Fred Smith returns to Humph Hall with Liz Frencham
3pm, Sunday 23rd November 2014

By Wayne Richmond
Posted Monday, July 21, 2014

Over the last 16 years Fred Smith has emerged as one of Australia’s most interesting songwriters. He has spent the last 16 years all over the joint: working on peace keeping missions in Afghanistan and the South Pacific, touring in America and travelling the Australian festival circuit.

He is the subject of the film Bougainville Sky about his time in the war-torn islands of the South Pacific where his work as a musician and radio broadcaster contributed to the success of the world’s first unarmed peace keeping force.

In October 2013 Fred was the subject of an ABC Australian Story program 'A Sapper's Lullaby'.

Fred was the first Australian diplomat to be posted to Uruzgan in July of 2009. He wrote a powerful collection of songs about the realities of life for soldiers and civilians in this difficult war, released on a high acclaimed album called Dust of Uruzgan.

He has put out about eight CDs, two of which won National Film and Sound Archives Awards. Some of these were joint efforts with Liz Frencham and the Spooky Men's Chorale.

Every now & then you hear a song and you think to yourself "I wish I'd written that". 'Dust of Uruzgan' is chock-a-block full of songs like that. Arresting, insightful and packed full lof gritty detail, Fred Smith's songs literally bash down the doors of national understanding and conscience. If there is any justice in this world, this album will be a major hit. - John Schumann (Redgum).

The presence of Fred Smith over the weekend was the highlight. Why this man isn't regarded as one of Australia's best-known songwriters is beyond me. His new material based on his experiences in Afghanistan is powerful, his guitar playing is understated and his lyrics incisive, deft and challenging. His song, 'Dust of Uruzgan' rates as the best anti-war song written since Eric Bogle's 'And the Band played Waltzing Matilda' or Redgum's 'Only 19'. - Chris Spencer

Check out an article about Fred in The Australian. Listen to an interview with him on ABC radio. Watch YouTube excerpts from previous concerts at Humph Hall.

Liz Frencham played to a very appreciative full house at Humph Hall in October 2013 and will be returning to perform with Fred as the renowned duo 'Frencham & Smith'.

Liz is a rare bird. Always a warm, exuberant performer known for multiple successful collaborations (Frencham & Smith, Jigzag and Dev'lish Mary) she is also a captivating soloist.

Call or email Wayne (02) 9939 8802 to reserve your seat.

Humph Hall
85 Allambie Road
Allambie Heights

Formerly the Allambie Heights Uniting Church, Humph Hall is now the private home of Gial Leslie and Wayne Richmond.

As with all concerts in Humph Hall, Fred Smith and Liz Frencham will perform acoustically - no PA system!