KEVIN BORICH: 'Duets' Album Interview

Australian guitar legend Kevin Borich’s new album  Duets has been one of the most anticipated records of the year and finally it gets a release today (July 14). The Duets album features collaborations with Russell Morris, Leo Sayer, Suze DeMarchi, Joe Walsh, Ian Moss, Tim Rogers, Ella Hooper, Angry Anderson, Joe Camilleri,  Ross Wilson, Angela Fabian and John Swan.

Australian Musician editor Greg Phillips had the pleasure of chatting with Kevin Borich about the creation of the album over a zoom chat
#australianmusician

[Sphinx]

Recently my partner Ange and I caught the Kevin Borich Express at the recent Broadbeach Blues Festival where he played on the main stages on the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights.
I was amazed at how the crowds flocked to see this icon of Australian music and the warm appreciation he received at the end of each performance.
I stood next to a couple on the Saturday night and asked what they had thought of the festival.
“We don’t know there was one on, tonight we just came to see Borich.”
The career of Antipodean rock legend Kevin Borich kicked off back in the ‘60s across the ditch in popular Kiwi outfit The La De Das, after which he moved to Australia in the mid-‘70s and formed the long-standing outfit Kevin Borich Express, who, over the next few decades built a fervent following for their internationally-renowned live shows.

His main commercial success, however, came in the ‘80s when he co-founded the star-studded cover band The Party Boys with a rotating cast of Oz rock icons - the hard-livin’ rockers even scoring a #1 single in 1987 with their rendition of John Kongos’ early-‘70s hit “He’s Gonna Step On You Again”. It’s this same spirit of collaboration with high-profile friends which imbues Borich’s brand-new solo project, Duets.
For the new project, the veteran musician teamed up with producer Nick O’Donnell and worked out of his home studio not far from Melany on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
He tapped a cavalcade of talented mates whom he’s accumulated over his decades long stint at the musical coalface to each contribute their particular skills to one of the songs on the album.
The ensuing labour of love took a number of years after its conception to actually complete, as each guest’s individual parts were put to tape as schedules and logistics allowed, documented in a professional studio wherever possible but on occasions recorded in hotel rooms, lounge rooms or even backstage at gigs.

Released in July 2023 and backed by a national tour, the Duets album features ‘Duets’ features Russell Morris, Leo Sayer, Suze DeMarchi (Baby Animals), Joe Walsh (Eagles), Ian Moss (Cold Chisel), Tim Rogers (You Am I), Ella Hooper (Killing Heidi), Angry Anderson (Rose Tattoo), Joe Camilleri (Black Sorrows), Ross Wilson (Daddy Cool/Mondo Rock), Angela Fabian and John Swan (Swanee/Party Boys).
The songs are quintessential Kevin Borich songs covering a range of musical genres and exemplifies the enchanting musical diversity and creativity in his lyrics, composing and playing.

However, each artist brings a uniqueness to the compositions by virtue of their distinctive voices and personalities.
As you listen to each track you mentally reflect- “wow that’s Ross Wilson I can feel a bit of Daddy Cool or Mondo Rock or that certainly is Angry Anderson belting out a Rose Tattoo vibe or that is so Joe Walsh!”
Leo Sayer is brilliant and a far cry from ‘You Make Me Feel Like Dancing’ which even a kid I could tolerate back in the day!

Kevin Borich and his Express have recently done some shows in Melbourne and Hepburn Springs and will continue to tour the Duets album up and down the east coast of Australia.
So, If you get a chance to see them live you won’t be disappointed.
In the meantime, if you love great Australian music, “Duets” is a must buy because even at 75 years of age Kevin Borich is still at the top of his game.
To Kev, it’s just a celebration of a lifetime of music with friends.
Listen to the album in full here

Enjoy
Jim

[glennmartin]

One of Australia’s true music legends and a monster guitarist. I first saw him in the early 70’s. He was awesome then. Great interview

[jamescox]

Good on ya Kevin. When someone loves what they do you can just see it in their demeanor.

[mattstillertmusic]

Stoked Kev! Can't wait to listen. Just bought the signed version to give to my old man for his birthday. The beauty of this being I'll inherit the album when dad kicks the bucket 😆

[markeggins]

The songs are actually really decent, I prefer Kev in a less is more format like here...really soulful tunes and seems like a lovely fella.

[Wandafulofit]

Fantastic interview
Been a huge fan since I was a teenager in the 70s