The alt-country/blues duo Candy Jackson has just released their debut track Bells On, a spirited and rousing slice of contemporary Australian alt-country at its finest.
Renowned Melbourne musicians Warren James and Jamie Osborne have distilled a cache of influences and their collective life experiences into their first release, conjuring a masterful and passionate expression of yearning and heartfelt desire. Teaming up with Melbourne music luminaries Justin Brady (harmonica, fiddle and mandolin), Jeff Glass and Mark Belcastro (drums), the new track is a tantalising example of what’s to come from Candy Jackson. Bells On is a poignant and reverent mix of traditional and progressive musical styles that chime and resonate with exciting promise.
Candy Jackson formed in 2018 but the partnership between Warren and Jamie goes a long way. They met as teenagers then went on to forge a musical connection that would see them develop into becoming permanent fixtures on the Melbourne pub scene. They went their separate ways in the mid-90s, only to regroup again as part of pop/rock act Unity Hall. Unity Hall released their debut album (This Aint Gonna Hurt A Bit) with Melbourne producer Lawrence Maddy at the helm (Tism, Paul Kelly, Rebecca’s Empire).
The singles from that album attracted national radio play and a round of heavy touring followed, sharing stages with acts like Jimmy Barnes, The Living End, Alex Lloyd and Jet but to name a few. Eventually Warren and Jamie returned to their early inspirations, artists such as Patsy Cline, Kris Kristofferson, Willy Nelson and Kenny Rogers, and formed Candy Jackson.
This was an obvious creative direction to take for the two musicians. Bells On is a splendid blend of classic and modern country and folk music, evocative in its rich nuances and attention to stylistic detail.
But Bells On is also a well-crafted song, with inventive and incisive lyrics and an alluring melodic strength that’s as enticing as it is entertaining.
LISTEN TO CANDY JACKSON HERE ONCE RELEASED:
NEED A RADIO PLUGGER?