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Bundjalung guitarist and East Timor feature on Vassella's new CD

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Published
6 March 2001
A song about the suffering of the East Timorese ('Tears and blood drench the soil/deeper than the oil') and some fine guitar playing by Uncle Trevor Roberts, a local Bundjalung man, are amongst the highlights on the new CD 'Laments and Praises' by noted local rock musician Luke Vassella.

It is Vassella's second album, following 'For Now' that was released early in 2000. A graduate of SCU's Contemporary Music program, he is a powerful singer-songwriter and guitarist who specialises in Christian-inspired music. 'Warning - This recording addresses God and the human condition in explicit language', reads a label on the album cover.

The opening track is a musical interpretation of the immortal Psalm 23. The notes explain that many of the songs "sprouted out of the good soil that is Southern Cross University's Unichurch" that is coordinated by Chaplain John Kidson.

Luke Vassella is accompanied on the 11-track CD by current SCU students Robyn Martin, Ruth Cassie-Batchelor, Rebecca McArdle and Adam Bradbridge,with Uncle Trevor Roberts on guitars.

'Laments and Praises' was recorded live at a concert in the SCU music centre last October. It will be officially launched on Wednesday, 14 March at a free concert at the SCU Union Bistro that starts at 7.45pm. The concert will feature some of the songs from the CD as well as other material, including songs from Robyn Martin who, like Luke Vassella, is a popular performer on the North Coast.

The CD will be on sale at the Union gig at a special launch price of $20.00. The normal price is $24.95.

* The cover artwork of 'Laments and Praises' can be forwarded electronically on request.