CLOUDSTREET renowned Aussie folk trio – latest news (some sad)


https://mailchi.mp/add60609924e/cloudstreets-news-and-johns-news?e=88e0ef83c8


Hope this link will work for everyone, for it concerns the important latest news from this most excellent trio of Aussie folk performers : John Thompson, Nicole Murray, Emma Nixon.


On top of being well-known and well-loved in Australia, they have garnered a great many friends and fans “Up Norf”, from their numerous music tours of the UK, since longtime performers, John & Nicole, first joined as a duo in year 2000.

As many would know, Cloudstreet as a working band has ceased (not just because of Covid) – but you can still get a batch of 5 of their fabulous (signed) CDs at a special Xmas price – plus some of Nicole’s wonderful artwork (cards/teatowels) - from her website (https://nicole-murray.square.site/).

Plus, Nic continues to run her 2 Choirs – now online + there’s free stuff too (checkout her Youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-j5V6j8rOjM8ySL9ryFeng/ ) and Emma also has Violin students online and string arrangements available : http://www.emmanixon.com.au/

And in November, John picked up a Gong! The rare “Order of Woodfordia” ….. inscribed thus :
“For his outstanding contribution to the Queensland Folk Federation and Woodfordia as a dedicated volunteer in many roles; and as a source of wise counsel.
A much loved performer and orator with a stunning voice, known for his strong social conscience and proudly advocating for Woodfordia across the globe.”

Pics and further details in the link above.

Catters would also be aware of John’s fabulous blog project a while back “Oz Folksong a Day” : http://ozfolksongaday.blogspot.com/ plus, following on from John Tams’ role in the UK stage shows, John Thompson was the Songman in the 2012-13 Australian touring production of “Warhorse”. He also has an infamous history of colluding with Martin Pearson - as “Never the Twain” - and many other side-splitting exploits over the years!!
All tip-of-the-iceberg stuff.

The sad news is, that John’s trials with bowel cancer seem, after 3+ years, to be resolving in the manner we all hoped he’d escaped. This below, is from their above newsletter :

John's story.
In 2017, a few days after our UK tour finished, John was admitted to the Royal Brisbane Hospital where he had emergency surgery to remove a tumour in his bowel. The surgery saved his life, but the cancer was already too advanced to cure completely.
We have spent the past three years having as many adventures as possible, which have included a holiday in Dublin, a farewell concert with orchestra at the State Library of Queensland resulting in an album launched at Woodford Folk Festival, a holiday in France, and a couple of holidays in the oncology ward.
Lately things have progressed a little more. Here is John's recent post from Facebook:

"Hi everyone. I’ve come out of the SIRT treatment having learnt that radiation doesn’t make you feel good. This week I had a conversation with my doctor which revolved around the theme “about six months”. Drugs are being juggled and we’re working to keep pain under control. As always “about six months” can mean a lot or a little more or less. And of course there are many stories of long survivors to be had. For now, the deck is nearly finished here, Emma and Nicole are providing a complex love/support matrix, and I’m managing to notch up tiny achievements every day. My overwhelming general feeling is one of gratitude. Love to you all. John"


So hopefully those of us who love and appreciate Cloudstreet’s fabulous voices and harmonies, amazing musical talents, addictive joyous humour, friendship, and just HUGE contributions to our folk music world over many years, can send wonderful healing wishes though the ether and cyberspace - and help support them in any way.....

Love and Cheers,
R-J
in Qld, Down Under