Music has always been the language of the human spirit - the very heart and soul of each of us. It is a reflection of what is most important and worthwhile to the person brave enough to put his or her heart to paper. It is a testament to the world in which we live and love and laugh... it is our observation.
Popular, commercial music has for some time seemed a bit uncertain of its direction - its message - perhaps even losing touch with its ability to touch lives and affect the hearts of loyal listeners - not just fanning emotions. It is easy to glean from headlines, TV and media that such confusion is common throughout the fragile world in which we live. And we all absorb and buy into that which we see and hear sensationalized around us. But we need not continue - knowingly or unknowingly - down the path of pessimism and broken dreams. That 'still small voice' inside each of us cries out for truth and goodness, reassurance and hope that all is not lost - that the world, despite all the bickering, is still a good place. Certainly our music - that which speaks to our very souls - should remind us of this.
This was the vision of Jac Dalton, Darren Mullan and Tony Savage as they began the journey of creating this massive album, 'FROM BOTH SIDES'.
Jac's background and career have led him around the world a number of times, performing in many countries. And though customs and politics may be different, certain things remain universal - undeniable to us as people... we are all driven by the same hopes and fears as everyone else.
Jac's music is about celebrating the common thread we all share, focusing on what binds us together, instead of what drives us apart. The unique simplicity, elation and maturity of his music - innocent clarity born of experience - is something rare indeed in any generation - but exceptional in times like these.
To create and succeed with such a vision, it requires the help, support and belief from other artists of like mind. Jac has spent his entire career polishing his craft, committed to what his heart knew one day could be - 'had to be'. Australia's Rock Legends have walked similar paths on the way to their 'becoming' - the best parts of their lives spent refining, polishing, perfecting their talents and abilities, sharing their souls and dreams - finally sparkling like diamonds in the sky. But what becomes of these diamonds once the facets are all polished and perfected? What do they do? What is their purpose? Diamonds shine best and brightest when placed in a common setting.
Jac's manager, Tony Savage, came up through the ranks of the 70s and 80s rock eras sharing the same 'loudness with the same crowdedness' as the artists contributing to this album. He had a knack for spotting 'IT' - the star quality, the 'X' factor - in artists and bands alike and enjoyed a remarkable career promoting and looking after such legends as Midnight Oil and Stevie Wright. After establishing Sydney's premiere rock venue - "Flix" - as 'the place' to showcase and see the absolute BEST rock & roll bands from around the world, he decided there were other things needing his attention and quietly stepped away from the music scene.
Meeting Jac Dalton 15 years later, he again recognized something unique and remarkable - a passionate, mature artist willing and able through his no-nonsense words and catchy, awe-inspiring music to remind a world very much in need of remembering.
Originally, Jac looked at stepping into Australia's Country Music arena, and recorded some tracks with Herman Kovac at Ramrod Studios, Sydney. The songs were intended as a 'market test' to see how the industry would react to a new artist. And Jac's remake of Elvis Costello's 'Girls Talk', with its cheeky music video, got pretty good airplay from coast to coast, charting respectfully in both Sydney and Melbourne markets.
But as plans were being discussed to do a complete album, Jac realized that 'country' was not the direction the songs wanted to go - for every song has intentions of its own. In order to add his own verse to the poem of life, something never-before-attempted needed to happen. With this in mind, Jac and co-writer/producer Darren Mullan set to work composing new songs with a fresh, unique and original style labeling it 'progressive crossover music' or 'PCM'. This process took them the better part of 18 months, followed by another 18 months of recording, arranging and editing their efforts - not the cheapest way to approach a project of this magnitude, but absolutely worth the effort. Jac, Darren and Tony agreed from the start that, '...if they weren't prepared to go the distance with the project, they wouldn't begin at all.' Since Jac and Darren come from similar musical roots and stock - inspired by many of the same artists and genres of music - the task of sorting the direction they needed to go unfolded logically before them.
With Tony 'back from the dead' as it were - again knocking on familiar doors - the entire music industry started rumbling, speculating about what could possibly entice him to return to the limelight after such a long absence. One of the first long-time 'mates' to contact Tony about the project was his good friend, guitarist Gwyn Ashton (B.B. King, Johnny Winter, Mick Fleetwood). Gwyn was given a taste of Jac's music, and when he returned to Australia from London, he brought with him Robert Plant's bass player, Paul Wetton, to record Jac's songs 'Dirty, Mean and Nasty' and 'Til We Run Outta Highway'. Next in line to become excited were Buzz, Chris, Rick and John - 'The (original) Angels'. Some of Jac's songs screamed-out for very specific coloring and flavor, and The (original) Angels were undeniably the kings of these particular sounds. Buzz Bidstrup and Chris Bailey arrived first absolutely 'nailing' the bass and drum parts of 'Good, Bad-Girl' and 'The Boy's In Love', laying down enough rhythmic rope for fellow band members, The Brewster Brothers, to hang themselves with. And 'hang' they did - right out over the edge of the envelope, pushing our new PCM music even farther into uncharted territory. Mark Evans, AC/DC's veteran bass player arrived on the set with a song of his own for us to consider. Four bars into the demo, we were sold because 'What A Way To Learn' (written in 1977 but never recorded by AC/DC) had the distinctive accadacca drive that diehard fans have come to love and expect. With Jac's signature sound of massive, intricate vocals, thrashing guitars and throbbing keyboards, this soon-to-be classic would excite even Bon Scott (rest his soul). Mark was joined by Aussie rock legend and drum demolition-man, Paul DeMarco (Rose Tattoo) who ran out of sticks he played so hard. Add to this pair another Rose Tattoo veteran - Rockin' Rob Riley - and together, these artists added the Rock-God thunder to many of Jac's original songs including: 'Down and Dirty', 'Exhale', 'Heaven and Hell', 'Dirty, Mean and Nasty' - as well as the only cover on the album, Bon Jovi's 'Wanted Dead or Alive' - a rendition not soon to be forgotten. Air Supply's David Moyse added exquisite and impeccable guitar/mandolin tracks to 'Fire Burns', while Urszula White, first lady of the massive R&B band 'Goose', sang alongside Jac in this coming-of-age commercial ballad. Rounding out the celebrity line-up, rock gentleman and superstar Russell Morris sings one of his own songs with Jac entitled 'One Star' - 'The Real Thing' to round-out a truly magnificent all-star album.
Other talented artists include Adelaide's thundering rock metronome Paul Quigley who drives songs like 'I Want Love' straight to the wall. And standing centre stage in the limelight right there with the rest is the 'High Stakes' band out of Sydney, and locals, 'Grannyflat' - both rising star bands in their own right.
Each track on 'From Both Sides' was written to stand alone, but together, the commercial music industry will not have seen such a mammoth project since the likes of AC/DC, Midnight Oil, INXS and Men At Work - epic achievements in their own right. Such is the humbling - magnificent - journey of our own 'becoming'...
This album is dedicated to all the artists who have allowed and inspired us to stand upon their shoulders enabling us to see beyond today's music 'as it is' to what tomorrow can bring if we but cooperate, believe, and listen to our hearts. It is at the same time a legacy to those who follow in our footsteps, challenging them to help the world become a little better place than when they arrived, through the language that makes us all... 'one'.
The music industry and public are long overdue to be wow-ed. After more than two-and-a-half years in the studio, Jac Dalton's monumental album, 'FROM BOTH SIDES' is guaranteed to 'WOW' you.
Enjoy the ride!
Popular, commercial music has for some time seemed a bit uncertain of its direction - its message - perhaps even losing touch with its ability to touch lives and affect the hearts of loyal listeners - not just fanning emotions. It is easy to glean from headlines, TV and media that such confusion is common throughout the fragile world in which we live. And we all absorb and buy into that which we see and hear sensationalized around us. But we need not continue - knowingly or unknowingly - down the path of pessimism and broken dreams. That 'still small voice' inside each of us cries out for truth and goodness, reassurance and hope that all is not lost - that the world, despite all the bickering, is still a good place. Certainly our music - that which speaks to our very souls - should remind us of this.
This was the vision of Jac Dalton, Darren Mullan and Tony Savage as they began the journey of creating this massive album, 'FROM BOTH SIDES'.
Jac's background and career have led him around the world a number of times, performing in many countries. And though customs and politics may be different, certain things remain universal - undeniable to us as people... we are all driven by the same hopes and fears as everyone else.
Jac's music is about celebrating the common thread we all share, focusing on what binds us together, instead of what drives us apart. The unique simplicity, elation and maturity of his music - innocent clarity born of experience - is something rare indeed in any generation - but exceptional in times like these.
To create and succeed with such a vision, it requires the help, support and belief from other artists of like mind. Jac has spent his entire career polishing his craft, committed to what his heart knew one day could be - 'had to be'. Australia's Rock Legends have walked similar paths on the way to their 'becoming' - the best parts of their lives spent refining, polishing, perfecting their talents and abilities, sharing their souls and dreams - finally sparkling like diamonds in the sky. But what becomes of these diamonds once the facets are all polished and perfected? What do they do? What is their purpose? Diamonds shine best and brightest when placed in a common setting.
Jac's manager, Tony Savage, came up through the ranks of the 70s and 80s rock eras sharing the same 'loudness with the same crowdedness' as the artists contributing to this album. He had a knack for spotting 'IT' - the star quality, the 'X' factor - in artists and bands alike and enjoyed a remarkable career promoting and looking after such legends as Midnight Oil and Stevie Wright. After establishing Sydney's premiere rock venue - "Flix" - as 'the place' to showcase and see the absolute BEST rock & roll bands from around the world, he decided there were other things needing his attention and quietly stepped away from the music scene.
Meeting Jac Dalton 15 years later, he again recognized something unique and remarkable - a passionate, mature artist willing and able through his no-nonsense words and catchy, awe-inspiring music to remind a world very much in need of remembering.
Originally, Jac looked at stepping into Australia's Country Music arena, and recorded some tracks with Herman Kovac at Ramrod Studios, Sydney. The songs were intended as a 'market test' to see how the industry would react to a new artist. And Jac's remake of Elvis Costello's 'Girls Talk', with its cheeky music video, got pretty good airplay from coast to coast, charting respectfully in both Sydney and Melbourne markets.
But as plans were being discussed to do a complete album, Jac realized that 'country' was not the direction the songs wanted to go - for every song has intentions of its own. In order to add his own verse to the poem of life, something never-before-attempted needed to happen. With this in mind, Jac and co-writer/producer Darren Mullan set to work composing new songs with a fresh, unique and original style labeling it 'progressive crossover music' or 'PCM'. This process took them the better part of 18 months, followed by another 18 months of recording, arranging and editing their efforts - not the cheapest way to approach a project of this magnitude, but absolutely worth the effort. Jac, Darren and Tony agreed from the start that, '...if they weren't prepared to go the distance with the project, they wouldn't begin at all.' Since Jac and Darren come from similar musical roots and stock - inspired by many of the same artists and genres of music - the task of sorting the direction they needed to go unfolded logically before them.
With Tony 'back from the dead' as it were - again knocking on familiar doors - the entire music industry started rumbling, speculating about what could possibly entice him to return to the limelight after such a long absence. One of the first long-time 'mates' to contact Tony about the project was his good friend, guitarist Gwyn Ashton (B.B. King, Johnny Winter, Mick Fleetwood). Gwyn was given a taste of Jac's music, and when he returned to Australia from London, he brought with him Robert Plant's bass player, Paul Wetton, to record Jac's songs 'Dirty, Mean and Nasty' and 'Til We Run Outta Highway'. Next in line to become excited were Buzz, Chris, Rick and John - 'The (original) Angels'. Some of Jac's songs screamed-out for very specific coloring and flavor, and The (original) Angels were undeniably the kings of these particular sounds. Buzz Bidstrup and Chris Bailey arrived first absolutely 'nailing' the bass and drum parts of 'Good, Bad-Girl' and 'The Boy's In Love', laying down enough rhythmic rope for fellow band members, The Brewster Brothers, to hang themselves with. And 'hang' they did - right out over the edge of the envelope, pushing our new PCM music even farther into uncharted territory. Mark Evans, AC/DC's veteran bass player arrived on the set with a song of his own for us to consider. Four bars into the demo, we were sold because 'What A Way To Learn' (written in 1977 but never recorded by AC/DC) had the distinctive accadacca drive that diehard fans have come to love and expect. With Jac's signature sound of massive, intricate vocals, thrashing guitars and throbbing keyboards, this soon-to-be classic would excite even Bon Scott (rest his soul). Mark was joined by Aussie rock legend and drum demolition-man, Paul DeMarco (Rose Tattoo) who ran out of sticks he played so hard. Add to this pair another Rose Tattoo veteran - Rockin' Rob Riley - and together, these artists added the Rock-God thunder to many of Jac's original songs including: 'Down and Dirty', 'Exhale', 'Heaven and Hell', 'Dirty, Mean and Nasty' - as well as the only cover on the album, Bon Jovi's 'Wanted Dead or Alive' - a rendition not soon to be forgotten. Air Supply's David Moyse added exquisite and impeccable guitar/mandolin tracks to 'Fire Burns', while Urszula White, first lady of the massive R&B band 'Goose', sang alongside Jac in this coming-of-age commercial ballad. Rounding out the celebrity line-up, rock gentleman and superstar Russell Morris sings one of his own songs with Jac entitled 'One Star' - 'The Real Thing' to round-out a truly magnificent all-star album.
Other talented artists include Adelaide's thundering rock metronome Paul Quigley who drives songs like 'I Want Love' straight to the wall. And standing centre stage in the limelight right there with the rest is the 'High Stakes' band out of Sydney, and locals, 'Grannyflat' - both rising star bands in their own right.
Each track on 'From Both Sides' was written to stand alone, but together, the commercial music industry will not have seen such a mammoth project since the likes of AC/DC, Midnight Oil, INXS and Men At Work - epic achievements in their own right. Such is the humbling - magnificent - journey of our own 'becoming'...
This album is dedicated to all the artists who have allowed and inspired us to stand upon their shoulders enabling us to see beyond today's music 'as it is' to what tomorrow can bring if we but cooperate, believe, and listen to our hearts. It is at the same time a legacy to those who follow in our footsteps, challenging them to help the world become a little better place than when they arrived, through the language that makes us all... 'one'.
The music industry and public are long overdue to be wow-ed. After more than two-and-a-half years in the studio, Jac Dalton's monumental album, 'FROM BOTH SIDES' is guaranteed to 'WOW' you.
Enjoy the ride!