Fruit

http://www.jambase.com/headsup.asp?storyID=5687

Fruit & Tony Furtado :: 09.25.04 :: Skipper's Smokehouse :: Tampa, FL

As hurricane Jeanne struck the state of Florida, we road-tripped to Skipper's Smokehouse in Tampa (aka the "Skipperdome") for a storm-a-coming party with Fruit and Tony Furtado on September 25, 2004.
On a beautifully windy night, with clouds racing across a mostly full moon, we joined about a hundred other brave souls (who were perhaps as stir crazy as we were as storm number three approached) for an energetic evening of music.


Fruit :: 09.25.04
Fruit, the hot, five-year-old import from Adelaide, Australia, opened the show. The trio (consisting of the three "front line" women sans band mates for this show)--Mel Watson on an intriguing arsenal of horns and Susie Keynes and Sam Lohs on guitars--energized the intimate crowd with their intense vocal arrangements. Their funky, bluesy, rocking sound, described by some as acoustic pop, was punctuated by incredible harmonizing and endless energy. Called "music to fire your imagination," the seamless integration between the performers was intriguing. Their set pulled from their numerous albums, and songs like "Wind Blows" and "Sunsets and Hurricanes" were especially apropos for our tropical evening adventure.

Having crossed paths on the road before but never played together, Furtado was welcomed in for "Mama," fruits final song. As the band sang, "Everyday you helped the clouds to go away, you shine the light that takes away my darkest nights," Furtado and Watson interplayed around each other on this gorgeous love song. Furtado repeated Watson's "mouth flugal" note for note on his guitar as the rhythm built to Watson's energetic high, until Furtado just stepped back and smiled. We truly didn't know Fruit "was gonna be this good," as the lyrics opine, and wished we had arrived earlier to catch more of their set.

Words by: Randi Whitehead
Images by: George Weiss
JamBase | Florida
Go See Live Music!
- Randi Whitehead - Jambase

Wall Street Journal
Austin, Texas

South by Southwest, the popular-music industry's largest annual conference, took place here recently amid much "gloom and doom," as keynote speaker Robbie Robertson put it. Record sales declined by the largest amount in decades during 2001, and while there were lots of questions about music's future, there were no clear answers. Never mind, said Mr. Robertson, who gave a decidedly upbeat talk about his band The Band and the 25th anniversary of its fabled farewell concert. "Just remember why we all took this journey to begin with -- for the love of the music."

If Ms. Jones had us daydreaming in the middle of a smoky bar, an Australian band named Fruit had an afternoon audience who'd never heard of the group singing, clapping and whistling along in a show at a folk-art store. That might explain why it was recently named the best up-and-coming live act by the Australian music industry. This group of not one, not two, but three frontwomen, each of whom sings and writes well enough to carry a band on her own, delivers a pure theatrical rush. Their pop powered by dramatic harmonies and charismatic shifts of style only gets better when one of them picks up a horn for an unexpected solo interlude. Fruit doesn't have a U.S. label, but it does tour widely and has discs for sale on CDbaby.com and its Web site (www.fruitmusic.com.au).
- By TAYLOR HOLLIDAY

FRUIT
Whether it's their uplifting ballads, soaring vocal harmonies or gut-wrenching blues, this folk rock ensemble from Adelaide have been stunning audiences from Womadelaide to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. It's the trio of gals on the frontline that mark FRUIT as a powerful musical force. With the spirit of the travelling Waifs and the vocal depth that puts pop princesses to shame, FRUIT promise an explosive live experience.
- Clara Iaccarino, Sydney Morning Herald

Chico’s Moxie’s Cafe was the site of an impromptu concert June 25 by the core members of Fruit, an eclectic Australian alt-pop band.

The quickly arranged show, which featured the group’s three frontwomen, fell in between tour dates in Santa Cruz and Redding. The show was conceived, announced, put on sale and took place all in the same day. An on-air visit to KZFR-FM got the word out and Moxie’s was sold out by the 8:30 p.m. show time.

Though 6,000-plus miles from their home base of Adelaide, Fruit, who formed in 1995, has garnered a loyal following in Chico fueled by several years of appearances at the California WorldFest and Strawberry music festivals. Fruit’s last two Chico gigs were at the Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Big Room in 2001 and Laxson Auditorium, with Laura Love, in 2002.

Fruit’s unique style — a mix of alternative rock, pop, ballads and funk — was showcased nicely as an acoustic trio. Sam Lohs, Susie Keynes and Mel Watson performed a two-hour set, unplugged and seated, running through newly penned songs as well some Fruit favorites like “Mama Mama,” “Skin” and “Wild Angel.”

All three musicians are songwriters. Lohs, who plays rhythm guitar generally performs ballads. Keynes, who takes lead guitar duties, is more prone to rockers but plays ballads as well. And Watson, with a theatrical style of singing and bank of instruments (flute, trumpet, saxophone, clarinet and English horn), tends to perform epic philosophical songs that examine humankind’s place in the universe.

Quite comfortable in the intimate cafe setting, the trio seemed to enjoy the confines of the small stage by the front door. Being an otherwise quiet summer Wednesday night in downtown Chico, the packed house drew the attention of dozens of passersby who pressed their noses to the glass to see what the big deal was. At one point, horn player Watson wheeled around and played her clarinet to a startled fellow who peered in the door less than five feet away. Guitarist Keynes did one better at another juncture, walking to the door, guitar over her shoulder, and let in two fans herself.

Fruit is slated to perform Aug. 28 in Nevada City and Aug. 29 and 30 at the Strawberry Music Festival.
- ALAN SHECKTER staff writer BUZZ

Burn first single release ‘A Thousand Days’
“Gorgeous laidback folk, jazz and soul…Well crafted and classy. These girls know how to write a damn good song! Top it off with some absolutely stunning vocal harmonies and you have the perfect combination” The Australian Music Network


“Burn will definitely make you sit up and listen. With all three sharing the lead vocals and a sound ranging from Indigo Girls to k.d land. Fruit could easily share the stage with the likes of Ani Difranco – and come off as equals. Empowering entertaining and above all, a great listen, Burn is a disc that deserves some attention. John Threfall, Monday Magazine, BC, Canada

“Burn contains some of the most beautiful harmonies to surface in Australian music today” Kathleen Noonan, Brisbane Courier Mail

“Burn recorded with Grammy-nominated producer/engineer David Ivory, who has captured a new level of sophistication in the band without losing any of the indie/alternate pop/rock sound. Simply the best” Michael Smith, Drum Media, Sydney AU

Fruit - Burn
“Fruit bypasses folk in favour of tourchy soulful pop…a toothsome permutation of styles” Karen Iris Tucker, The Advocate, Los Angeles


“Burn …With rich elements of funk, acoustic pop, rock and a gossamer sheen of voices. The sound is condensed, simplified and refined without ending up homogenised or bland. Rather, Fruit has clarified it’s sound and it’s strengths – melodies and vocal harmonies, flowing in a lush, sensuous wash. As a song collection recorded with such density and purpose, repeated listening offers great rewards” David Sly, The Adelaide Review, AU

“What a blast listening to their album 'Burn' - talk about hidden diamonds! Excellent!”. Dave Clarke, Program Director, WAVE-FM Wollongong AU

“Australian trio Fruit moves far beyond prior Indigo Girls comparisons on the terrific album “Burn” A- Philadelphia Daily News

Fruit - Burn
”The Australian all-female trio offers this premier collection of pop hits guaranteed to convert the initiated. Vocal harmonies float sweetly over superbly written musical arrangements. Their martin dc-16rgte owned by Sam (center) certainly penetrates the mix. A great deal of hard work and passion have brought this masterpiece to 'fruition’”
The Sounding Board' - the official newsletter of the martin guitar company - vol 19 - july 2005
- Various

“One of the best live shows on offer in Australia – Fruit. These girls exuded an unrelenting stream of positive energy and a genuine love for their art. I for one was very impressed. _Jen Wilson, Editor, The Australian Music Network


“ To me Fruit are one of Australia’s best kept secrets, their energy and songs never fail to capture audiences, whether playing to 20 000 or 1000 and they are already one of our hardest working exports” _ Michael Chugg, Chugg Entertainment - ILMC (International Live Music Conference) World Promoter of the Year 2006


“In the 27 year history of Summerfolk, seldom have we presented an act who had such an overwhelming impact on the entire show. They shattered our CD sales record and we can’t wait to share them with our patrons once again this year. FRUIT is one of the live acts that just has to be SEEN!!” _Don Bird, Artistic Director
(FRUIT CD sales audited 426)

“Musically, they kick ass: great instrumental skills and vocals that shine with the special glow that comes from years of singing together. Over almost a decade of performing and many, many miles on the road, they have brought together everything they love about blues, folk, jazz, pop and the ways of groove to create music that sets up a major pleasure loop between them and everyone listening…
…from all the raves I’ve been hearing from other festival promoters, Mel Watson, Susie Keynes and Sam Lohs are the proverbial power trio”
_ Doug Simpson, Vancouver Folk Music Festival Artistic Director 2005
(FRUIT CD sales audited 530)


Stage Beauties
“Fruit had the honourable pleasure of being asked back to the festival a second year running. A rare occasion for the Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival, though with the demand of the 2004 audience it had to be done….” Brett Campbell
(FRUIT CD sales audited 523)

“Australian group Fruit packs a high-energy wallop, featuring tight harmonies and upbeat driven music. _ Anne Saunders, Falcon Ridge Folk
(Fruit CD sales audited 420)


“Fruit,… one of the most requested acts to return to Cal World Music Festival”
_Dan DeWayne AD

“You only have to attend one Fruit gig to witness the magnetism of the act – the sensational harmonies, the tightness of the band and what is clearly obvious – that this is a group of musicians having a ball at what they do best, play their music” _Drum Media, Sydney, AU


"If Norah Jones had us daydreaming... Fruit had an afternoon audience singing, clapping and whistling for more" _ Taylor Holliday, Wall Street Journal SxSw

“Ranked as the highest CD selling act at WOMAD globally”
_Thomas Brooman, Artistic Director WOMAD, 2003
(FRUIT CD sales audited Seattle 680, UK 436)


“The three feisty women who fronted the band were contagiously enthusiastic, and so scarily gifted they should be marched out and shot’” 5 stars
_Diane Dubois, The Scotsman, Edinburgh


“As their performances here have confirmed, Australia’s Fruit are as liable as anyone to get the dance floor grooving. … the political penchants of Indigo Girls and the genre-shifting of Ani DiFranco into a boisterous blend of roots rock”
_Mike Devlin Times Colonist, Vancouver, BC , Canada


“Fruit’s strength lies in ripe harmonies and tight grooves”
_Tony Montague, The Georgia Straight, Vancouver BC, Canada


“Spanning the register from warm sensuality to soaring, searing passion, quick-fire rap to a belly-deep bluesy growl. Irresistible all-round entertainment” 5 stars
_The Scotsman, Edinburgh
- Various

For full review, visit:
http://ca.qpglobal.com/moxie/entertainment/music/fruit-wows-the-crowd-at-h.shtml

Fruit with Digging Roots at Hugh’s Room, Friday October 28th, 2005. Tickets: 22$


Do you ever have one of those days when life feels suffocating? Laundry, dishes and vacuuming beckon, deadlines loom and all you want to do is run away to a simpler life - preferably somewhere warm. This was how I felt the night I planned to go and see Australian band Fruit. It turns out that going out to see Fruit was exactly what I needed to do to cure my fall deadline blues.

The band played the intimate Hugh’s Room a 200 seat venue in the west end. What a civilized place! You can order dinner before the show and drinks throughout (although the servers do their best not to get in the way of the show). It’s like a concert venue meets dinner theatre and the combination works very well. No one in the room had a bad seat.

The evening began with Digging Roots: local musicians Raven Kanatakta and ShoShana Kish warmed up the audience with their electrifying stage presence. These two were the most gorgeous duo I have seen in recent memory. ShoShana exudes a serene and sexy confidence on stage, and her voice is sultry and powerful. Raven’s smile lights up the room and his blues/jazz fused voice and guitar playing do great justice to the stories they tell. Digging Roots lyrics are steeped in the history and politics of First Nations people in Canada and encourage individuals to respect difference and move forward in a positive way. We cheered for an encore of their short set; this band was the perfect compliment to the headlining act. The only downside to Digging Roots set was that the band’s CD was not yet available for purchase; however, the groups first CD Seeds is being released Tuesday November 15th at the Gladstone Hotel.

After a brief intermission, Fruit took the stage. Fruit is comprised of Mel Watson (vocals, horns, flute and saxophone), Susie Keynes (vocals, acoustic and electric guitar) and Sam Lohs (vocals and acoustic guitar). These three Australian women each have a unique, powerful voice and are equally strong musicians. The high energy level set with the opening song A Thousand Days continued for their entire show.

Fruit’s songs are an uplifting analysis of the complicated aspects of life; their lyrics reminded me of the importance of maintaining a positive outlook- something I find Australian’s in general are good at. There is a deeply personal quality to the lyrics but they are anonymous enough that I felt like every song was about my life. Lyrics like “we can change the face of life/just by looking at another point of view” deeply resonated with me. Fortunately, the sound in the venue was impeccable, so I was able to hear every word.

The passion and commitment that go into each song performed by this trio is overwhelming. There were moments I laughed (Stories about driving on American Freeways) and moments where I was moved to tears (During the song Peace). Fruit closed the show with an audience participation version of Walk on the Wild Side that had me on my feet singing my heart out. I felt like I had been not only a fan of the band but also a friend of the band for years.

With hands numb from clapping and a throat hoarse from cheering, I bee lined to the merchandise table to purchase Burn which hasn’t left the CD player since I brought it home. This was hands down one of the best concerts I have ever been to, and I relive the show every time I listen to the album. Don’t miss a chance to see Fruit perform live. - Arlynne Poitras

ADD THIS FRUIT FLY TO THE LIST
Aug 06 2006

I had to laugh when I read the press material for the trio Fruit, who
played to approximately 500 adoring fans, lovingly referred to as "Fruit
flies," at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre Wednesday.

It was a quote from a reviewer, who in 2002 wrote in The Scotsman (U.K),
that the Australian women, and again I quote, were so "scarily gifted,
they should be marched out and shot."

That about sums it up, although those who were at Fruit's show in Vernon -
stomping, shouting and clapping - would like to see the women stick around
at least long enough to come back and perform again soon.

Mel Watson, Susie Keynes and Sam Loh’s are disgustingly talented. They put
the pop purveyors of today - the Idols, the Britney’s and those hissing
Pussycats - to absolute shame.

Together for 11 years, with eight CDs under their belts, the women of
Fruit cannot only sing, beautifully, they write the most poignant and
smart songs heard since Joni Mitchell picked up her pen. (Give a listen to
the band's latest CD, Burn, for 15 superb examples.)

Oh, they can also play instruments, incredibly well.

Both Keynes and Loh’s are exceptional guitarists - trading off on rhythm
and lead on their acoustics, with Keynes picking up the electric for a few
numbers.

Multi-instrumentalist Watson is a genius.

She is up there with some of the jazz greats (Canada's Ingrid Jensen comes
to mind), playing horns, saxe’s, flute, percussion... Watson also uses her
voice as an instrument, emulating sounds in an aural scat, reaching tones
that would give Mariah Carey and Celine Dion hernias.

An anomaly for playing two years in a row - in 2004 and last year - at the
Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival, it was refreshing to catch the trio,
and hear every nuance of their gorgeous harmonies and instrumentation,
indoors. The stage at the Performing Arts Centre proved to be a big
platform, as the women commented on how far apart they were from each
other, but the sound was superior.

You could hear every intake of breath, every perfectly placed note, and
every gaffe, when Keynes inadvertently tried to adjust her distortion
pedal, sending the screech of feedback through the PA. (We all laughed it
off with her.)

Although the women are each and together exceptionally talented, it was
Watson who blew me away with her songs Jennifer Says (off Burn) and Mamma
Mamma (from 2001's Here for Days).

The latter tune starts with her valved trumpet blaring as Loh’s strums the
guitar Flamenco style, then Watson blows her horn into a bluesy melody.
Just when you think she's out of wind, she starts singing. And what a
voice. When she gets down low, and note by note rises to sing "Mamma,
Mamma, Mamma, you never told me it was going to be this good," you want to
throw up your arms in elation.

I loved every tune the women performed from Burn, (and that's a record for
me), so I ran out during intermission to buy the CD, and have been
listening to it ever since.

From the catchy chorus on Keynes' Wait on, (wait up), and the
misery-loves-company lyrics of Loh's If Only for the Sun, which is totally
opposite of her sunny, dance-crazy stage persona, Burn is simply a
stunning listen.

The title track, penned by Watson, with the line: "We can change the face
of life just by looking at another point of view," meant even more when it
was performed in the show's encore.

Burn was used in the documentary film, Sveva:& #10272;Prisoner of Vernon, a
film about another genius, artist Sveva Caetani, which was made by local
filmmaker, Jim Elderton.

It was Elderton who brought Fruit to perform in Vernon as a fund-raiser
for the People in Need Crisis Line, and he showed images from his film up
on a giant screen during the encore. Seeing the paintings by the
exceptionally talented late artist, and hearing the song played live by
the women, was the sweet topping on what was a delicious evening.

More Fruit please.

Update: Fruit are already talking about a return visit.

"They were very pleased both with the theatre and their audience," said
Elderton in an email Friday to The Morning Star.

-------END
- By Kristin Froneman