June 29, 2018
Album Review:
Rex Dallas - Show Boat Kalang
By SHIRLEY BROUN
Country songs are renowned for telling stories and newly appointed `Ken Cameron Lifetime Achievement, Living Legend Award’’ winner
Rex Dallas has done just that in his latest album entitled `Show Boat Kalang’.
Rex Dallas's latest album `Show Boat Kalang'.
The title track, Show Boat Kalang, takes listeners back to the 1950s in Sydney when the grand old lady of the Sea led the way by hosting cabaret shows, dancing and excursions for passengers as it sailed under the Sydney Harbour Bridge and into the Lane Cove and Parramatta Rivers or, alternatively, left from Circular Quay bound for the Spit Bridge, Middle Harbour and eventually Killarney picnic ground.
After 17 years as a showboat as well as assisting in the war efforts for the Royal Australian Navy, The Kalang was eventually wrecked in waters off Kempsey in 1972 but through the song-writing talents of Rex Dallas on his new album, its place in Australian history will live on.
Show Boat Kalang, the album, is an inspirational collection of wonderful memories from Rex’s personal compendium of life experiences.
Tracks include Leura Cascades, Zig Zag Railway Line, Memory or Two, In a Garden, Lady of the Road, Kitchen Table, Music is Life, Rock N Roll Yodel and Borroloola Elder which features Rex’s late son Jeff on the didgeridoo.
In fact, there was no shortage of Dallas family members taking part in the production with musicians including Brett, Shannan, Lindsay and Ashleigh Dallas.
Brett Dallas produced the album which was recorded in his Dalvilla Studios and mastered by Jeff Mccormack.
Co-writers featured on Rex’s Show Boat Kalang album included Aileen Manicaros (Kitchen Table), John Seers (Leura Cascades) and Les Wilson (Rock N Roll Yodel).
Show Boat Kalang is an album that lifts the spirit while also bringing back many magical memories from the past.
The stories told in music by Rex are warming and real and will take listeners on an amazing journey through time as only Rex Dallas can.
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June 29, 2018 at 6:17 am
Thank you Shirley, It is a wonderful review and I thank you sincerely for your much appreciated support.
July 1, 2018 at 1:04 am
Yes Shirley, it is a great album from a very talented entertainer and the support of his also talented family is like icing on the cake. Very nice review.
July 1, 2018 at 1:29 am
Looking forward to getting a copy of this album and hearing these stories: great that you are still recording Rex..!.
July 2, 2018 at 3:33 am
Hi Phil, Let me know if you have probs buying the c.d. mate. Cheers,Rex.