AUSTRALIA has a long-running tradition of producing some of the world's
most interesting and powerful women performers.
Two of the finest in the current crop are Sydneysiders Genevieve Maynard
and Sarah Blasko.
Both have a presence and talent that's all too rare these days. What's
more, both will be in town tonight (Feb 28) for what's bound to be a killer
show at The Healer, Fortitude Valley.
The gig will mark the official launch of Maynard's album Ghost Notes and
will see her hit the stage with a band, a change from the string of solo
acoustic shows she has played over the past year.
As guitarist/singer for Sydney pop rockers Stella One Eleven, Maynard
has always tinkered on the edge of the limelight.
With Ghost Notes, her debut solo album released last year, Maynard stepped
into a spotlight of her own, revealing one of this country's shining lights.
Last year also saw Sarah Blasko emerge from the shadows.
While she has been playing and writing songs for the best part of a decade
(most notably with the band Acquiesce) it was late 2002 when things really
started to take off.
September saw the launch of her debut solo EP Prelusive with a mountain
of praise and airplay following.
Blasko kicked off 2003 in style with news that she has just inked a deal
with Brisbane label Dew Process ? home to the likes of Seafood, Sparta
and The Fergusons ? with shows supporting Badly Drawn Boy already pencilled
in for next month.
Sandwiched between Maynard and Blasko tonight will be locals-on-the-rise
Genshen, who are touring nationally with Maynard to support the release
of Ghost Notes.
? Genevieve Maynard, Sarah Blasko and Genshen play The Healer, tonight
(Feb 28). Doors open 8.30pm. | 
