Performance Times
4.45pm, Sunday
Torraca
Overview
Australian Folk Music Awards Solo Artist of the Year (2022), “Fred Smith is simply the best folk/country musician working in this country…beyond writing some of the finest songs about Australians at war, he has created a repertoire that is wry, literate, witty, powerfully emotional and insightful.” (Bruce Elder, SMH).
Whip-smart lyrics, wry humour, some lovely melodies, a big brain and a bigger heart, he consistently offers performances rich in thought and feeling.
Fred is the subject of an Australian Story documentary about his work in Afghanistan and on peace keeping operations in the war-torn islands of the South Pacific. His song-cycles have become important historical documents bringing to life the human complexities of the countries he has worked in: PNG, the US and most recently Afghanistan.
Fred will be presenting a range of sets rich in thought, feeling and story. With an extraordinary back catalogue of songs and new material, Fred Smith never repeats a song at a festival.
Visit his web site.
Reviews
“Fred Smith is an Australian national treasure. Diplomat, philosopher, poet and raconteur, his songs reverberate with the prophetic voice of humanity.” (Peter Wilkins, Canberra Critics Circle)
“Fred Smith is simply the best folk/country musician working in this country…beyond writing some of the finest songs about Australians at war, he has created a repertoire that is wry, literate, witty, powerfully emotional and insightful.” (Bruce Elder, SMH).
“It is about time Australia caught up with Fred Smith. “This remarkable singer-songwriter – who reveals influences that range from Paul Kelly via Lou Reed to Loudon Wainwright III to Leonard Cohen – keeps releasing amazingly accomplished albums.” (Bruce Elder, SMH).
“...one of our finest lyricists...he shows true mastery of crafting melodies and marrying them to the words without recourse to a shotgun. Add his natural wit, keen powers of observation, unassuming delivery and understated accompaniment and he effortlessly draws you into the world of each of these character-driven songs.” (John Shand, Sydney Morning Herald)
“Fred Smith is one of this country's most literate, humorous, intelligent and empathic songwriters." (Warwick McFadyen, the Sunday Age)
