Lothlorien began in 1993 with founder/singer/song writer Nic Morrey (bottom middle photo), developing his songs with a new 7 piece band (bottom left photo's). The above photographs are some of the special moments over those early years. Past members between 1993 and 1995 included Steve Hoskin, Marita Wallace, Bryce Ewing, Alex frikke, Polly Christie, Michelle Lewitt, Andrew Von Sax, Julia Messenger, Cam Shelton, Erin Sulman, Maya Ward and Myf Turpin. In these early days, Lothlorien found its feet within the alternative settings/festivals/benefits, producing their first self titled tape 'Lothlorien' at Latrobe Uni. For $5, this tape circulated around Victoria, finding its way over the borders via the traveling folk/festival hoppers.
Lothlorien began touring interstate thanks to Annie Deller-Peterson, who was booking bands for the Queensland Folk Federation for festivals such as the Winter Solstice and Woodford. With the release of Lothlorien's first CD 'Cerulean' in 1995, they were on the open road as often as possible, including their first visit to Tasmania. In late 1995, Lothlorien had further line up changes to suit the new touring schedule. Members included Geoff Senz, Maya Ward, Tracey Tan, Julian Paul and Nic Morrey. This new 5 piece (top photo's B&W) took Lothlorien to the year 2000, going out with a New years Eve bang at Woodford Folk Festival as their last performance. Within that time, they released another tape, their second CD 'Celadon' with engineer Dave Nelson (bottom right photo) and their third titled 'Aurelian' with engineer Harry Williamson at www.springstudio.com.au. Lothlorien were proud to have donated $7000, a % of CD sales to environmental causes such as the Australian Bush Heritage Fund (www.bushheritage.asn.au), and tree planting at festival sites visited by the group. Their usual touring route became the East Coast of Australia, with further visits also to Tasmania.
The closure of this line up was brought about due to very individual reasons. Nic had just extended his family with the birth of little Khelan, Maya was ready to pursue other environmental interests, Geoff was now into working as a sound engineer in his studio, Tracey and Julian married and chose a devotional life with the Hare Krishna spiritual movement and moved interstate. One thing the band all shared in common was the need of a rest from a very intense 5 year musical journey.
The present formation began after Lothlorien's two year break from live performing. Members include the founder Nic Morrey, Mei Lai Swan, Joe Granieri, Jean Cabon, Fingal Capaldi and Matt. With the introduction of the Irish Uillean pipes, low whistle, and harp, Lothlorien have moved toward the traditional Celtic sound, playing more Jigs and Reels, with a more up tempo dance set. Lothlorien have held onto the world music genre, still also playing some Greek and South American tunes, and 'the best of' of the original compositions played in the mid to late 90's. With the recent release of the EP, the band is ready for its new chapter. The next album 'Alabaster' will include a collection of Irish Medley's, newly written compositions by Nic (X 3), Fingal (X 1), and Jean (X 1), all arranged by Lothlorien. The release date is expected to be June 2005, with 'The Best of Lothlorien' coming out at the end of 2004.
|
