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| Sunday, 27 April 2003 |
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"Her vocals have that husky, sexy, after midnight sound that grab your attention......" that's how the blurbs describe Cora James a powerful blues oriented singer who hails from Amsterdam but is domiciled in Sydney. Performing as a duo with keyboardist/singer John Hill, the twosome have had an extensive music career performing around Sydney as well as at tours to Amsterdam, London and Nagoya Japan. And last month Sri Lanka was another stop on their tour calendar. Her CD 'Whisky Angel Blues' reflects her enthusiasm and strength when singing the blues. Where did it all start this music career for Cora? Her beginnings are familiar to us. "My parents were great Nina and Frederick fans, amongst other singers and music constantly floated around our home. I used to sing at parties playing the guitar. In school I was a member of the choir and when I moved out of school a friend of mine introduced me to a band leader. I sang one song and became a member of the band for three years!" Cora explains in that friendly manner of hers that is so captivating. The urge to move on and seek new pastures saw Cora with another band. "To make a living you need to be a good blues/jazz and r&b singer and I sang with many musicians before I met John Hill. I was singing at 'Round Midnight' at Kings Cross when I was introduced to John. Five years ago I joined him and we decided to work a duo scene and thats how 'Whisky Angel' came about" Cora details us, her story laced with many interesting anecdotes. A strong singer packed with a lot of punch, Cora drew her influences from Nina Simone, Billy Holiday and Bessie Smith. But most of all, Cora tells us that the Australian blues and r&b singer Renee Geyer, who still sings at The Basement, sparked her off in her present style. Cora enjoyed her gig in Sri Lanka with John Hill and both of them hope to return in six weeks time. John Hill described as "one of the most truthfully soulful performers" proudly claims he is a self taught musician and admits his life has changed since he met Cora! He does not hail from a family of musicians nor was there music in his home, but he started working with a band when he turned just twelve and since hasn't regretted his decision. A pianist/keyboardist and singer, he is primarily a song writer and has released a CD titled 'Fat Tuesday' some tracks from which John Hill performed with 'Whisky Angels' at Clancy's. Before he met Cora and formed the duo John tells us "I had my own band 'John Hill' and performed at the Basement playing my original compositions. My job was writing the songs and I studied opera in order to further improve my singing. Music is an art - it is not easy in a competitive world, you have to work hard towards making your career a success. My blues influences come from The Rolling Stones. I listened to Keith Richards and drew a lot of ideas from his guitar playing." 'Fat Tuesday' recorded in Sydney is receiving airplay, and on their tour to Amsterdam the duo will be performing most of the tracks from his CD as well from Cora James' album 'Whisky Angel Blues.' A lover of the music of Benjamin Britten, Bartok and opera any wonder that John Hill's musicianship as a singer/keyboardist/pianist is exciting and creative. |
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