Welcome to Steve Crump Music
BUT THEN…
BOB BROWN’S LIFE TOLD THROUGH HIS POEMS, SET TO MUSIC
On the 42nd anniversary of the moment that changed the course of Tasmania’s environmental history – the stopping of the Franklin Dam – Festival of Voices is honoured to present But Then…, a moving and deeply personal musical event from one of the country’s most revered conservationists.
Bob Brown needs no introduction. His voice has echoed through decades of activism, courage and change. But what many don’t know is that Bob is also a poet – his words are often described as tender, lyrical, and steeped in the quiet power of reflection.
But Then… brings those poems to life. When musician and producer Steve Crump first heard Bob’s poems he was struck by the emotional honesty within them and asked whether he could put them to music – Bob agreed and so began a remarkable collaboration. This premiere performance features Bob Brown reading his poems and sharing stories from across a lifetime, interwoven with music composed and performed by Steve Crump (piano), the extraordinary Monique Brumby (vocals and guitar), and Kate Calwell (cello). Together, they trace an autobiographical journey through music, memory, and meaning.
What an uplifting way to spend 31 minutes. With a great man. No wonder my late partner Tony was for all of his adult life in love with you for what you did for championing diversity, but more for the passion you have for the natural world. Exquisitely moving collaboration between Bob and Steve Crump (and other wonderful contributors).
Greg Leong – praise for www.BobBrownAudiobiography
But Then…
Wed 2 July, 7.30pm
The Peacock Theatre, Salamanca Arts Centre
$39
Book now
Duration 1 hour
FOREST SUITE FOR LARGE ENSEMBLE AND FOR PIANO
Reviewing “Forest Suite”, John Lamp. FM 94.7 The Pulse, enthused:
There is nothing, absolutely nothing, that knocks your socks off like a strong classical piece (this is) excellent!
“Forest Suite” is a 12 minute mini piano concerto with large ensemble - and a solo piano version - that expresses my love for the Tasmania wilderness, especially the grand old growth eucalypts, and the change of moods through the day and night. The piece was orchestrated by Richard Vella and recorded in the TSO Studio, Hobart in May 2024.
NEW extended EP!!!
BITTERSWEET
For chamber trio ensemble
“The ground is soft beneath my feet… the world moves on and it’s bittersweet.":
This music takes it’s inspiration from the above lines from an unpublished poem by Bob Brown. The 6 ensemble pieces explore unrequited love, loss, hope, beauty and flights of imagination, including the pilot musical theme for an animated film of a story by Balang (Tom E Lewis) that never made it to the screen (about loss of country, and a loss in itself). The performances are world class and I’m extremely grateful to the fine, warm-hearted musicians who made this happen, and to Jabra Latham and Caleb Miller who made it sound so good.
Now streaming on all major platforms!
Photos by Caleb Miller
PRAISE FOR STEVE’S “CONSIDERING LIFE” EP
“Bob Brown introduced “Considering Life” at the 2024 Cygnet Folk Festival “Earth Celebration” program as follows: Trumpets may have brought down the walls of Jericho but Steve Crump’s stunning ‘Considering Life’, as orchestrated by Jabra Latham, is a purely Tasmanian piece of music destined to build up the mood for action, to put right the wrongs of our Age. Full concert video available at https://bobbrown.org.au/”
“Brave… wonderful… Inspired… a joy”
“It is a brave thing to try to effectively link spoken word with the musical expression which takes the essence of those words. Leonard Cohen has been described as a poet who writes music, but he had the benefit of working with his own material, as do others who have taken up this challenge. Steve Crump took up that challenge without the benefit of having written the (Bob Brown’s) poems, and has nailed it. The result is a wonderful collection of short story instrumental pieces which seamlessly link back to Bob’s poetry. The pieces are short - no more than 5 minutes - and do not overshadow the original words. It is hard to believe that the rehearsal and recording of these works took only one day, The decision to release these works as audio and video is inspired and a joy to watch. Definitely look for this album.”
TO PURCHASE STEVE’S ALBUMS
If you would like to purchase “Midnight Rain”, Trespass”, “Unbroken”, “Winter Night At Liffey”, “Considering Life”, “Navigating Hope”, “Unbroken (orchestrated and featuring Monique Brumby)”, “So You Will Hear Me” (with Naarah, “If I Give My Heart To You” featuring Gina Rose, or pre-order “Bittersweet” (released May 2024) please email Steve (SteveCrumpMusic@gmail.com), or text him (0421 736 929) or DM him on his instagram account @stevecrumpmusic. $15 includes postage”
