CLOSE TO THE BONE was recorded c.1983 at David Brigg’s studio in North Melbourne, Victoria. The studio time was generously funded by Alan and Jenny Flack. The album may have never eventuated without the generosity of a variety of artists who so kindly contributed.

 

Martin Zammit played drums. He always knew just what to do behind a kit. Duane Mitchell was solid as a rock on electric bass. With Graham McCoy on electric guitar, Jordie Young on flute and vocals and Les Price on piano and synth, they all worked out their own parts. Rowan Shinkfield played double bass on "Willie's Blues" and Peter Fiddler played the electric guitar on "Blow Your House Away".

 

The band "Telopea Bay" put together the arrangement of my song "Key to My Heart". "Lovely Smile" was inspired by a Melbourne tram conductor who used to entertain with card tricks and various other strange activities while on duty.... unique!

 

The song "It’s Alright" was written with my friend Robert Kjaerstaed who was very fond of travelling, girls, dope and music. The impetus for writing the song "Noonkanbah" came from Dick Austin. The song depicts the clash of ideologies, world views and cultures involved in the mining that went ahead against the will of the aboriginal community at Noonkanbah in Western Australia (see ABC news article below).

 

"Close to the Bone" raises questions and musings about life. I’d gotten to like Blind Wille McTell’s music through Robert Kjaerstaed - the inspiration for writing "Willie's Blues".

 

I’m very thankful that I was able to produce this album with such creative musicians all those years ago.