Wonderwheel Music & Aussie Legends Hemp
“CLARITY IS THE BEST DRUG I HAVE EVER TAKEN” – JAMES BLUNDELL
As he approaches his 60th birthday, James Blundell is definitely not retiring anytime soon.
This year has already seen Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, launch James’ acclaimed single ”Almost Anzac Day”, supporting Veterans and their families. It’s also the year James became the recipient of the 2024 Queensland Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award, adding to his 9 CMAA Golden Guitars, induction into the CMAA Role of Renown and the CMC Hall of Fame.
Now, this Thursday 4.45PM August 22nd sees James take the main stage with his band at Gympie Muster to launch “Whiskey Tree”, his gloriously catchy foot stompin’, heart stoppin’, country rockin’ can’t get it out of your head new single. Continuing his commitment to promoting and mentoring up and coming country artists James will introduce 23-year-old Cairns singer/songwriter, Jamie Saxon, and 17-year-old guitar prodigy Isaiah Elcham as his special guests.
“Working with Larry and Justin”, says James, “I fell in love with the process of recording all over again. I did not play a single note of any instrument. I was the singer; I was the storyteller, that was my focus. Larry and Justin create the space for you as a singer to become aware of what makes the heart of a song. The best way I can describe what happened to me in America is, I found liberty and clarity, and I am here to tell you (warm laughter) clarity is the best drug I have ever taken.” – James Blundell.
“Whiskey Tree” is framed by the haunting opening line: “Let me tell you in my hometown there’s a thousand ways you can drown” James lays out the facts: “The levee’s broke, the town has disappeared under raging flood waters, all you can hear is the sound of pouring rain – and right there in the middle of this calamity is a survivor whose spent the night stuck on a roof and now as the sun rises all he can see a river of mud and a whiskey tree!” In the face of such monumental disaster, he shouts out “Oh, lonesome me” as the first choppers scan roof tops and trees for any sign of life.
“Whiskey Tree” is not only a story well told, but also music beautifully played and recorded. Produced by the Grammy award winning team consisting of Larry Campbell and Justin Guip at The Clubhouse in rural Rhinebeck, USA, it’s a song that rocks and swings.