"Full House" Reviews

I’m probably the only non-Australian who thinks that most of the best music of the last decade has come out of Australia, and that’s probably because most of the rest of the world isn’t listening.

This album is another example of why they should be. Blending music from across the ages and from diverse origins as Dylan through to Alex Legg, Julian Lennon, and the poetry of Henry Lawson, this album works. Only good musicians can emulate then add their own interpretations, and there are some fine ones here. Pentangle’s gentility sits comfortably alongside the haunting June Tabor, the gentler side of Bill Monroe, and Whippersnapper’s Rheinhardt-Grapelli inspired syncopation.

Skilful acoustic instrumental delivery from some of Australia’s top ranked players supports the voice of Chris Wheeler, a voice that matches the warmth and clarity of your end of day malt. That’s how I recommend listening to this work, malt in hand, feet up, a ‘Don’t Disturb’ sign on the door of wherever you take your intravenous music, read the bank statement with its two dollar forty error then throw it on the floor. It’s not important. Music like this is.
Geoff Green, Springboard Media Editor, UK

"Full House’ is wonderfully produced CD that demands your full listening attention. Once you start listening, you keep putting it back in the CD player. Time and time again you'll hear the fine nuances in the playing and voices."
Henk de Weerd, Folk Trax

"The 14 tracks are an eclectic mixture of songs and instrumentals ranging from Julian Lennon’s highly relevant Saltwater to some Irish fiddle tunes featuring demon fiddle player Mike Kerin.
On the way there’s the charming innocence of a setting of Henry Lawson’s The Days When We Went Swimming, Paul Brady’s heartbreaking The Island about love in a strife-torn world and a gospelly version of Stephen Foster’s classic Hard Times.

The musicianship is tight as well as warm, with some lovely subtle guitar from Ged Corben. On the lighter side, Kerin and Corben pay tribute to Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli in Nagasaki and Wheeler does a knock-out version of Bob Dylan’s Lay Down Your Weary Tune.
This self-published cd is hard to fault if you like variety in your music."
Manly Daily

"There are some neat blue grass and Appalachian influences on show, accenting and highlighting the strengths of the current band. The actual recording of Christine Wheeler's voice is far more natural and attractive than the production on their first album; her singing seems far more mature and expressive too.

If they remind me of Colcannon, my personal benchmark for really great traditional music, it's for all the right reasons, strong singing, a range of styles held gently and treated with real respect.
They do a lot of corporate work in the eastern states, maybe its time they came over here for a weekend."
Ewart Shaw, Adelaide Advertiser, May 2007

"This formidable group has put together an album that is not only wonderful in its own right but is also a tribute to the Anglo-Celtic tradition that binds so many countries, ranging from the bluegrass tradition of the United States to Irish dancing to Australian bush ballads. Each individual song is perfectly crafted and presented, with haunting arrangements and, in most songs, Christine Wheeler’s graceful and lovely voice. But taken as a whole it is also an important body of work that highlights a cultural movement that is central to folk music, whatever the genre - that of recognizing both the differences and the common features that blend musical traditions and, in the end, unite us all. There is plenty of variety and the proficient and sensitive musical arrangements are striking, just right for each song and never dominating.

I know from personal experience that the Wheelers and Dealers version of Stephen Foster’s song, ‘Hard Times’, is becoming the version. Every time I try and introduce a slightly different way of singing it to any of the choral groups I work with, they keep reverting back to the way Christine sings it! Obviously, people are listening to Wheelers and Dealers.

And so they should be. In re-listening to the album as I prepared this little review I was intending to simply touch on each song as a reminder. But I soon found myself listening from start to finish and in the end I just sat back and enjoyed the arresting and beautiful music."
Mary-Jane Field

"This 14-track album exposes the strength and maturity of Chris Wheeler’s warm and expressive vocals, enhanced by the excellent instrumental arrangements."
Blarney Bulletin

"I'm writing down words and learning some of those gorgeous songs. The instrumentation is delicious too. Great album. "
Alison Jones

Live Performance Reviews

"Go ahead and kick yourself if you weren’t in the audience at The Pub last Friday night to see and hear Wheelers and Dealers. Wow. What a show. I tried to tell you. Beginning with some Irish/Celtic instrumentals, the music continued to build so that by set’s end they had everyone singing along. Then throughout the night we were treated to everything from classy covers of Bob Dylan, Julian Lennon and Eric Bogle and so much more.

The band’s diverse musicianship and three-part harmonies made them stand out from the crowd. Mike Kerin alternated between mandolin, guitar and fiddle, while Tinker Duffy hoisted her accordion or grabbed for the bodhran, depending on the song. Ged Corben was a delight to the ears with his touch on that guitar and Michael Vidale plucks the upright bass with the efficiency and enthusiasm of few others. What surprised me more than anything was the range of instruments lead vocalist Chris Wheeler came out with, from flute, tin whistle and recorder. If she wasn’t singing like an angel, she was whistling like a bird.

I’m so pleased I went along. Their musical credentials made it mandatory. I know they had a mighty fine time at the Australian Celtic Festival in Glen Innes after leaving Tamworth. Reports have already filtered through they were a standout and no doubt, will be invited back again next year. And like many others there last Friday night, I sincerely hope they get a return invitation to The Pub."
Anna Rose, Review The Pub Tamworth May 2008

"that was the best concert ever"
"they were fantastic"
"that bass player was unbelievable"
"It has been a long time since an audience in Grenfell has called for an encore, so that is a good measure of just how much people enjoyed your music."
Comments from the Grenfell Henry Lawson Festival 2008 opening concert

"Every song a gem"
Concert goer at The Basement, Sydney

"Congratulations on a fantastic night's entertainment. It was really enjoyable with a great balance of musicianship, guest singers and chorus songs to get the audience involved. Great chunky guitar riffs from Ged, beautiful singing from Chris and as for Mike, now there's a real fiddle player! Put me down for a copy of your second CD now!'
Macquarie Towns Music Club

"The high, high light of the night was the performance of Wheelers and Dealers. Christine has a hauntingly, beautiful voice, slipping from vocals to whistle to guitar to flute to the repartee of stage talk with charm, poise and strength. Ged's strong performance gave the whole performance a firm foundation - standing quietly in the back - every once in awhile a small smile revealing perhaps a little. Mike’s fiddle carried me away! And blew me away! He too stood there rather unimpressed with himself, it seemed, but in the end it wasn't about the person - it was the music that he made. They all perform as if it is no big deal – don’t they know how talented they are?!"
Acoustic music venue The Shack, Narrabeen.

"Thank you for making such an enormous effort on our wedding night. It was a hoot. I've never seen the cousins dance the house down like they did when you were playing. You were a hit ... not that we ever had any doubt. I'd certainly recommend you to anyone considering live music at their reception. Thanks also for helping out with the PA arrangements during the speeches. The fellahs were very kind and we appreciated their help. We truly wish your band continued success and hope that you've got plenty of gigs lined up."
Rebecca & Andrew

"I must thank you again for the fantastic music which helped make the (wedding) day very memorable. We just had so many, many wonderful comments on the great music on the day. It was always the one thing, with regard to organising the wedding, that we weren't worried about after hearing you play at the Harp."
Martin

Reviews of our first self-titled cd

"I'm sure the ausworldfolk community will be as delighted as I am to learn that Sydney band, Wheelers & Dealers, won the 2003 Music Oz award in the folk category with their jointly written song, Woomera, which is on their self-titled album released earlier this year.

I don't know what reasons the judges gave - but here is my personal response to the song. The lyrics of "Woomera" deal with the issue of the Australian government's heartless treatment of refugees, simply and starkly; the mood of the song is enhanced dramatically by the melody and the urgent instrumentation. The separate talents of all the musicians combine to create a deeply affecting arrangement."
Margaret Walters on Ausworldfolk

"This CD has a musical - and social - integrity, with music ranging from trad to their own songs like "Woomera" and "Brand New Day" (about the Bridge Walk for Reconciliation), that makes listening to it a totally satisfying and uplifting experience.

Wheelers and Dealers bring a fresh, lyrical and fun-loving quality to the traditional songs and instrumentals - their enjoyment of the music is infectious. And if these songs and instrumentals have a sense of lightness and easiness, there is still nothing heavy or laboured in their 'politically correct' songs either. They simply ask questions that many caring Australians are puzzling over today "where is freedom now?" ("Woomera") and "why is sorry such a hard word to say?" ("Brand New Day").

There isn't one disappointing track on this CD. Christine and Tony's "The Fifth Day" has an exciting drive while "Murrumbidgee Water" from John Warner's "Yarri of the Wiradjuri" song cycle flows delightfully. "Going Home", with the poignant images of Ireland in Christine's lyrics and Ged's music managing to capture so beautifully both the yearning of homesickness and the sense of release of a homecoming, is a personal favourite. And I find "Don Oiche Ud i mBeithil" and "The New Land" (both Track 12) especially beautiful - healing balm for the soul, music to help light you through life's dark moments.

The CD culminates in Eric Bogle and John Munro's classic song "All the Fine Young Men". This track showcases the best of the group - Christine's heartfelt singing, Tony's soulful violin and Ged's wonderfully rich and resonant guitar - while addressing the universal, and unfortunately still relevant, theme of the human waste of war.

Where should this CD be - apart from in every discerning folkie's collection? It should be playing on John Howard's CD player in the hope that it might kick-start some much-needed soul-searching. But why cast pearls before swine?
Kim Salisbury, NSW Department of Education Resource Centre

"If you take out top honours in the Folk Category at the 2003 MusicOz awards you must have something going for you. And Wheelers & Dealers do. They have produced a fine self-titled CD of traditional pieces, covers and originals. While it is Chris’ clean, high flute and voice and Tony’s flying fiddle that often stand out, I particularly enjoyed Ged’s guitar on Going Home (a Corben/Wheeler original).

There are the expected Celtic and European sounds here but also some wonderful middle-eastern influences (The Fifth Day is a driving, foot-stomping original instrumental featuring Tony’s fiddle and Luke on dumbek). The New Land (by Otis Tomas) is a mellow, comforting instrumental that again features Chris’ flute.

This CD is a great indication of the healthy state of local folk music. It will remain on my radio play list for some time and deserves a place in many CD collections."
Trad&Now Autumn 2004

"The CD effectively highlights the group's fine musicianship as they perform a pleasant blend of traditional, contemporary and their own compositions. The CD begins with the lively song The Mad Lady and Me, enhanced by the skilled musical gymnastics of Pyrzakowski's fiddle playing. The collection includes a very attractive interpretation of the traditional song The Blacksmith, thoughtfully arranged and showing musical sensitivity and maturity, especially in Corben's mandolin playing.

The first original song Brand New Day tackles the subject of Aboriginal reconciliation. Wheeler's clear vocals, the fine instrumentation and catchy melody, plus the Seekers' sounding chorus, make this a memorable listening experience. This is also true of the descriptive and atmospheric Going Home, another of the group's original songs.

The group performs a beautiful interpretation of John Warner's celebratory song Murrumbidgee Water. The original song Woomera, with its thought-provoking lyrics about dispossession, its stirring, melancholy tune and its dramatic musical climax, is a listening highlight. The CD concludes with Eric Bogle's moving song All The Fine Young Men, enhanced by Wheeler's sensitive vocals and Corben and Pyrzakowski's delicate playing."
Folk Australia web site

"Wheelers and Dealers have put together their many talents to produce a remarkable first, but hopefully not only, album. Christine’s remarkable voice, Ged’s brilliant guitar playing and Tony’s amazing fiddle performances combine tunes and songs which are always freshly treated but never gimmicky, and which provide a very varied musical tapestry. Are we in England, Ireland, Australia, North America, Europe? Wherever we are we are entranced by the rich but never cloying harmonies and the intricate but never fussy arrangements.

Do obtain this CD, and a few copies for friends as well. Overall it leaves a feeling of joy and satisfaction at such a talented presentation of wonderful music. I was quite overawed by the vocal and instrumental talents on this album, and it really takes top performances to produce that effect."
Cornstalk Gazette

"There are a lot of good things about this CD. The fiddle playing is excellent - I loved the Balkan dance tune with its gypsy-style intro and whirlwind beat. You have a fine, expressive, melodic voice exactly suited to this music. There was some excellent guitar playing, as well. Original music was good, too. I'll certainly be playing the CD frequently."
Arthur Elliott, Brisbane radio ‘Sidestream’