PIXIE
THE FIDDLIN'
FIRECRACKER Who has successfully melded Australian Country Music,and the finer
traditions of music theatre,Pixie has a career history with far more highs
than lows.
The creator
of the popular Pixieland Country Music theatre,the most significant Independent
venue at the World renowned Tamworth Country Music Festival,staged annually
in Australia's Country Music Capital,was born in Launceston,Tasmania,on March
21st,1957.
Pixie's
first recording session was at the famous Hadley Studios in Tamworth,playing
on a Rick and Thel album.Over the years,Pixie has played for,supported and
recorded with innumerable Australian and overseas artists from Chad Morgan,John
Williamson,to Buddy Williams,Charlie Pride, Bob Dylan, Cher to name but a
few.
Most recently,Pixie
came face to face,or 'face to navel' as it was described by fiddle legend
Charlie Daniels.Charlie later stunned Pixie by presenting him with the treasured
gift of a violin bow,and then an invitation to join him on stage for his signature
tune "The Devil went down to Georgia"
In 1984,Pixie
won his first Golden Guitar as part of the "Hired Hands",and in
1985 and 1986 he added to his collection by winning Gold Guitars in both years
for best group as part of "Bullamakanka"
In 1989,Pixie
joined John Williamson to back him in his live shows,and over the the next
five years became an integral part of John's live performances and recordings.
In 1992,Pixie
was recognised by the Australian Country Music Industry by being inducted
into the Country Music Hands Of fame in Tamworth
Again
in 1993 and 1994,Pixie came home with a Golden Guitar,both awarded for best
instrumental,with tracks off his successful EMI Video and albums.
1995 saw
Pixie go solo,playing an eclectic mix of Country Swing and Rock and Roll with
his fiery fiddle playing and story telling as a one man show,keeping Pixie
on the road 50 weeks of the year,playing venues from Darwin to Launceston,Sydney
to Bourke.
1997,was
again a big year for Pixie which saw him voted onto the board of management
of the Country Music Association of Australia,and the appointed by the Tamworth
Council,as the Ambassador for Country Music for Australia's Country Music
Capital.
2000 saw
Pixie offered his first full theatrical role as the Fiddler,in the Queensland
production of "Fiddler on the Roof"staged at the Gold Coast Entertainment
Centre,where he received critical acclaim as the enigmatic fiddler.Such was
his impact,he was immediately approached to return back to the Gold Coast
in 2001 for a leading role in "Oklahoma",a role he reprised at the
"Hills Entertainment Centre" in Sydney in 2002, again receiving
critical acclaim.
Pixie's
most important recording project followed, to quote Pixie"the album that
had to be done",the aptly named"True Blue Classics"which was
a celebration of the contribution to Australia's culture by Pixie's mate,John
Williamson."True Blue Classics"combined the unique and unforgettable
melodies and lyrics of Australia's master songwriter and the fiddle wizardry
of Pixie,described by John "as the greatest fiddle player Australia has
produced".Add to this the the lush backing of the sixty piece South Australian
Symphony Orchestra to provde a showcase for thes two Australian Country Music
icons,and you have a totally unforgettable album.
A track
off "True Blue Classics","Cootamundra Wattle",was a top
five nomination in the 2001 Australian Country Music Awards,and took out the
best Instrumental Award at the Victorian Country Music Awards.
October,2003 saw Pixie embarking on an eighteen month nostalgic odyssey with
his great mates John Williamson and Warren H Williams in the nationally acclaimed
"Mates on the road reunion tour".The reunion tour included Australia,America,The
United Kingdom and New Zealand.
Pixie's
new 2007 theatre show "Hearts on a string" was showcased to capacity
audiences at the 2006 Australian Counrty Festival and has foreshadowed Pixie's
career progression into the mainstream of the Australian entertainment industry."Hearts
on a String" features a full 4 piece string section to Include Violin,Viola,Cello
and Double Bass and is suited to Corporate and theatre environment.
What will
the future hold for this talented,outrageous showman? Pixie's future in the
Australian Entertainment industry will only be limited to quite considerable
imagination
..He is a don't miss performer,look for a Pixie Show near
you,it's a three hour non stop entertainment magical mystery tour,something
for everyone,a real don't miss experience
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