOO GROUP
ROCKY MOUNTAIN FOLKS FESTIVAL Aug 18th The Rocky Mountain Folks Festival opens with the prestigious Folks Songwriter Showcase, where a juried group of the most gifted songwriters from around the world compete for a spot in the 2007 lineup. Songwriting workshops continue throughout the festival in the intimacy of the Wildflower Tent. I'm excited to be one of 10 finalists chosen from 900 entries to the Showcase, with my song "Last Seen in Gainesville". Other Aussies on the bill are The Waifs and Paul Kelly. Tune in to the festival podcast - http:// www.bluegrass.com/podcast.html Click here for more info NEW AUDREY T-SHIRTS AND CAPS!

I have a new range of T-shirts, 3/4 sleeve tops, tank tops and ball caps in my favorite colours (white, black, red and grey) adorned with my new logo, designed by Eric Jones. These items are available at shows and will be added to the website soon, so check back in soon... Reckless Records Merchandise...
AND IN OTHER NEWS...

I was delighted to sing with Laurie Lewis and Nina Gerber at Don Quixote's (Ca.) just recently. I'm a long time fan of Laurie's so to sing harmony with her was a dream come true. Her encore of 'Who Will Watch The Homeplace' was especially moving with the whole audience singing along. My shows with Nina Gerber continue to be inspiring and fun. It's a joy to let the music go where it will and lose yourself in her beautiful guitar work. The Australian tour is set to be loads of fun! I'm keen to play with Bill Chambers again - it's been too long. We'll be playing together at the Gympie Muster, then again, towards the end of my tour, in Victoria right after Bill returns from Kasey's US trip. For many of my Aussie shows I'll be joined by Hoedown Trio from Helsinki, Finland. Ninni (fiddle/accordion/ vocals), Mika (rhythm guitar/vocals) and Olli (anything with strings) and I toured together in Finland last year. If