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April 2010
Any keen student of the blues scene will be well aware that Australia has a whole bunch of great talent producing some really stunning and original blues. A new name is now to be added to that illustrious roll of honour, Cath Butler. Originally from the UK, Cath remembers fondly the 60’s British Blues Boom artists yet it was barely ten years ago that she first sang in front of an audience. Now, at a stage in life when many folk are starting to wind down, Cath has released her debut solo CD, a simply superb EP comprising six wonderfully varied original tracks showcasing her great voice and ability to put over a song. And what a great guitarist she has found in Harvey, the co-writer of all the songs! The title track is, for me, the standout with its passion and raw emotion delivered with searing honesty by Cath. Harvey’s glorious guitar along with keyboards and harmonica blend to create an almost quintessential blues ballad. However, this should not be seen as detracting one iota from the other five tracks all of which stand up extraordinarily well and are very different demonstrating a great talent. ‘Determined Woman Shuffle’ sees Cath standing her ground whilst many will identify with the lyrics of ‘Bad News Blues’ The closing track, ‘Another Stormy Night in Queensland’ is a steamy gem with the classic opening lines ‘ Rain it falls like stones down on this old house, sounds like tap dogs dancing on my roof!’ which transport you to Cath’s place. This is a very, very good debut CD and one which saw Cath deservedly win two Australian Blues Music Chain Awards for 2010, Female Vocalist of the Year and Best New Artist of the Year. With radio stations around Australia and the world picking up on this CD and gigging opportunities in Europe and the US, she deserves the sort of success enjoyed by those of her compatriots who have achieved recognition on the world stage, not just the home one. Go Cath, go. I love this CD. Ashwyn Smyth Presenter Digital Blues Gateway – Gateway FM – UK Digital Blues on Kansas City Online Radio – USA Digital Blues on IndieTalent – Canada www.digitalblues.co.uk
March 2010 "Dangerous Desires by Cath Butler's Joynt Venture is a wonderful original tapestry that flows thru the blues with tasty nods to country and jazz. This is music that speaks from one soul to another. Cath Butler started her musical journey a little more mature than most. That is most likely the reason her lyrics reflect a wisdom on living it can bring. The melodies are haunting and travel well in your memory, I warmly recommend this CD." John 'Blueshammer' Hammer, Publisher of Blue Monday Monthly and Producer/Host of 'Hammered by the Blues' Weekly radio show on KOWZ Owatonna USA
March 2010 "The best Blues album I've heard in about a year! All original, creative, perfectly performed and produced. A great work of an Artist actively engaged life, within and without." Paul Bondarovski, Midnight Special Blues Radio, France
February 2010 Issue of Australia's Rhythms Magazine .......This follow up contains all new material co-written with guitarist Chris Harvey. From the opening minor-key slow blues title cut to the 16 bar chorus of the closing 'Another Stormy Night in Queensland' the CD's six songs all have a definite Willie Dixon vibe. Butler, a dedicated stalwart of Brisbane's blues community, wraps her exquisite pipes around swing tunes, shuffles and funky workouts with controlled passion as she relates narratives on emotional apprehensiveness, relationships, human frailties and battling the odds. Al Hensley
February 2010 November 09 "Queensland blues renaissance? We've been waiting for it. I hear it steaming round the track, thank you Lord. Thank you, Cath and thank you Harvey for sounding the whistle. All original, a breath of fresh air, "Dangerous Desires" pushes your buttons if you ponder on life and love. Cath, you just need to be heard. Thanks for the beautiful lyrics and vocals; you're doing it for us. This is right out of Queensland, 2009, where if people haven't been up to their necks in a storm they just haven't lived. These are much practiced musicians, a great band, bringing lots of depth to this very competent recording. I love it." Mike Freeman – President Blues Assoc of South East Queensland (BASEQ) November 09 Love the smouldering slow-burning blues! A fine repast of delectable tracks. Really dig the first, and the last tracks - our picks. As we've said before, stellar line-up of supporting musicians - look forward to more of this - home grown can be truly wonderful. Chillblain Blues Noosa Community Radio November 09 .......Kitty has done her usual quirky thing and the packaging looks great. Great songs, great performances, and Beachy worked his usual magic. The Colonel (Mark Doherty) 4ZZZ Nothing But The Blues |