It was a sign seen in Hobart, in a state she describes as ‘beautiful’, that gave singer Kristy Cox the source of her new single ‘Sweet English Rose’ on her new album ‘Ricochet’.
While touring Tasmania Kristy discovered an historical sign that declared women immigrants were able to move to Australia as single independent females, that it was not necessary for them to be married or be accompanied by a parental figure. So was born ‘Sweet English Rose’ a song she co -wrote with the legendary Alan Caswell. In deference to the probable Celtic origin of many of the early female emigrants, the song is accompanied by a tin whistle.
,
Kristy nowadays spends the majority of her time in Nashville, USA because her form of music, Blue Grass, is native to the US. Bluegrass is related to country music and stresses ‘authentic, acoustic and raw expression’, explains Kristy when we chat. After four years living in Nashville, Kristy has faced the challenge of learning new customs but has settled in well and makes regular trips back to her home and family in Adelaide.
Back in Adelaide Kristy’s parents were always great listeners of music but not musicians themselves. Kristy believes that we all have the ‘muscle’ for singing it just needs to be developed and that takes dedication, working and training hard.
Work means Kristy remains in America for now but perhaps, like her album states, one day she will ricochet back home, especially with the presence of her young daughter aptly named Adelaide!
Kristy’s new single ‘Sweet English Rose’ and album ‘Ricochet’ are out now.
Paula Xiberras
