2008
                        LBS News

      Lindsay Butler receives the Order of Australia Medal - OAM

Lindsay Butler was amongst the recipients of the Order of Australia Medal during the Australia Day Celebrations this year.  This caps off a stellar career following his elevation to the Roll of Renown in Tamworth twelve months earlier.

For the humble guitar picker, who moved from Tenterfield to Tamworth over 40 years ago to advance his career, there is very little within the industry that has eluded him.  He has worked with most of the greats throughout his career and has bagged every accolade on offer.

Lindsay has certainly left his mark in Australia.  

Along with business partner and wife, Shaza Leigh, they have established one of the most successful independent record companies in Australia, LBS Music.  The LBS Music group now comprises of a string of recording studios in NSW and Qld plus a network of support services from a distribution company through to a venue in Tamworth, simply called Butlers.

When asked what he was going to do now he gave no sign of slowing down.  He had a line-up of albums to be produced for various artists in his stable, touring was still a passion and his latest hobby was the introduction of the Lindsay Butler Guitar Range.

There is little doubt that this proud Australian still has a lot to offer Australia and the industry that he dearly loves, Country Music!


                                  Shaza Leigh is Qld's Golden Girl

Shaza Leigh has just secured her fourth title as Qld Female Vocalist of the Year at the Qld Gold Medallion Awards.

Celebrating 20 years as a professional touring performer, Shaza has built a significant fan base and in recent years has become a popular favourite, gracing the Australian airwaves most prominently.

The Gold Medallion Awards are judged by members of the media and during her acceptance speech, Shaza acknowledge the importance of their input.   'I'd like to thank the media for your contribution to the Australian Country Music Industry.  Without your ongoing support none of us (the artists) would be able to perform the music we love'.

Shaza's winning song this year was 'His Little Shiralee', the first single from her forthcoming album.  The new album, her 9th album release, is currently in production and due for release as soon as possible in 2009.

Shaza is one of the hardest working performers within the industry as she is not only an entertainer but one of the few full-time executives working within country music.  She is responsible for many of the initiatives that have been introduced to various companies, award structures and festivals around Australia.  Her business acumen is widely respected amongst the business world and her creative talents are greatly appreciated by the wider community.

Shaza Leigh has always been a leader, not a follower.  Her vision is one of her greatest attributes.  It's wonderful to see her receive the recognition that she richly deserves in Qld again this year.





        Ashley Cook A Finalist At Qld Country Music Awards

Ashley has been nominated as a finalist at The Queensland Gold Medallion Awards to be presented at
The Pioneer Village Country Music Club in Brisbane (Old Petrie Town) this Saturday night.

In 2005 Ashley won the New Talent of the Year Gold Medallion with the title track from his debut album
‘Cattle Dust & Leather’.

 Ashley has come a long way since recording that first album with his latest single ‘A Bushman’s Life’,
written by Ben Jacobs & Shaza Leigh, launching him into the finals of ‘Peoples Choice Awards – Best Bush
Ballad of the Year’ in Tamworth this year.  That track has received enormous attention of the national
airwaves, resulting in this finalist nomination in the Qld media Awards - the Gold Medallion Awards.

 

                      His Little Shiralee - Shaza Leigh

Shaza Leigh has just released her 2008 radio single ‘His Little Shiralee.’

The highly decorated female singer/songwriter delivers this timeless Australian story about a fathers’ burden, His Little Shiralee and his success at parenting against adversity.

Shaza has been hitting the airwaves, promoting the new song penned by herself, producer Lindsay Butler OAM and regular co-writing partner Ben Jacobs.

‘They have written one of the best country songs of the year, it has a story worth telling’ and as country music legend Brian Young OAM said – ‘That song’s good enough to go anywhere’ upon hearing it for the first time.

Nick Erby has already play listed the track on CMR and most leading country presenters are supporting the track with solid rotation resulting in Shaza making the finals of The QLD Gold Medallion Awards for 2008 Qld Female Vocalist of the Year.

The awards will be presented at The Pioneer Village Country Music Club in Petrie (Brisbane) this Saturday night.    Shaza eagerly awaits the announcement as this will make it her fourth consecutive title in this category.

His Little Shiralee has also aided her finalist nomination in 2008 Qld Songwriter of the Year on the same evening.

Shaza has been working on a new album which should be completed for release next year.  This album is a special release for Shaz as it will be her album release to celebrate 20 years as a professional recording artist, an achievement that is not easily attained within the entertainment industry. 

                  Album of the Year for Ashley Cook

Finalists have just been announced for The Gidgee Coal’ Awards and Ashley Cook’s ‘Beneath The Qld Moon’ has been named as one of the three best bush ballad albums of the year and will now contest this years Album of the Year award.

The Beneath the Queensland Moon album has been receiving an enormous amount of airplay from the Radio stations all over Australia and has received solid reviews since its release.

Ashley has come along way since recording his Debut Album ‘Cattle Dust & Leather’ in 2005.  Ashley went on to record his second album ‘Beneath the Queensland Moon’, selecting songs pertaining to the life Ashley lives with his Family on their property at Thangool in Central Queensland.

Ashley was delighted when he received the phone call to say that he was a Finalist.

Due to the success of Beneath the Queensland Moon, Ashley has gone back into the studio to start recording on his third album. While he was there, Ashley recorded a single on the latest Country Collection Vol 13, a great ballad, “Dark Eyed Brothers” written by Buddy Weston and recorded many years ago by the legendary Brian Young.  In recent times Ashley has had the opportunity to work with Youngie and was honoured to perform a cover version of one of Youngies all-time successful live performance songs.
 

                        Lynette Guest's 'Trail of Dreams'

The 'Trail of Dreams' is now complete for Lynette Guest. 

This album is possibly the most anticipated release in country music history.

Lyn first recorded on the Opal records label many years ago and has continued to perform throughout NSW whilst raising her family.

Recorded material has always been sought at shows.  Her family have been encouraging her to revive her recording career and long-time friend, Lindsay Butler has often talked to Lyn during sessions about the possibility of recording again one day.

'Trail of Dreams' will not disappoint any avid country music fan.  It has a strong collection of songs, handpicked to suit Lynette's easy vocal style and delivery.

It is a beautiful album for a beautiful lady.  Well done to all concerned.

 

                      Greg Bain's Country Skies

Since winning the Australian Bush Balladeer’s Association “Star Quest” at the Tamworth Country Music Festival in 2007, North Rothbury’s Greg Bain has been very busy clocking up tens of thousands of kilometers, performing at most major Country Music Festivals from Adelaide to Bunderberg.

Greg recorded a Radio Single as part of the Star Quest prize package which was produced by Lindsay Butler and recorded in Lindsay Butler Studios in Tamworth.  The single ‘Can I Sing Trumby’ was incredibly successful on the national airwaves and Greg was awarded New Talent in the NSW Gold Medallion Awards for 2007.  He also went on to win Best New Talent at The Stan Coster Memorial Australian Bush Balladeer’s Awards in 2008.

After working with Greg in the studio and getting to know him as a person, Lindsay invited Greg to join the LBS label and offered to record and produced his debut album.  Lindsay believed that Greg had a future within the country music industry, especially within bush ballad circles.   Greg was extremely happy to receive this offer and recording of his new album commenced.

Over the last eight months, when both Greg and Lindsay’s busy schedules allowed them some time in the studio, they have been working on the project and “Country Skies” is completed and due for release.   It’s certainly been worth the wait and will undoubtedly be one of the leading bush ballad albums released this year.

The album is a collection of all Australian Country Music, it contains four cover songs and eight original songs by songwriters such as, Ian Quinn, Peter Coad, Ben Jacobs, Shaza Leigh, and three from Greg’s pen plus one co-write with Ben.

Two dates have been set for the release of Greg’s album, the first will be held at The Hexham Bowling Club on Sunday the 17^th August at 1.00pm in the auditorium with a concert that will feature Lindsay Butler, Shaza Leigh, Greg Williams, Slim Newton, Bob Easter and of cause Greg Bain.

The second release will be at The Australian Country Music Foundation’s monthly “Country in the Courtyard” in Tamworth on Monday the 18^th August starting at 6.30pm.

 

Lynette Guest inducted onto the Wall of Honour in Tamworth

Tamworth’s own Lynette Guest was the mid-year inductee onto the Wall of Honour during The Hats Off Festival.

The Wall is dedicated to Australian country Music Artists making an important contribution of our Professional Recording Industry and Lyn’s involvement has been significant for several decades.

Eric Scott spoke about her many harmony sessions in the 70’s & 80’s at Hadley Records.  Hadley, at that time, was the main country recording studio and label operating out of Tamworth.  As always, Eric’s commanding speech immediately set the mood.

Lindsay Butler then added his tribute to a lady whom he admires greatly for her attitude and aptitude in the recording studio.  Lyn has been involved on many LBS releases since its inception 18 years ago.  Lindsay also toured with Lyn on the Buddy Williams Show and reminisced about those days.

Two of her close friends, Patti Morgan and Lorraine Pfitzner added the personal touch to the presentation and a recorded message from her Brother Kelvin was also played over the PA, moving Lyn and everyone else inside Butlers.

Ross Murphy of Opal records proudly sponsored Lyn onto the wall and gladly made the presentation, paying respects to her as a groomed professional whenever she entered the studio to record. 

The crowd was obviously moved by the personal presentation to a lady whose contribution to the Recording Industry has been huge and in Lyn’s own humble manner she quietly said ‘I thought there was something up’ when Shaz interrupted her performance and her guitar was removed.

Lyn now joins the likes of Lindsay Butler, John Williamson, Col Elliott & Graeme Connors on the Wall of honour.

 

              The Last of the Travelling Showmen - Brian Young

Brian Young OAM holds legendary status in Australian Country Music. 

The Golden Guitar Winner and Roll of Renown recipient with the assistance of long-time friend and producer Lindsay Butler OAM has just released a new album The Last of the Travelling Showmen.  

Youngies touring show has created more careers and stars than any other show or talent search.

Troy Cassar-Daley, one of today’ crop of stars, made his start with The Brian Young Show.  It’s a privilege for all of us to share the respect and magic of these two performers on Youngy's new single 'That Old Wheel'.

‘The Last of the Travelling Showmen’ is more than just another great album, it is a piece of Australian Country Music history.  A must for every CD collection.

                         Tom Maxwell 'On The Road Again'

Tom hits the road this year with his new album release 'On The Road' Volume 2.

This album follows the success of the first road album several years ago.  Fans have been demanding another album of favourite tunes so Tom and producer Lindsay Butler have just put the finishing touches on the album.

'On The Road' will please all Tom Maxwell fans and attract many more as he travels the country with his touring show this year.

This years itinerary takes Tom and wife Lyn, with their entourage, down through Victoria, over through South Australia, up to the Northern Territory, into Queensland and back down into New South Wales.

Tom has fast become one of the leading touring artists in the country, winning the NSW Touring Artist of the Year at the NSW Gold Medallion Awards in November.


        Brian Letton to tour 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow'


Brian Letton sets out again with yet another new album to please his loyal fans.

It has been many years since Brian first released and inspirational album 'Songs of Faith & Inspiration'.  The desire and demand for another has been overwhelming and finally 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow' was born.

The album features a selection of ever-green gospel tunes plus a few new offerings.

Brian Letton's ability to perform gospel music is paramount and this release is a fine collection of inspirational music beautifully produced by Lindsay Butler and his team of musicians.

All fans of inspirational tunes should consider this album a must for their collection.

 

                            Ben Jacobs the 'Poet of the Bush'


Ben Jacobs is well known for his ability to write bush poetry and song lyrics having had several of his works put to music and released over the years by some of the leading country acts including Anne Kirkpatrick, Shaza Leigh and Tom Maxwell.

He has just released a wonderful collection of his bush poetry befitting his brilliant talent.

Ben is a wordsmith.  The diversity in the pieces selected on this album showcase his broad talent, his wide knowledge of varied subjects and more importantly his passion for life and country.

This proud Australian also delivers his work with a punch wearing his heart on his sleeve in several poems.

For lovers of poetry and coinsurers of the written word, this album is for you.

LBS Music is proud to introduce Ben Jacobs - Poet of the Bush.


 

                   Lindsay Butler Picks on the Music of Shorty Ranger

Lindsay has finally finished the long awaited album in the Picks on Series.  This album was started over two years ago as Shorty and Lindsay set about selecting songs for the album. 

However, mid-way through the project, we unfortunately lost Shorty.  The album was put on the back burner and it took sometime before Lindsay made himself finish the project for his friend.

The result was worth the wait.  The collection of song depict the sweet melodic tunes that was a strength in shorty's writing. 

The album also features the live version of Winter Winds.  This was Shorty's most famous song.  It is also one of the most recorded Australian songs by guitar pickers.

The album was officially launched at Butler in Tamworth, during the Country Music Festival, by Warren H Williams.  It was one of the most emotional launches in the history of Australian country music. 

There was not a dry eye in the house as Warren launched the album for one of his childhood idols.  Lindsay was equally moved to have Warren, a star now in his own right, take the time to launch the album for him.