Sharny Russell van Herp

In 2003, I was privileged to record my first originals jazz album with ABC Classics/Jazz. They funded the project and it was recorded at the brand new 301 Studios in Byron Bay. Steve James, engineer for huge worldwide artists for many years, was supervising this first live recording in the studios and a huge bonus was to have him ask if he could mix the album. The album received great reviews and it is a work of art for which I have been grateful and of which I am still proud. It was played widely on radio throughout Australia and one of the songs even managed to win an APRA Award in the jazz category in 2004. 

Since then I have been battling with reasonably significant health issues, and although performing and teaching as much as I was able, and also recording a solo gospel record and a second standards album with renowned jazz guitarist George Golla, I have not been in a space to write and prepare another originals band album.

Well, the time has come. I have the same certainty about this album as I had before I recorded “A Good Thing On Hold.” It is a much more eclectic album than the first one, and while 8 of the tunes will be original it will include a couple of “cover” tracks which are special arrangements of classics that have been very popular with my audiences.

The originals cover a wide variety of feels, ranging from contemplative ballads, through bluesy tunes to fast sambas, with a range of lyrical content. There are songs written for people in my life, songs about things that are important to me, and a bit of scatting fun. I write my songs, usually with the feel, lyrics, melody and harmony all following in quick succession. All the elements are bound together as one, which is the way I feel it should be. 

I will recording this album in Sydney in late July, with some of the best jazz musicians in this country. Brendan Clarke on bass, Gordon Rytmeister on drums, Paul Cutlan on saxophones, and Bill Risby as guest pianist on a couple of tracks. I will have a couple of other  special guests on the recording - to be announced as things formulate more clearly. 

The album will be recorded at James Morrison’s Studios in Sydney, Australia, with Tod Deeley, engineer (The Idea Of North).

I am very excited about this recording, and I know you are going to love it :)

Funds raised will be used to pay for the studio, engineering, mixing and mastering of the album. Also possible airfares or accommodation for the two special guest artists. I should be able to cover musicians, production, artwork, photography and promotional costs myself as they come along. 

 Studio plus engineer: $7000

Mastering: $1000

PS. Don't worry if we go over $8000 - It would be great to be able to easily and with no stress cover ALL necessary costs! 

Finding enough of you to fund my project......hoping it's a right time in your lives that you can put up some money to support me and this project with these amazing musicians (with the knowledge of getting something in return).

I am promoting this album through all online avenues and I also have some radio and media interviews etc to happen soon - so keep your eyes and ears peeled!