Shaking The Tree’s new album, Ripe, is right for the picking.
The community choir led by Bronwyn Calcutt has produced an exciting and eclectic blend of songs from diverse genres including George Harrison’s Give Me Love, and the traditional South African Nkosi Sikelele Africa.
Shaking The Tree has it’s roots firmly in Darebin’s inclusive arts culture and prides itself on being among the community choirs to reclaim the right of “ordinary” people, rather than just the gifted, to sing out.
And sing out they do. The first three tracks, including a stunning version of Peter Gabriel and Youssou N’Dour’s Shaking The Tree, give listeners all the incentive they need to listen to the rest of the album. An interesting interpretation of Pink Floyd’s On The Turning Away sees it move from a sea shanty to a world anthem.
Marian Lees’ powerful vocal solo on the traditional African American spiritual Freedom Road is moving and evocative. The traditional Italian song Magdalena is lively and authentic and the French Chanson du Pont is all class.
Julia Irwin, Music Reviewer
Shaking The Tree is more than just a choir; it’s a movement!
Enda Kenny, Irish Singer-Songwriter
For me, the standout act was the Shaking The Tree Choir. Their energy and humour were unbridled and I must admit – I was absolutely compelled to buy their CD ‘Ripe’.
Performer Jose Garcia on PAVE Festival
It was truly delightful in so very many ways: your renditions, your inspiration and reflected love will resonate in our hearts and hopefully reignite the flame that can’t be put out, as you said so eloquently.
Thanks for joy, hope and aesthetic bounty.
Audience member, Art Gallery of Ballarat gig 2013
Hi all, my wife and I were very fortunate to be in the audience at Boite last Saturday evening, our first time. What a night, it was fabulous, such energy, enthusiasm, fun, talent, creativity, it was a brilliant celebration of – and for – the human spirit.
Thank you all so very much and we wish the ensemble all the very best for the future and hope to see and hear you again, soon.
Pier, audience member The Boite gig 2014
You guys are really special… caught the show, was knocked out. As a semi-pro muso myself, I really appreciate the hard work and graft that has been done.
Not many musicians have made me shed tears – but you guys did. Do I hear a new CD coming on ?????
Michael, audience member 2015
This is beautiful & brilliant, may it encourage changes to our current policies and bring true asylum for asylum seekers.
Helen Byran, ‘On the Turning Away’ video
Heard the choir at the One world event in Sept…you guys were awesome.
Audience member at One World event Federation Square 2011
Great gig tonight at Cygnet. Full house of generous-spirited cygnets made for a very enjoyable evening. Acts of the day included the Shaking The Tree choir from Melbourne and The Company.
Ballpoint Penguins, performers at Cygnet Music Festival Tasmania 2013
My first experience of Shaking the Tree at Upwey. l adored them, so much vitality and talent. They lifted the roof. Can’t wait to see them again.
Fabulous performance at the Oxfam Fundraiser today. So great to see the choir in action again. Hooray!
Audience members at Oxfam benefit gig 2011
Great choir!
Singer-Songwriter Kavisha Mazella 2011
Thank you for donating your time on our fun day / Mitzvah Day on Sunday at the South Melbourne Housing Commission. Your performance was outstanding and a highlight of the day. The residents just loved you! Watching their faces and responses was really special.
Thank you for your generosity and kindness. You are all wonderful.
Organiser, Mitzvah Day event 2011