South African Singer-Songwriter Heather Mac's Come Back After Two Decades, Performance in Berlin, 1 August 2012, Soupanova Club, Stargarder Str. 24 (Prenzlauer Berg)

After an absence of almost two decades from the recording scene, Heather Mac returns with a stunning album of original material that’s guaranteed to both earn her a legion of new admirers and satisfy old fans.

Within, released by Hamara Music on 25th March 2011 contains a selection of deeply personal songs cherry-picked from the wealth of material the singer has amassed from a performing career that has spanned more than 25 years.

“This album is the birthing of a 20-year-old baby,”

Heather says of Within: “It has been that long since I last recorded in a studio. Each song represents a part of my life experience over thepassing years. During this time, I have had the inordinate blessing of connecting with many extraordinary people. They have made me who I am today”

The songs trace the path of Heather’s journey from the Chelsea Hoteland the seedy night spots of Hillbrow and Braamfontein in the early 1980s to the rock clubs of Dublin and London and beyond, when she fronted Ella Mental, the band she led with her then-husband, guitarist Tim Parr; from the despair of personal tragedy to a spiritual rebirth in Brazil; and the ability of love to overcome heartache and loss.

In addition to her characteristic clarion vocal style – as strong today as it was then, when Ella Mental were among the country’s top rock acts – Within, which was produced by Heather and guitarist Mark Harris, features a supporting cast of exceptional musical talent.

Joining Harris with guitar duties were Tim Parr and legendary singersong writer Edi Niederlander; Roger Bashew, at whose Hout Bay studio the album was recorded, and Ian Cohen contributed bass; while Paul Tizzard played drums. Added to this core outfit were the skills of percussionist Tonia Selley, the flutes and saxophones of Chris Tokalon, and the violin and viola of Terence Scarr. Heather’s daughter, Amber, even contributed backing vocals on the album.

To arrange an interview with Heather or for any further details please:
CALL: Red Flag on (011) 447 8283
EMAIL: Lara Preston: lara(at)redflag.co.za  / JonoRoss: jono(at)redflagco.za 

|+| <- Back to: Home