RICK HART
Of Hart’s debut release Spiral, the Great American Song Contest wrote “This is impressive songwriting! The melodic aspects perfectly capture the emotional tone of the songs. The classic alt country/R&B musical aspects are brilliant. It’s a genuine pleasure to review this exceptionally high level of songwriting.“
With a voice that floats with soulful warmth and bare bones honesty, Rick Hart is a storyteller, whose words and melodies weave through all the dynamics and extremes of human emotions and relationships. A tapestry of melody soaked simplicity and thoughtful imagery, influenced by the likes of Kris Kristofferson, Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, Merle Haggard, Gram Parsons, The Band and Springsteen.
This multi award winning songwriter (2014 Songwriter of the Year, Australian Songwriters Association awards), delivers songs, often simple in nature, yet endearing in ways that will stay with you.
"Hart is a refreshing counterpart to the plethora of male singers who have gone awry of country tradition. Hart is a perfect antidote to whatever bro-hangover looms over us", said For The Country Record.
Not one for pigeon holes, Hart seamlessly transcends genre, weaving country, rock’n’roll, soul, southern roots, folk and blues, to create a sound all his own.
His debut release 'Spiral' (2014), was warmly received, culminating in him winning the prestigious Songwriter of the Year award at the Australian Songwriters Association (ASA) awards. The title track 'Spiral' also took home the Best Ballad Category.
The Americana leanings of the beautiful, yet tragic 'Levon Helm' (the first single from Hart's debut album 'Let Me In'), further showcased Hart's affinity with traditional country and southern roots music. Cheekily name dropping of one his own musical heroes as the song''s title, it highlighted his innate ability to marry melody driven simplicity with heartfelt stories of love, sorrow and loss.
Supporting and playing alongside the likes of Australian country music icon Bill Chambers, Things Of Stone and Wood and the Teskey Brothers, Hart's songs and stories resonate.
Bill Chambers, said of Hart, "Having worked with Rick Hart, he's a superb songwriter! Rick's music is a unique combination of roots and country."
In late 2017, Hart released his much anticipated album 'Let Me In', which was accompanied by several sold out shows on his album tour, including a successful first trip to the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
After a long hiatus, this Melbourne songsmith has returned in early 2024 with his third long play 'In The Midnight Sky Alone', his most introspective offering yet. The album's co-producer, Lachlan Bryan (Lachlan Bryan and The Wildes, The Pleasures) said “Rick Hart writes and delivers beautiful country songs - they are thoughtful, poignant, heartbreaking and smart. I wanted to work on this record because I already believed every word he sings, and after spending weeks in Damian’s studio with Rick and his guitar, I now KNOW them all to be true”.
Hart will be touring his new album in Victoria and New South Wales during February to June 2024. Armed with a new band (The Silver Dollar Band) and new material, these are shows not to be missed.