Songs for Sara at Golden Girl

A SPECIAL concert by musicians Ash Bell and Lucie Thorne will launch Sara Tindley’s posthumous album, Golden Girl, over two shows in Murwillumbah and Lismore on November 16 and 17.

The two long-time musical friends and collaborators have brought to life a collection of previously unreleased duets, two new songs from Bell and Thorne, and a collection of home recordings made by Tindley in the last year of her life.

Tindley’s sweet and sensitive Lucinda Williams-esque sound quickly became compulsory listening for Australian country/roots music fans. A much-loved local artist and lauded international songwriter, songs from the first of her seven albums, 5 Days, featured on the television series East of Everything and Bondi Rescue. Her subsequent work was critically acclaimed.

Bell and Tindley’s distinctive voices combined in the 2018 release Going Out Clothes, a collaboration melding Bell’s folk/Celtic balladry with Tindley’s folk/country rhythms.

The result was a timeless folk/roots mini-masterpiece of tough love and deep humanity.

Thorne is also a long-time friend and collaborator, with 12 releases of her own.

In 2022, she produced Tindley’s albums Greetings from Lake St Clair and Sara Tindley: Live at the Star Court Theatre.

Thorne said the idea began with a four-track EP of new songs, Superpower and Golden Girl, alongside previously unreleased duets with Sara, Cowboy, and Little Bird, Gentle Bear.

“As we were putting this together, Sara’s partner Mark suggested we could include some of Sara’s demos,” she said.

“When we listened back, we quickly realised we had a whole album on our hands. Sara’s demos were incredible. I don’t know anyone whose demos sound this good. That extraordinary way she has of singing straight into your heart.

“They are simple, unadulterated recordings that brim with her power and pathos.”

Tindley lost her 10-year-long battle with breast cancer in January 2023, profoundly saddening the musical community.

Golden Girl is a testament to her music, which lives on for her family, friends and fans.

The singer’s daughter, Poppy Bayley-Tindley, will join the show alongside other special guests.

Thorne is looking forward to sharing the collection.

“There are a lot of big feelings involved, of course – but it’s the power and beauty of the music that prevails,” she said.

For the Citadel concert, visit events.humanitix.com/ash-bell-and-lucie-thorne and for the Rochdale Theatre in Lismore, head to trybooking.com/events/landing/1298296