reviews
"Based in tradition but decidedly modern, their delicate mix of influences unfolds gently, revealing a rich collage of enchanting melodies and rhythmic nuances... A marvellous debut, Red Mountain heralds the arrival of a fresh new Australian world music trio.
Blueprint is the new album from Melbourne Trio Fine Blue Thread. Featuring the superb Javanese inspired vocals of Ria Soemardjo, the melodic multi tabla style of Sam Evans and the cello of Helen Mountfort( My Friend the Chocolate Cake) Blueprint is a stunning collection of songs showcasing this unique combination of instruments. Exquisite and delicate textures, hypnotic and pulsating rhythms, this album creates a fresh new sound, distinctively Australian but drawing widely from our region. Special guest Anne Norman adds a new voice to the mix to two tracks with her world renowned Shakuhachi playing.
ABC Limelight Magazine, December 2009.
This gorgeous new collabaration between three Melbourne-based musicians combines the talents of cellist Helen Mountfort (My Friendthe Chocolate Cake), Indian-trained tabla player Sam Evans and Australian-Indonesian vocalist/violist Ria Soemardjo. Based in tradition but decidedly modern, their delicate mix of influences unfolds gently, revealing a rich collage of enchanting melodies and rhythmic nuances. Soemardjo's poetic lyrics are beautifully balanced by Mountfort's full harmonious lines and Evans's crisp percussive style. A marvellous debut, Red Mountain heralds the arrival of a fresh new Australian world music trio. It will be fascinating to watch their progress.
SJ
Paul Petran - ABC Radio National
“Fine Blue Thread is a welcome addition to Australian music. Three very talented musicians creating a sublime, exquisite and dynamic musical world with voice, cello and tabla”.
Roger Holdsworth - The Global Village (PBS-FM, Melbourne)
“In Red Mountain, Fine Blue Thread weaves enticing aural landscapes from voice, cello, percussion and silences. From the apparent simplicity of tones and words, they create complex visions that transport the listener to spaces and times that are both familiar and alien. New music or old music – there are elements of both combined in Fine Blue Thread’s new CD, and this creates a music form that is outside time and uniquely their own.”
Seth Jordan - Music Journalist & Artisitic Consultant Bellingen Global Carnival
"A gorgeous new collaboration between three innovative Melbourne-based musos, their mix of styles and influences unfolds gently, revealing a rich collage of enchanting melodies and rhythmic nuances. A marvellous recording debut."
David Bridie - Internationally Acclaimed Musician
“Fine Blue Thread’s debut CD shows a trio melding atmospheres, grooves and world music threads in a refreshingly unique way. The mixture of cello, tabla and voice is an interesting blend and it works. You hear melody, texture, rhythm and feel in ways that sound different from most music we get here these days and that in itself gives this CD a gold star. It is different and well crafted and I found myself returning to this CD again and again ,and for me that is a rarity these days. Having heard this trio live,they certainly match their recorded efforts live and makes you realise that that was how this recorded, livedown. Thoroughly recommended.” "Their music is not about blurring boundaries but rather a snapshot of their local high street...an expression of the world we live in. Their musical prowess and passion for improvisation has produced a perfect backdrop for what is simply, really good music!"
Lopa Kothari BBC Radio3, London