Report: Greg Phillips Photos: Jason Rosewarne
Last night Australian Musician enjoyed the warm hospitality of country music duo Patsy & Dave at the impressive Mantra Studio Kitchen Bar, where they launched their fabulous new album The Willow.
After seventeen years of making music together Patsy Toop and David Baird have now rebranded as simply “Patsy and Dave” (formerly known as The Long and Short of It). Patsy and Dave are award-winning, country music singer-songwriters, from Melbourne. They first met at a charity fundraiser when Patsy asked Dave if he would sing a duet with her. The rest is history …..Their sumptuous harmonies have been described as “honey-coated chocolate”.
This hardworking duo are true masters of their craft and they have built a legion of fans over the past seventeen years. They are refined songwriters penning relatable lyrics and inspirational music. Their captivating and engaging live shows have earned the adoration of fans and critics alike. In 2013 they headed to Nashville to record some songs and met and formed a friendship with famed country Producer Kenny Royster, (renowned for producing triple platinum recordings for Luke Combs). Kenny was so impressed with their work and special vocal blend suggested co-writing and what followed was “Midnight Choir” their 2022 album which achieved #1 on ARIA charts for Australian Country Music Album.
Patsy and Dave have now released their new studio album The Willow featuring a duet of the title track co-written and recorded with Australian music legend Russell Morris, who was in attendance at the launch last night.
Patsy and Dave are currently touring their show “The Great Country Songbook” which features the cream of country songs and a selection of their original songs from Midnight Choir and The Willow.
While the music component of The Willow album was recorded in Nashville with seasoned local American session musicians, the vocals were recorded upstairs in the studio at Mantra in Yarraville. Downstairs last night, Patsy & Dave took to the stage in front of an intimate gathering of friends, family and media to perform tracks from the album, along with their band: Rob Broatch (Lead Guitar), Ron Mahoney (Drums) and Jack Morrish (Bass).
Opening with ‘Just One Moon’ (“So many lovers and just one moon”), a consummate country tale of love and wonder, the song highlighted Dave’s rich voice and the pair’s soulful harmonies. Next up, ‘Tear Stained Eye’, a heartfelt tune written by Son Volt and made famous in Australia by Kevin Bennett and The Flood, went down a treat with the audience.
Australian music legend Russell Morris, who has been championing the band for some time then joined Patsy & Dave on stage to perform the album title track ‘The Willow’. Russell contributed to two tracks to the record and stuck around to add his duet part to the country rocker ‘Rumblin’ Train’ as well. Before leaving the stage, Russell told the audience that he thought Patsy & Dave’s 2022 song ‘Cowboy Lonesome’ should have been and possibly could still be, a global hit. The pair then performed the song and justified Russell’s statement, it’s a heartbreakingly beautiful tune. While Patsy & Dave encouraged the crowd to settle back and partake in more food and beverages, the audience had other ideas, instead pleading for an encore. Their performance of Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah’ further confirmed why music fans should check out this fabulously talented and authentic duo and listen to their quality new album The Willow. Plus, like many artists in the country music genre, they’re just good people. The Willow is out now.
