Almanac Music: Kevin Borich at 75 releases the masterful ‘Duets’

 

KEVIN BORICH AT 75 RELEASES THE MASTERFUL DUETS

 

Kevin Borich has proven yet again why he is one of the most respected composers, song writers and performers of the last 50 years with the impending release of his latest CD Duets due out on July 13, 2023.

 

In mid-2022 Kevin released a three CD compilation of his works spanning the last five decades. Legacy encapsulates his virtuoso guitar playing and powerful song writing in the form of three distinct moods: Rock, Chill and Live and includes some early La De Das classics such as ‘Gonna See My Baby Tonight’, the epic ‘Celebration’ from his Express days and the sublime ‘Rainbows’. With over 30 tracks on this anthology Borich not only reaffirms his status as a consummate master of technique and guitar artistry but also reminds us of his creative songwriting abilities and his definitive vocals. Legacy held the number one position on the AMRAP radio charts for three months.

 

I caught the Kevin Borich Express at the recent Broadbeach Blues Festival where he played on the main stages on the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. I was amazed at how the crowds flocked to see this icon of Australian music and the warm appreciation he received at the end of each performance.

 

I stood next to a couple on the Saturday night and asked what they had thought of the festival. “We don’t know-we just came to see Kevin Borich.”

 

Now he has produced some fresh new material with producer Nick O’Donnell out of his home studio not far from Melany on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland- “a celebration of a lifetime of music with friends,” as described by KB.

 

I recently ventured to the Hunter Valley in regional NSW just 40minutes out of Newcastle to again see Kevin and his Express perform at a funky venue called Qirkz in the Hunter, primarily as a learning experience for my 13-year-old stepdaughter, Maddie who loves all genres of music and is currently learning to play the guitar.

 

 “Maddie you must come and see Australia’s greatest guitarist in action!” I said. So off we went. And he did not disappoint-nor did his wonderful band Chris Gilbert on bass and John Carson on drums.

 

 

 

 

 

Kevin played his classics and threw in some newbies off his Duets album and between sets sold and signed the wonderfully packaged and presented CD. Duets features music royalty such as Russell Morris, Leo Sayer, Suze DeMarchi, the great Joe Walsh, Ian Moss, Tim Rogers, Joe Camilleri, Ross Wilson, John Swan and even Angry Anderson!

 

“There were friends we so hoped we could have included on the record (Renee Geyer and Doug Parkinson) who will be sadly missed,” said Kevin.

 

The songs are quintessential Kevin Borich songs covering a range of musical genres and exemplifies the enchanting musical diversity and creativity in his lyrics, composing and playing. However, each artist brings a uniqueness to the compositions by virtue of their distinctive voices and personalities.

 

The thumping ‘Keep It To Myself’ with Tim Rogers on vocals has been released as a single and Rogers described the project as “one of the fondest memories of my livings-Rev it up Kev!”

 

 As you listen to each track you mentally reflect- “wow that’s Ross Wilson I can feel a bit of Daddy Cool or Mondo Rock or that certainly is Angry Anderson belting out a Rose Tattoo vibe or that is so Joe Walsh!” Leo Sayer is brilliant- a far cry from ‘You Make Me Feel Like Dancing’ which made me squirm in the day!

Kevin Borich and his Express have recently done some shows in Melbourne and Hepburn Springs and will continue to tour the Duets album up and down the east coast of Australia. If you get a chance to see them live you will not be disappointed.

 

In the meantime, if you love great Australian music Duets is a must buy-at 75 years of age Kevin Borich is still at the top of his game.

 

 

 

 

For more information on Duets go Here

 

More from Richard Griffiths can be read Here.

 

 

 

Read more stories from Almanac Music  HERE

 

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