Hello again already. My goodness - it's only been a month since my last newsletter. Amazing what a spot of inclement weather and a new CD release can do to productivity!

After a few days in Melbourne coordinating, with Aztec Music, the 'My Name Means Horse' re-issue, I am about to board a flight to Kyoto, Japan to meet with a team of environmental accountants to discuss the recent destruction of the Ryan Library in Kansas (see previous newsletter).

But put all that aside; because the real reason we are all gathered here, is for Coathanger, Aztec & EMI to announce that the Ross Ryan classic - the "Horse' album - is for the first time, now available on CD.

The tortuous journey that has led us all here is well documented, so instead of rehashing all of that, let us sing the praises of Aztec Music.

Simply put, they've done a fantastic job.

Maintaining the original triple fold cover design, this deluxe re-issue includes a 24 page booklet of rare pix and mostly accurate liner notes by Ted Lethborg. The CD was re-mastered by Aztec's Gil Mathews and features two bonus tracks - a 1973 acoustic 'I Am Pegasus' from ABC TV's GTK plus the controversially misunderstood 1985 re-recording of 'Blood On The Microphone'.

Hell, it even has a removable red sticker on it. Just like the LP ... nice touch guys.

Earlier this year, we kicked off our 'Ross Is Still A Horse' campaign at the NSW Equestrian Federation Awards in Sydney.
(See: EFA news item)

This was preceded by guest appearances Ross made in 2006 performing 'I Am Pegasus' in support of the Parkinson Society and in particular, at two benefit concerts for 'Horse' producer Peter Dawkins.
(See: Ross's 'For Pete's Sake' Phlog)

~ Horse Video ~

A DVD of these star-studed (cough ..) shows is planned for release later this year - but in the meantime, courtesy of Pete and Pi Production Services, we have a preview clip featuring RR and Dragon's Robert Taylor.

  Video: Ross and Robert - 'Pegasus'.

Ross has been mates with the Spectrum-Murtceps-Ariel-Heaters-WHY etc guys for many years.

They first toured together in 1974 - Ross promoting his 'Horse' album and Ariel, 'Strange Fantastic Dream'. In recent times, Ross recorded at his GI Recorders studio, their acclaimed 2001 album, 'Spill: Spectrum Plays the Blues'.

By chance, Aztec Music is almost simultaneously releasing not only 'Horse' , but also the debut, 'Spectrum Part 1' album.

Thus a dual launch seemed a natural!

Friday June 22nd
Trades Hall - upstairs bar
Cnr Lygon & Victoria Sts
Carlton South
Melbourne

Limited tickets are available exclusively through the online resources of Spectrum's Mike Rudd.

  See: Gig guide

Whilst all this horse trading business was underway; on the weekend of May 12/13 - Ross, along with Glenn Cardier and Phil Manning, played two shows in South Australia under the moniker of 'Songwriters in the Round'.

By all accounts, they were terrific gigs with great audiences and an easy, good humoured onstage integration of these three distinctive performers. Already there is talk - as they say - of "taking the show on the road".

Much thanks to Chris Swann and all at Music Warehouse and Trinity Sessions.

More info, plus Ross's report, as it comes to hand.

In that context, allow me to welcome to Coathanger, new employee and fellow former librarian - Ms Yvonne Hardingham.

Yvonne's responsibilities include overseeing the fiscal and logistical restructuring of our Glen Iris operations and supervising the work experience girl. Enjoy!

Cheers

Ms Connie Person
Horse Whisperer
Coathanger Productions