Thanks Virginia Bott for reminding me of this beautiful album that Emma Tonkin made with First Chorus Band of Singers.

I’d been a big fan of Emma’s work for years, so it was inspiring to be a part of the recording ..and what an experience that was, learning the complex rhythms and harmonies Virginia and Emma created to accompany Emma’s deeply moving songs. If you’ve never listened to it, here’s your chance. (Listen below on this page, or over at bandcamp.)

• emmatonkin.bandcamp.com
• Plus the CD comes with stunning artwork by Jessie Tucker.
• First Chorus is also on soundcloud at firstchorusbandofsingers

And now, the moment you’ve been waiting for.. 18 months after first chorus band of singers recorded this album with Emma Tonkin.. the Album Party Launch. Cave of Lights is a beautiful album (i reckon), with songs by Emma, arranged for 4 part harmony by Virginia Bott. (I’ve heard that doors open at 8pm, and we sing at 8:45pm.)

I was in the audience for the launch of Emma’s first album at Bar 303 about 5 years ago, and i’ll be singing in this one. There are 25 voices in the band this time round.

8:00pm Saturday 17 Nov, in the Wonderland Spiegeltent (Docklands). Make sure you head to the Docklands, not the Arts Centre.

grab full size flyer here (link on pic)

The official blurb:

For one night only in the magical surrounds of the Wonderland Spiegeltent, Emma Tonkin and First Chorus Band Of Singers are joined by a great band of melbourne musos to launch their 2012 release CAVE OF LIGHTS, a collection of their work together as long-time collaborators of Melbourne’s independent fringe.

The night will kick off with an improvised solo set from guitarist and noisemaker Jed Palmer and the party will continue after the show to the tunes of DJ EDDY. Don’t miss all these folk in the one place creating the magic of this panoramic album live.

Relevant links:

• [Buy the album via Bandcamp]
• [first chorus facebook page]
• [The event on facebook]
• [Buy Tickets]
• [Songs via Soundcloud]

Here are some songs you’ll hear on the night, from the album:
Latest tracks by fc band of singers

Read the rest of this entry »

Just noticed that Virginia’s putting some of the songs from Emma Tonkin’s “Cave of Lights” album on soundcloud (the collaboration with first chorus band of singers). You can listen to the song “I will be one” here below. We’re currently rehearsing all the songs with a bunch of wonderful new singers joining the original cast.

Mark this date in your diaries: Saturday 17 November in Melbourne, at the Wonderland Spiegeltent (details to follow – it’s somewhere in the Docklands). Also Saturday 24 November in Castlemaine.

Here’s the link on soundcloud: I Will Be One by fc band of singers.

This Saturday night looks fantastic on the Northcote High Street.

Emma Tonkin is playing the Uniting Church .. but not alone; she has a choir behind her to really stretch the beauty of her songs. (Have a listen here, or visit her space.)

Competing with “Girl, interpreted” which is a celebration of Auslan song interpretation. Oh, why are they on at the same time.

Boo.