Bondi Cigars - Down In The Valley (2001)

'Down in the Valley' is the sixth album release for the Bondi Cigars and their most anticipated because, at last, they have been 'captured live'. It is all very well to record songs in a studio but something else again to record in front of an audience. There is little doubt that R&B sounds better when the audience is right up there with the band. James Nunn has done a great job in capturing the songs over two steaming nights at Brisbane's 'The Healer' in Fortitude Valley (hence the title of the album). Russell Pilling also supplied some magic when he mixed the albums at Sydney's Damien Gerard Studios before handing over to Nathan Johnson and Kristian Bell for editing at Festival Studios. William Bowden wrapped the magic with his expert mastering at Festival.

As with all great bands, the sum of the whole exceeds the sum of the parts and The Bondi Cigars are no exception to this rule. Shane Pacey, the principle songwriter and vocalist, came to the Cigars after playing with the Sydney Earls of Duke. His song writing and dynamic vocals, teamed with the fluid rhythms of Alan Britton, have largely defined the sound and direction of the band.

Alan began playing with some of Australia's foremost roots bands including the Mangrove Boogie Kings, the legendary Dynamic Hepnotics and the Foreday Riders. He has an instinctive feel for a groove and an ability to ride the rhythm. The addition of Andrew Vainauskas on some mighty powerful drums and Eben Hale as vocalist, songwriter and all-important bass guitarist, have given The Bondi Cigars a youthful exuberance and adventurous edge that is very apparent on this new recording.

'Down in the Valley' is a rare opportunity to hear The Bondi Cigars recorded live (and kicking).