After a long absence from the music industry, the awesome voice of Gail Page is back with avengeance!
Fast tracked by Parris Macleod (producer of the year 2007 Australian blues "Chain" awards), Gail and Parris collabirated together to record and write Gail's debut album "Colours That Run", released at The Basement November 2007.
Australian Female Artist of the year
Best New Artist
Producer of the year
(Parris Macleod)
Australian Blues "CHAIN" Awards
Who is Gail Page?
Gail simply has one of the biggest voices in the business. Her earth shattering vocals and bubbly personality in combination with the extreme musical talents of Parris Macleod on piano and hammond organ draws immediate attention when performing live and leave the audience with the feeling they have witnessed something very special.
Gail's career started in 1993 when she first met Parris at the Beachcomber Hotel and asked if she could jump up with his band at the time ("The Mix"). Parris was so impressed that after one song he asked her to join the band as the lead singer. Gail continued on for the next two years as the lead singer for the Sunday residential band performing with many of Sydneys finest musicians that joined "The Mix" including Mal Eastick, Kirk Lorange, Gordon Rytmeister, Sunil de Silver, Garry Steel, Paul Green, Andy Atwill, Roby Seracussa, Steve Furnley and many more.
This experience gained her widespread respect as an incredibly promising and powerful blues singer and also a beautiful personality. It is no surprise that when Gail announced she had decided to put aside her music and pursue a new life west of Adalaide in South Australia, this came as a shock to fans and music industry alike.
Fifteen years later Gail visited Parris and asked if he would co-write and produce an album with her. After hearing that amazing voice again Parris agreed and soon after was on the phone gathering together a line up of some of Australia's greatest musicians for the album, some of which were the same musicians that had previously worked with her in the early days. It was to prove easy to assemble the group as they had not forgotten Gail and were excited she was back, so much so that all the musicians on the album offered to perform for her live in the future. This was followed by a recording contract seeing Gail sign with Sunball Records and Project National.
Production on the Album started in August 2007 and was completed and released late October. The album "Colours That Run" includes 8 disturbingly soulful originals composed by Parris and written by Gail .
Parris assembled the band together for a showcase that was held to a capacity audience at The Basement in November 2007. The band (most as on the album):
Parris Macleod - Musical Director, Piano
Gordon Rytmeister (Australian Idol house drummer) - Drums
Leon Gaer (Barry Manilow) - Bass
Dave Longo (Doug Parkinson) - Guitar
Mal Eastick (Australian Blues legend) - Guitar
Lachlan Doley (Powderfinger) - Hammond organ
Mark Atkins - Master of the Digeridoo
Pete Collins - Harmonica
Tessa Nuku (Australian Idol) - Backing Vocals
Brendon Bowney (Australian Idol) - Backing Vocals
The Basement show was filmed on HD digital and was so successful that negotiations are already underway for televising the concert on several networks. A DVD of the concert is due for release in Late February. Plans for a 2008 Australian tour with the Gail Page Band are currently underway.
In addition to this Gail and Parris have formed a Duo and recently performed at the 2008 Tamworth Country music festival receiving immediate praise and selling out of CDs. Gail and Parris are next due to perform at the Australian Blues Festival in Feb 2008.
"Ask us to describe her style and we falter a little. In a sense she defies description. Close your eyes and you’d swear you’re in New Orleans listening to one of the greats – Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin - then again, modern comparisons bring Toni Childs to mind – but wait, now she’s singing the most beautiful rendition of an Eva Cassidy song. A musical chameleon unlike any other.One of the most powerful voices we’ve heard in a long time, microphone seemingly a mere prop, we can’t even place her in a specific genre. Initially blues and jazz spring to mind, but some of the songs would more appropriately be categorized as alternative contemporary. Don’t label this performer because the minute you think you have it worked out, she’ll surprise you with something new.
Be prepared to be moved. Gail doesn’t just sing, she tells a story. And the stories are from the heart. They convey the emotions of a life’s journey, messages of hope and strength and the uncanny ability to touch something inside every person that hears them. We’re not saying you’ll be spilling tears all night, but certainly expect at least a goosebump or two. We haven’t yet met a person who hasn’t been affected by her music. It isn’t just the clarity and power of her voice, nor simply the genuine emotion behind the songs. As we stated earlier, we dare not put her into an existing category. One of a kind, unique, powerful, touching". --- R&V Publicists Nov 2007