GRAEME Connors has never been easy to pigeonhole.
That's because his music puts him in a class of his own.
But it is widely acknowledged that Connors is one of Australia's finest songwriters and that his music has left a lasting impression on the country music scene.
But over the past few years Connors's focus has shifted from predominantly Australian themes and musical landscapes. for which he is so well known. ``For me it felt like an evolution,'' Connors said.
``There wasn't a dramatic change in my music but I gradually found that writing about emotional spaces and experiences inspired me more than painting musical pictures of Australia and what it means to be an Australian.
``It doesn't mean I've left that part of me behind, it's simply a reflection of where my interests lie at the moment.'' Connors's new album The Moment was recorded in Nashville and released in May last year.
With a career built upon years of live performances, Connors continues to tour extensively, appearing at major music festivals and in his own shows.
He will perform at Newcastle City Hall on Friday night and at Cessnock Rugby Leagues Supporters Club on Saturday night.
It has been a remarkable journey for Connors, one that began over three decades ago when he toured as the support act for Kris Kristofferson in 1974.
The legendary American singer- songwriter was so impressed with Connors that he produced his debut album And When Morning Comes. Successes over the next decade included co- writing Hot Town for Jon English and becoming a favoured songwriter of Slim Dusty, who recorded 12 of Connors's songs.
This includes the 1989 Song of the Year We've Done Us Proud, which won Connors the first of his 12 Golden Guitar awards.
Connors enjoyed a long musical friendship with Dusty and his family and was invited to sing Amazing Grace at the legend's state funeral.
But it was the release of A Little Further North, from Connors's first ABC album North, that really attracted attention.
Released in 1988, North was a huge success and Connors began building a solid fan base.
Throughout his long career, Connors has won many awards. He has 12 Golden Guitars to his name as well as two APRA songwriting awards, an ARIA award, two American Song Festival awards, two MO awards and 12 Tamworth Songwriters' Association awards. Tickets to Connors's show at Newcastle City Hall are on sale at the Civic Box Office on 4929 1977.
Tickets to the Cessnock show are on sale at the venue or online at bigtix.com.au
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