‘In Cahoots’ is the debut CD release of Lismore based

Monkey & the Fish  and features songs written & performed by Chris Fisher & Marcelle Townsend-Cross, in collaboration with many others.

The songs of  Monkey & the Fish debut CD release sing up love,  and respect  for family, history and peoples of our mother Earth.

One of the first demos to be recorded for the album was the song Bundjalung, which received the 1999 Dolphin Award for Song of the Year.  Bundjalung was co-written by the much respected late Col Roberts, and inspired by his Country and it’s history.  This song also features Bundjalung Custodians Bibi, Tule, Lewis Walker (didge) and Gil’ contributing to the lyric & music arrangement.  Bundjalung is now remixed and released for the first time, this award winning tune being the first single off the album, and representing a collaboration of Indigenous & non-indigenous artists from the North Coast of NSW (ie Bundjalung Country).

Marcelle Townsend-Cross shares her story as a contemporary Koori woman and her search for family & culture.  Two songs, ‘Mirror’ & ‘Following Blind’ are dedicated to Marcelle’s Mum & Nanna, and all Biripi/Worimi families who have struggled to stay together.

For Chris Fisher, ‘In Cahoots’ represents the third national release of his work.  Previous albums ‘Progress’ and ‘Green Hearts’ were recorded with ‘The Essentials’ and ‘The Dreamcatchers’ respectively.  Numerous songs from these releases have been given airplay support primarily from ABC and Community radio, and acclaimed through local, national and international song writing competitions.  Fishers work is eclectic and has been recognised for its social comment and environmental themes.  These themes continue through Fishers contributions to ‘In Cahoots’, along with lyrical themes celebrating love, hope, and the creative spirit.

The 10 original songs on ‘In Cahoots’ have been written, developed, recorded and road tested with the input and collaboration of many other North Coast musicians & guest artists.  These include:  John Crozier, guitar & bass;  Steve ‘Thommo’ Thompson, Warren Bell & Benjamin Knight, drums;  Julie Metcalfe, violin;  ‘Jeffro’ Andrew, guitar;  Terry Lawrence, backing vocals;

‘In Cahoots’ cover art features a painting of a Goanna created by committed Bundjalung artist Oral Roberts.  His contribution to this CD, and that of his cousins to the ‘Bundjalung’ song, have been made out of respect for their late older brother Col Roberts, and his original inspiration and input into the writing & recording of this song.

Bed Tracks for 3 songs now on the ‘In Cahoots’ CD feature well known & sadly missed Lismore drummer, the late Steve ‘Thommo’ Thompson.  Steve recorded drums tracks on Bundjalung, Mirror, and Through You during October 1998, capturing each song in one pass, after one rehearsal, in a session done as a favour.  ‘Thommo’s work is included here with permission of his family, and through his generous spirit and commitment to his profession.

The final recording and mix of ‘In Cahoots’ was at Bush Traks Recording Studio, Nimbin during July - November 2000, with award winning co-producer and engineer Dave Highet.  The final touches were applied by Australia’s leading mastering engineer, Don Bartley at Studio 301 Sydney.

“This album has come into being through the input of many.  Sadly some of those who inspired and contributed to this project are no longer with us, and it is to their spirit we dedicated this work.”  (‘In Cahoots’ CD cover)

The collaborative nature & other themes inspired the title of this CD.