Ricko,
From a bush kid on some of the great outback sheep and cattle stations to this, his first major record release, has been a long journey for Rick Aitchison.
Geographically he has covered most of Australia, and learned to love it with a passion that shows in his voice as well as his writing.
Along the way he has met and keenly observed a wide cross section of his countrymen, seen huge changes in the way we live (some for the common good, some quite alarming), as well as confronting nature in her variety of moods that can make or break the man on the land.
There have been a few triumphs too - a cassette album on limited release a few Years back, a growing reputation as a songwriter with many of his songs being recorded by top line artists, a spate of awards in recent songwriting contests. And perhaps his greatest achievement, watching his song "Home in Dirranbandi" attain the status of one of our great Bush Ballad classics.
But one gets a distinct feeling when listening to this, his first CD offering, that it will take his reputation to new heights.
A man writing fluently about the life he's lived in the country he loves, singing those songs from the heart, backed by the skill and understanding of Lindsay Butler's Moonbi musical team and joined on a couple of tracks by mates like Neville Molloy Brian Howard and Trevor Day - well, there's a lot going for it isn't there?
Since first writing a little poem called Mungyer Days" in 1954, a lot of' water has gone under (and over) a lot of bridges.
But firstly, I must pay special tribute in this cover, to my wife, Coral Rose - her sister Jenny and their mother Pat, for their support and devotion over many years.
There are many others of course, that I owe everlasting gratitude to ... my dear of' mate Col Joye ... along with Slim Dusty the late Stan Coster and friends since 1963, Arthur and Berice Blanch, for their friendship, support and most of all, encouragement to keep on going, when many times I became so disillusioned with the Way my beloved country was heading.
I never got around to flogging off some of my songs until 1992, when my young mate Glenn Jones recorded two. Since then Reg Poole, Slim Dusty, Dave Reynolds and many many others have recorded and released my heartfelt material.
To great mates - Nev Molloy, Trevor Day Brian Howard, Keith Coombes and Eric Watson - thanks mates for Your invaluable contributions.To Eric Firth, John & Toula Elliott, Ed Matzenik & Adrienne - your support and longstanding friendships will never be forgotten - and thanks to Paul, my roadie!!
That also applies to Stewart, Joe, Johnny, Smoky, "Chainsaw" Ken, Marcia, Bruce Jordan, Gaz & Dot, and the late Col Foster, Ken Anderson, George & Poppy Levonis and Troy Jamieson.
Now, second last, but certainly not least, my sincerest gratitude to the absolute genius of Lindsay Butler, along with Shaza. "Waddo", Greg Williams and the very best musos in the world who played on this album (and Kay as well)!!
My final and most important dedication on this, my first ever CD, is to my late parents - Charles & Molly, and my late brothers ... John, Frank and Lionel. Family R.I.P.
Forever Australian
