~ Latest News ~

 

Nigel's song chosen for 'Macca's Top 100' (posted 24th November 2011)

Nigel's song, The Water Smoothes the Stones, has been released on Macca's Top 100 CD – songs selected from Ian McNamara's long-running ABC radio programme, Australia All Over. The Water Smoothes the Stones is from Nigel's album, Home By Dark – available through the Folksinger Shop.

 

Martin now teaches Tommy Emmanuel's guitar style (posted 1st September 2011)

Martin Foote has joined the Folksinger teaching team, offering guitar students the opportunity to learn some of Tommy Emmanuel's advanced arrangements including: Classical Gas (Mason Williams), Day Tripper and Lady Madonna (Lennon/McCartney), Windy & Warm (John D. Loudermilk) and Tommy's own tune, Countrywide.

Phone Martin or Nigel on 02 4782 6392 for more information (or click Guitar Lessons).

 

Mike McClellan Live at the Clarendon (posted 1st August 2011)

Mike McClellan, fresh from a sell-out concert at The Basement in Sydney, will be performing solo at the Clarendon, Saturday 6th August. Don't miss the return of the "Song and Dance Man". (Mike taught Nigel to play the guitar in 1971).

 

Martin's YouTube Debut (posted 7th May 2011)

Martin Foote, was initially inspired to get serious about the guitar by seeing 'Australia's Got Talent' winner, Joe Robinson, perform in the Mountains in 2009. Off went the TV, and out came the guitar! Then Michael Fix came through town and fanned the flames some more.

Both Joe and Michael were inspired by Tommy Emmanuel, whose work ethic and love of the guitar is legendary. Originally taught to finger-pick by his father, Nigel, Martin has gone on to study Tommy's style using his tuition DVDs, books and YouTube clips.

Meeting Tommy Emmanuel and attending his guitar workshop in Newcastle, sealed the commitment – off went the computer games! As Tommy says, "There are no short-cuts".

To see Martin play Classical Gas, click on this link: Martin Foote – Classical Gas

 

Blue Mountains Music Festival DVD (posted 8th March 2011)

The Blue Mountains Music Festival DVD is now available through the Folksinger Shop. The DVD captures some brilliant performances by some of the world's finest folk/blues/roots artists including: Eric Bibb, Jake Shimabukuro, Eleanor McEvoy, Hayes & Cahill, Rory McLeod, Ralph McTell, Ruthie Foster, Chase The Sun, Shane Howard, Doug Ashdown, Elana James, Nano Stern and Paul Kelly. Filmed and edited by Nigel Foote – all profits go to the Festival.

 

Dawn on new ABC release (posted 24th April, 2010)

Dawn's rendition of The Connacht Mother's Slumber Song has been included on an atmospheric ABC Classics release, From The Emerald Isle. The 2 CD set is available at all ABC Shops and includes contributions from Andy Irvine and Donal Lunny, Christy Moore, Paul Jarman, Arty McGlynn, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and many others.

"The haunting sounds of Irish folk music speak to the human soul with a directness that is shared by no other national music. The very timbre of uilleann pipes and tin whistles can create a sense of longing and wistfulness that is born out of a nation that has endured more than its share of tragedy and suffering, but whose music appeals to people of all nationalities and ethnicities" – ABC Music

 

Farewell to Kate McGarrigle (posted 23rd January, 2010)

It is was with a keen sadness that I read the news of Kate McGarrigle's death. The Canadian folksinger passed away on Monday, January 18th, 2010 aged 63.

Kate and her sister Anna – The McGarrigle Sisters, were a folk duo of the highest standing. They sang beautifully together with a simple, unaffected honesty that captivated an international audience of admirers who were spellbound by their delicate harmonies.

They wrote and recorded many wonderful songs including, Heart Like A Wheel and Talk To Me Of Mendocino – the latter, a stunning example of Kate's songwriting that will always be a reminder of the beauty that her spirit brought to this world – may she also bless the next.

Nigel Foote

 

Home By Dark CD (posted 1st September, 2009)

Nigel's Album, Home By Dark, is now available internationally on iTunes!