Songbirds (group)
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2007 |
| Defunct | 2009 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Live DVD, singles |
Songbirds (also referred to as "Songbirds of Country") was an Australian country music female trio formed in 2007, comprising platinum-selling, ARIA Award-nominated, and 24-time Golden Guitar recipients Beccy Cole, Gina Jeffreys, and Sara Storer. In 2009, the group issued a live DVD that climbed to number 5 on the ARIA Top 40 Music DVD chart and achieved gold certification.
History
The friendship between Cole and Jeffreys began in the 1990s; they served as bridesmaids for one another. Cole described sharing the stage with one of her closest friends as a uniquely meaningful experience. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, the three artists often featured in each other's concerts and recordings. The formation of Songbirds was driven by their desire to perform together and celebrate beloved songs.
Initially announced in early 2007 as a four-show tour across NSW, rapid ticket sales prompted additional performances and a subsequent nationwide tour commencing in July 2007. Their supporting band consisted of Albeck on fiddle; Duncan Toombs and James Gillard handling acoustic guitars and backing vocals; Mal Lancaster on drums; and Ian Lees playing bass guitar.
Brett Casben from Australian Stage Online emphasized the trio's unique vocal expressions: Storer’s grounded storytelling reflecting her ‘mallee’ roots, Cole’s dynamic vocal power especially evident in her interpretation of "Buffalo Bill," and Jeffreys’ contemplative tone. Susan Jarvis of Capital News highlighted the evident camaraderie among them, commending their seamless transitions between solo and group performances that exuded warmth and spontaneity.
During 2007 and 2008, the group performed to packed audiences nationwide. They recorded a live DVD in January 2009 which premiered in Australian cinemas on 29 April 2009 before its commercial release in May. This DVD reached number 5 on the ARIA Top 40 Music DVD chart and was certified gold. By the end of 2009, each member resumed their individual solo pursuits.
In October 2011, Songbirds were featured as headliners on a seven-day South Pacific Island cruise.
DVD
| Year | Title | AUS | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | ’’You’ve Got a Friend: Live in Concert’’ | 5 |
|
Singles
- "You've Got a Friend" (May 2009)
Legacy
Inspired by Songbirds’ sold-out performances, Australian country musicians Amber Lawrence, Aleyce Simmonds, and Christie Lamb launched The Girls of Country Tour in 2015.