Andree Greenwell is a dynamic singer and award-winning composer with a catalogue of almost 100 scores, including credits for Sydney Theatre Company, Symphony Australia, Australian Dance Theatre, Bell Shakespeare, Belvoir and the Queensland Music Festival where she was commissioned by director Deborah Conway to compose Behind The Cane with David Bridie.

She is artistic director and composer of Green Room Music (GRM), creating multidisciplinary, independent music theatre with exciting and challenging themes.

Her latest CD, GOTHIC, premiered as a song cycle at Vivid in 2015 and was launched last Friday at the Giant Dwarf venue with an awe-inspiring concert featuring 6 songs from the album.

The songs are written by contributing artists including Hilary Bell (‘The Birds’, a wonderfully sharp and succinct poem based on Du Maurier’s short story and subsequent film by Hitchcock), Alison Croggon (the emotive ‘Orpheus Song’), Hugo Race, founding member of The Bad Seeds with Nick Cave, (Death at the Beach Motel, an engaging tribute to Brett Whitely’s untimely heroin overdose) and Maryanne Lynch co-wrote with Andree the chilling Chosen, based on Kerstin Fritzl, who was locked in the cellar beneath her grandfather/father’s house for the first 19 years of her life.

Andree’s compositions are eclectic and refreshingly different in style.  Although the subject matter is dark, the music is always uplifting and the musicians enthusiastic.

Andree invited special guest Donna Hewitt to open the show.  Donna intrigued the audience with her “e-mic” and “wearable controllers”.  She wears wires that are attached to her microphone, speakers and lap-top.  By moving her body and the e-mic she distorts the sound waves, creating amazing layers of music.  The result is extraordinary.  Donna performed two songs: I Can’t Breathe and Idol, reminiscent of Patti Smith’s deep lyrics with amazing technology that puts a permanent smile on your face.

Recognition must be given to electric guitarist and music producer, David Trumpmanis, who collaborated with Andree on this cinematic/electro sound design and brings rich layers of sound to the music.

Guest singer and co-vocalist with Andree, Jessica O’Donohue,  is a magnetic performer with the voice of an angel and the harmonies between the two women are delicious. Jessica freelances and has just recorded her debut EP Emerge with the single Parachute.

The band are tight and beautifully synchronised.  They also include:  Ewan Foster and Viviene Jeffreys on violins, Luke Spicer on viola, Geoffrey Gartner on cello and David on electric guitar as well as sequencing and sounds with Andree.

Throughout the concert were excellent triple screen motion graphics by UK artist, Michaela French.

This CD is definitely worth exploring.  It’s full of surprises and professional expertise.   The lyrics for the 15 tracks are also provided in the inside sleeve.

All production images by James Manche.