Leaping Lizards Bush Band

The new album There To Here - 23 Years! says much about the LEAPING LIZARD BUSH BAND's endurance and commitment to a single cause - Australia's very own "Historical Roots" music.Truly one of this countries leading ambassador bands and multiple National Bushband title holders, the music of the Leaping Lizards has been one of the first stops on the road to Australian cultural experience to greet 10's of thousands of business and overseas visitors to Queensland over the past 20+ years.The 14 album tracks were recorded live and stand testament to these experienced and very talented musos - Ron Dimmick, Pete Lawson, Donna Reynolds and Rabbit Robinson. The first single South Australia is fresh and alive and the new arrangement is sure to be a playlist favourite.ALBUM REVIEW JULY 07 Country Pickins-------- Burt Everett July25Isn’t it great when occasionally you re-establish contact with someone you have lost contact with, especially someone who showed potential in a certain field, and has left you wondering if the potential was ever realized? One such question was answered last week when I was contacted by Donna Reynolds, a lady who showed great promise on the Country Music Festival circuit some years ago. Donna is now with a group with the unusual name of, “Leaping Lizards”, (a name that immediately aroused my curiosity.“Leaping Lizards” is comprised of four members, Ron Dimmick, Peter Lawson Donna, and, Paul "Rabbit” Robinson, and the album carries the title of, “There To Here – 23 Years”, and I found it a sheer delight. The CD is a mix of Australian folk songs, and Irish traditionals each done in a unique sound. “Leaping Lizards have breathed new life into familiar Irish airs like, “Whiskey In A Jar”, “Belfast Mill”, and, “Wild Rover, and done likewise with Australian Bush songs like, “Ryeback Shearer”, “Old Palmer”, (Palmer River Song”), “South Australia”, and, “Swag On My Shoulder”. To me, however, the outstanding track on the album was the beautiful instrumental, “Didgee Pete”, (written by group member, Pete Lawson, who also provides the sound of the didgeredoo). Listen to this one and, in your fantasies, you’ll be transported to Kakadu, or perhaps Ullaru! For lovers of Irish, or Aussie folk music, this one is a must, and for others who love foot tapping good time music, the same thing applies.