WOMAD

Fruit

From Australia

Band's own biography from Sue Arlidge Arts Management - June 2000Australian music sensation, FRUIT are on their way to becoming one of the biggest acts from Down Under. Operating independently since 1995, this music and performance powerhouse has grown in 5 years from an instantly popular local outfit based in Adelaide to an internationally renowned and sought after act.'Fruit is an explosion of jazz, a splash of funk and a spritz of grooving harmonies. They are the next big sound from the land down under.'Rana Lehr, The Daily Herald, Utah, June 99With 3 main vocalists and songwriters the sound and the gig is dynamic. Best described as acoustic pop, Fruit’s eclectic set also touches funk, blues, rock and groove. Of outrageous appeal however, are the strength of the vocals and the use of harmony. Combined with the sheer energy of the group, this is frequently commented on as the ‘thing’ that makes the jaw drop." A spectacular performance of funk, dance music and ballads. Fruit wasa real find for our Brazilian Arts Festival."Diana Akerman, Cultura Inglesa, Brazil , May 99In a 4 _ month tour, Fruit played 17 shows throughout Brazil, 23 across the USA (including 2 extraordinary performances at WOMAD, Seattle where the band sold a record breaking 580 CDs in just two days) and 25 shows across Germany. They followed this success with a welcome return to The Edinburgh Fringe Festival for five triumphant sold-out shows in The Beck's Famous Spiegeltent.'Spanning the register from warm sensuality to soaring, searing passion, quick-fire rap to a belly-deep bluesy growl. Irresistible all-round entertainment. * * * * *'
The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 26 Aug 99With a wealth of appeal, the chalkboard of the new millennium is looking full for FRUIT. The band has recently completed a 7-week return stint across North America, taking in venues such as The Carpenter Centre, LA and Theatre Artuad followed by 1 week in Singapore. Fruit then chases the Northern Hemisphere summer at select American festivals and venues, WOMAD Germany and WOMAD UK.With 3 (+1 EP)CDs to their name, Fruit anticipates a full-length album for 2000, following the release of their EP in January 2000. Ranked as the highest CD selling act at WOMAD USA, Fruit look forward to peddling their product, inspiring their audiences and stamping their mark across the globe as an act of critical acclaim.Without a doubt, heart thumping, hard hitting, foot-stomping stuff. Songwriting from the soul, vocals from above, spirited musicianship and up front performance. This group wants to go far and is busting to prove it to you.'... like a sharp wedge of lemon in a stiff tequila'The List, Edinburgh, Aug 98‘As their performances here have confirmed, Australia’s Fruit are as liable as anyone to get the dance floor grooving’… the political penchants of Indigo Girls and the genre-shifting of Ani DiFranco into a boisterous blend of roots rock’Mike Devlin Times Colonist, Vancouver, DC March 2000Band members:Mel Watson (sax, trumpet, harmonica, clarinet, guitar, vocals)- A unique and passionate multi instrumentalist, songwriter and singer, Mel has won numerous music awards and also has a successful solo career. Winner of SAMI Award for Most Outstanding Instrumentalist 4 consecutive years 1995, 96, 97, 98. Achievement award 1998, Most Outstanding Video 1997, nominated Most Outstanding Songwriter 1998. Queens Trust Award for Young Australian 1997.Mel has supported national and international artists including Kate Ceberano, Margaret Urlich, The Black Sorrows, Bruce Cockburn, Leo Kottke, The Neville Brothers and Debra Conway.Semi finalists for Young Australian of the Year (1998) - Outstanding Achievements in Music and the Arts.Composer for theatre, short film ‘Nobody Knows’ by Andrew Porter. Mel is the composer of the Millennium song for South Australian millennium celebrations. Prior to Fruit Mel was also an actor in theatre.Sam Lohs (guitar, vocals)- a well-established solo singer and songwriter. Sam was nominated for the 1997 SAMIA Award for Most Outstanding Songwriter. Sam has supported The Indigo Girls and Max Sharan. Commissioned to write for Childrens’ Health Development Foundation ‘Fit to Lead’ Project, 1997. Writer of ‘Rise’ for the ‘1999 South Australian Sports Star of the Year Awards’Catherine Oates (bass guitar & vocals) - is a versatile and sassy performer. Former percussionist for Fruit she has performed with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, for the State Theatre Company, the Australian Dance Theatre, world music group, Fresh Air and the Slack Taxi Performance Group and the Patch Theatre Company’s production ‘Respectable Shoes’ and Restless Theatre’s 1999 production ‘Precious’. Her awesome ability has seen her win a 1997 & 98 SAMIA Award for Most Outstanding Drummer.Catherine continues to compose music for theatre while working with Fruit.Susie Keynes (acoustic & electric guitar, vocals) - Nominated for the 1997 SAMIA Award for Most Outstanding Female Vocalist, Susie is a highly talented and versatile singer and songwriter. Commissioned to write for Childrens’ Health Development Foundation ‘Fit to Lead’ Project, 1997Yanya Boston (drums & vocals) – is an incredibly dynamic drummer with a string of artist collaborations and recordings to his name. He has been performing and recording solidly for 7 years. Notably, Yanya has most recently held the position of drummer/manager for acclaimed multicultural group, KAHA. Performing at WOMAD Australia and NewZealand, 1999 with KAHA, Yanya has also performed in international arenas with Paris based African artist Jean Paul Wabatai. At 22 years of age Yanya’s inherent musicality and gutsy, rhythmic passion brings about new and exciting possibilities as Fruit enters a ground breaking new phase.Sue Arlidge Art ManagementPO Box 88 Fullarton, South Australia 5063fruitgos@senet.com.aumobile: +61 413160009 fax: +618 8336 7951