The Idea Of North On Tour With New CD ‘Ballads’
The ARIA award-winning cappella ensemble The Idea of North have just released their 13th album Ballads, (ABC 478 2693) and will tour nationally in May. Founded in Canberra, soprano Sally Cameron, alto Naomi Crellin, tenor Nick Begbie and bass Andrew Piper have performed together since 1993. Ballads have always been a favourite in the repertoire of the quartet and on this CD, they explore and indulge in the intricate harmonies for which they have become renowned.
The 14 tracks on Ballads features reinventions of songs from legendary artists such as Sting, Cold Chisel, Sarah McLachlan and The Bee Gees. Collaborations include Australian jazz singer Kristin Berardi as the lead in her own composition, Ode To Oli; Japanese vocal percussionist Kaichiro Kitamura appears on three tracks, laying down what sounds like a full drum kit in each single take.
Ballads was conceived 7 years ago with the group’s Ballads by Candlelight show at the Adelaide Fringe Festival which they then performed across Australia and internationally. While the set list might vary, show always contains the universal themes of love lost and found; reconciliation and breakdown; heartache and joy. As well, Ballads includes original compositions from within the group and covers from pop, jazz and folk music.
The Idea of North opens its national tour in May performing songs from Ballads, joined by special guest Kaichiro Kitamura along the way.
Sydney concert on 12 May/ Groove Sessions/ Sydney, The Basement/ 8:30pm
