Author: mymaureenobriencom

Maureen brings a wealth of life experience to her Jazz-Folk-Blues material and a sense of humour to her performances. She has a rich, mellow vocal sound and selects material that best suits her vocal style. An exciting entertainer whose music you just can't slot into any one genre.

Expecting Again

Spring has sprung again here in Oz and as does frequently happen, new births are occurring! In the garden, in nature, and in the studio!

Autumn and winter were busy with the release of my 14th album AND with four new novels written and published. I stopped to breathe at the end of August only to have a fifth novel clamoring to be heard, then a commission to write a brand new track for a conservation group, and last week a second commission to embark on another major project (similar, but with varying differences, to the Wetlands project of 2023).

Looks like it’s going to be head down, tail up for the foreseeable future.

And some reminders:

Want to check out my novels? Here’s a link to my book blog https://mozauthor.blogspot.com/ …there’s plenty of details there and please subscribe for updates (it’s free and it’s non-fattening!) …. and if you aren’t getting my music updates, you may not be a subscriber to my website, blogs, social media or my mailing list. If not, why not? I may not be doing commercial gigs now but I’m popping up in lots of intimate places where you can get a ‘live fix’ – either solo or with some cracking musicians. I’d love to see you – but you can’t go if you don’t know. Email me here to get connected.

a little spring sparkle
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Officially Released

Still Breathin’ Blues has arrived, carrying in its kit bag 14 original tracks that are Blues-infused. There’s sure to be something on this one to please everyone – from the hip-wiggling “Gone Fishin’ ” to thought-provoking “Little Blue Wren“. The history of The Blues goes way beyond the popular Chicago-style Urban Blues and the past 200-plus years has blended lifetimes of flavours. So whether you’re into Muddy Waters, Robert Johnston, Bessie Smith, Tom Waits, or Keith Richards, there’ll be a taste to recognise in this album.

To listen and download: https://maureenobrien.bandcamp.com/ or to order a Flashdrive (which includes Bonus Items) just message direct to: bookings@maureen.com.au for details. Postage is only available in Australia and is free.

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In the Groove

A busy start to 2025 with another new album on the way. This one’s a Blues album and will feature a local muso mate of mine – Pat Eyre – who’s been playing the blues for around 50 years! … There’s been some fun studio sessions already. The 14th album, this one is yet to be titled but features 10 brand new tracks plus a couple of blues tracks reprised from some earlier albums.

So here’s an offer you won’t want to refuse….How’d you like to win a FREE copy of the new release which will include some bonus material? To enter, simply come up with the BEST title – send me an email to register – and the winner will be announced on my social media by the end of February. Here’s a bit of a descriptor to inspire you: The collection is a mixture of classic blues style, a bit of rock, a New Orleans number, a a cruisy swing style, couple of ballads (one in a rather Tom Waits style), there’s a Blues shuffle, an 8-bar Jump Blues, a Soul piece and a couple that defy a pigeonhole! Oh, and a comedy blues too (would you expect any less?). Looking forward to your contributions!

One other thing….One of my tracks from the 2023 album “Song of the Wetlands”, was selected by the United Nations to support their 2025 campaign for World Wetlands Day 2025. I’m pretty chuffed to be so honoured – and to be able to make a contribution to such an important initiative. (Did you know that wetlands are often referred to as the lungs of the earth – that’s how important they are to our survival. Could YOU survive without your lungs?)

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Officially Released

UPDATE: At Feb ’25 the review of this album is in ~ read it on the “Reviews” page

For some 15+ years I’ve been promising to write a Christmas album….it’s finally here! Today is the official release date for Embrace The Season. Australia is a diverse society and there are so many differing views, beliefs, opinions about the season. Consequently there are so many different ways that Christmas is celebrated here. I’ve endeavoured to reflect that diversity in the content of the album.

It consists mostly of originals in a variety of different flavours – ballad, folk, blues, comedy – plus a couple of (not-so) traditional pieces that are favourites of mine. You can listen to the tracks on my Bandcamp page as follows: https://maureenobrien.bandcamp.com/album/embrace-the-season … If you like it, I invite you to purchase the album [or individual tracks if you prefer]….and please tell your friends! The Album is also available – via direct email – on Flash Drive or CD (NOTE: these are in limited supply so order quick)

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A Heart for the Homeless

If you, like me, are moved by desperate need in our world today, here’s a small way you can help;

This month I released a single titled “Man of Uncertainty” into the new Rise ‘n Reprise single collection. The song is about homelessness and it’s purpose is to raise funds for homeless charities – in Nov & Dec, that will be Soul Hub in Newcastle NSW who do a fabulous job for those in difficulties. The track is just $5 [or pay more if you wish] and can be listened to and purchased on my Bandcamp page – maureenobrien.bandcamp.com (click on the Rise ‘n Reprise collection then go to track 6 ‘Man of Uncertainty’). You’ll find the lyrics and background to the song there as well – 50% of proceeds to Soul Hub. It can also be purchased direct with 85% of the $5 {any amount above that is fully passed on}going to the charity – just email me for details.

It’s a “great song, great sound, and so relevant” – so I’m told! And we who have a secure roof overhead, a warm bed, and food on the table can make a difference to someone else for the price of a small coffee. Lend a hand if you can, eh?

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Collection in October

A new addition to the stable arrives at my Bandcamp page on October 3rd. This is the result of my decision to no longer produce albums – due to the changed face of the music industry. With so much commercial music available free now thanks to the streaming channels, the cost of producing albums – especially for independent artists – has become prohibitive.

Releasing on 3rd October at Bandcamp is “Rise ‘n Reprise: A Single Collection” and as the name suggests, this will be the repository for future – and reprised – recordings;- brand new songs; songs from past albums which haven’t been made available online; songs from past recordings that have been re-mixed or simply re-recorded (where I felt the recordings at the time did not do justice to the song ~ sometimes, this is the compromise that must be made when you’re an independant artist on a shoestring budget).

This collection is not designed to be purchased as an ‘album’ because it will be a progressive initiative. Rather, fans can have a listen and if they like it, purchase the individual track and download to add to their own computer/phone/device playlist. Individual tracks will be released early for Subscribers only – they can get their copy, at an early-bird discount. So if you haven’t done so yet, can I encourage you to become a follower at my bandcamp page – just click the following link then hit the “follow” button. There’s no cost, there’s no spam, and you won’t be asked for any personal details. https://maureenobrien.bandcamp.com/

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LAUNCHED …

….AND DULY CHRISTENED! ##note: see September review on Review page

Now available to listen – and purchase – on the Bandcamp site; https://maureenobrien.bandcamp.com

About the Album; I’ve been a songwriter for some 30 years and for the last 15 years have been promising fans that I would deliver:- 1. a Woman’s Jazz collection and 2. a Christmas album. This was to be the year I stopped procrastinating! With the help of a talented, very young sound/recording engineer (Zac Limon, Lampstand Studio, Ashtonfield), we managed to get the first over the line in just a few months.

Woman loves Jazz is a 5-track album of all-original material, a mixture of Latin Jazz, Jazz-Blues, Folk-Jazz, and a straight Jazz ballad. 1. Empty Brown Bottle, written in 2022, has had very warm response when part of my live concert sets. 2. Imagination – has some rather lovely jazzy guitar included (courtesy of Zac) 3. My Oh My has the assistance of Stevi Cannon, Maureen Reeves, and Gayle Dedman on some lovely harmonies 4. Old Dog Blues was originally written for a music buddy of some 20 years (Russ Redford) who unfortunately was unavailable for the recording sessions. And 5. Miracles and Magic – one of those songs that just wanted to be written…and as any songwriter knows, when all your creative bones are working, a song in waiting just has to be written.

Thanks to the lovely people who came along yesterday to cheer this album – No. 12 – on loudly.

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Live! at the Wetlands

It will be a rare public performance for me this coming Saturday, 6th April at the Hunter Wetlands, Shortland. We’ll be welcoming back the “Sounds Sights Textures …etc…” exhibition to where its seed first germinated. The exhibition will run for the month of April and the official opening on Saturday will be from 3-5pm. It will be a lovely way to spend an afternoon if you’re in the Newcastle region; a chance to see a unique Fibre-Art exhibit and talk to the artists; spend the afternoon on the deck, overlooking the fabulous Wetlands and listening to some nice music from the album “Song of the Wetlands” – the inspiration for the artists’ work; as well as grooving along to an Open Jam where local musicians and singers will be joining in to share a ‘free’ music session [anything and everything goes] . No cost to come along to the exhibition and all are welcome.

This is Scottish Piper Ian Innes playing on the lower deck recently – serenading “Pi” the resident orphaned Magpie Goose who was raised at the centre by volunteers. One of the tracks on the album is titled “In Love With a Magpie Goose” – it wasn’t Pi but it could have been! he thinks he’s human. You can listen to the track here: https://maureenobrien.bandcamp.com/

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LOOKING AHEAD

Now that the first exhibition for the Wetlands Project has finished, it’s time to start looking ahead to the coming year – and what’s on the drawing board for 2024. #Note, if you missed the exhibit at Timeless Textiles, a smaller version will be travelling home to the Hunter Wetlands in April. I’ll keep you posted

With all the “creative bones” working again – thanks to that incredible project - there’s new compositions waiting to be written and, of course, recorded! So stay tuned for two new EP’s to be released in the second half of the year. I’m also keen to have the choral work from “Song of the Wetlands” worked on by a larger, established choir, then recorded and video’d. (and if YOUR choir would like to participate, let me know!)

One of my new year resolutions for 2024 was to finish my second novel “Between the Lines” and I’m tickled pink to say “I done it!” – completed by the end of January! Go me! So I’ll be looking for a publisher and if I’m not successful will take it – and “Table Manners” – to Ebook format this year. I’m also keen to write a sequel to the first novel [Table Manners] so that may get off the drawing board – or doodle pad – and on to the computer later this year.

Fingers crossed I’ve got enough puff left to get through 2024!

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