Leigh Carriage is one of Australia’s leading contemporary vocalists and songwriters.
A consummate performer and composer, Leigh delivers unforgettable performances with passion and mastery. Covering obscure gems, intriguing originals and jazz standards encased by deep grooves, Leigh has captured the hearts of audiences at festivals including the Monterey Jazz Festival, Bluesfest, Woodford Folk Festival and the Noosa Jazz Festival.
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Ahead off her show at the Brisbane Jazz Club, Leigh shares five of her random influences. "Joni Mitchell wrote we are 'condemned to wires and hammers, strike every chord that you feel'. Please come to an evening of music weaving combining wood, metal, muscle and wire."
1. I have followed Rosalie Gascoigne's work since my childhood. If ever I am in need of inspiration or a reminder of the beauty of the far south coast, one of my favourites is 'Monaro'. To quote Gasgoinge: "I think if you go by what you like, the resonance is going to come out anyway".
2. Writing by lyricists. Charmain Kingston of Buoy (her words jump out of the speakers: always surprising, always unexpected); Josh Pyke (you can smell the sweat that goes into these mighty constructions); Justine Bradley (part poet, lyrical magician, vivid storyteller, incredible collaborator); Valentina Brave (look out for her new EP about to be launched this year: her words land with profound intention, visceral and raw, yet majestic); Ngaiire (a conjurer of word landscapes); and Rob Hirst (who’s refinement is so poignantly potent).
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3. Birds. I have been fascinated by the skills and immense diversity of nest builders for years. Many of my friends will testify to my ever-growing collection of found nests and are now oddly, but gratefully contributing to this collection.
4. Despite reading several insightful books including Orla Ryan’s ‘Chocolate Nation’, my consumption of very dark, (must be at least 70 per cent) velvety chocolate, is a passion that has reached some staggering heights. For those in the know I have delved into Deva, Pana and Bahen & Co. All best consumed loving and slowly while viewing great films. Perhaps I shall try growing my own.
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5. The album I'm about to record in Melbourne this week is respectfully (to all weavers, ornithological lovers etc.) entitled 'Weave', and I hope to pay tribute to our feathered companions, through the collaborative weaving among fine musicians: Stephen Magnusson (guitarist), Frank Di Sario (bassist), Steve Russell (pianist), Brian Abrahams (drummer), Angela Davis (alto saxophone), Julien Wilson (tenor saxophonist), Lizzy Welsh (violinist).
Leigh Carriage plays the Brisbane Jazz Club 11 February.
