Not many artists get a standing ovation before they’ve sung a single note, but that is exactly what happened to Archie Roach at the launch of his tenth studio album Let Love Rule at the beautiful Melbourne Recital Centre late last month.
Released on November 11, Let Love Rule debuted at #24 on the ARIA Album chart (his highest charting album to date) and sees Roach backed by a brilliant band – bass player Steve Hadley, drummer Dave Folley, violinist Jen Anderson, piano man Bruce Haymes and vocalists Nancy Bates and Emma Donovan –and with guitarist and producer Craig Pilkington they have crafted an album of incredible understanding and passion.
At the core of the new album is the theme of love, which is exactly what Archie Roach sees at the heart of humanity.
“On this album I wanted to explore the theme of love – what it is, what it means,” said Archie. “I wanted to write about love, or a willingness to love all people.” He was concerned by what he saw happening in the world and particularly in Australia. “We are closing ourselves off and not letting people in. And not just in the sense of not letting them into the country, but not letting them into our hearts, into our minds. This country was built on people coming here from other countries. That’s what made Australia what it is today.”
The new single ‘Get Back To The Land’ is about love of the land and, with a blues-country lilt, Roach describes finding solace in country when relationships break down.
He sings:
‘When you’re so called friends no longer want you around
You’re not up with the trends like the other friends they’ve found
If you don’t fit in to their plans
Oh just get back to the land
Cos it will never, never, never let you down…’
The song is accompanied by a live performance video shot at the Melbourne Recital Centre concert only 3 weeks ago, and featuring Archie Roach dressed sharply in a red shirt and grey suit, he looks in very good nick in the wake of several health problems in recent years.
The album release coincides with Archie Roach as the very special guest on the national tour by famed Sugar Man Rodriguez, and he will also perform at the prestigious Meredith Festival on December 10.
‘An Album which fair oozes soul and honesty’ – ROLLING STONE
‘Let Love Rule is a gift to the nation’ – STACK
archieroach.com.au | facebook.com/archieroach | twitter.com/archieroach
LET LOVE RULE album out now through Liberation Music
Part of the Mushroom Group | mushroom.com
