BIOGRAPHICAL DETAILS
Description: Vocalist, Australia
Known For: “Lookin Back” CD Recording.
Instruments: Voice
Music Styles: Easy Listening, Jazz, Caberet
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BIOGRAPHICAL PROFILE
Irena Petrie
An Australia singer.
Born in Adelaide, South Australia.
Irene has been one of Adelaide’s popular singers during the sixties and through to the 21st Century.
Irene entered show business as a folk singer in the mid sixties. Her first professional gig was at the Catacombs Coffee Lounge which was managed by Tony Bowden, also a Princeton Club Director.
Tony encouraged Irene to sing and gave her the first paid booking. Irene appeared regularly on Adelaide TV shows, The Country & Western Hour and Country Style:
In 1967, under the guidance of Pat Tremaine, she switched to pop music and began performing in Adelaide’s top venues, including performances with the Southern Gentlemen at the Princeton Club.
As part of the Bob Francis S.A. Concert Party, she performed for the Australian Troops serving in Vietnam in 1970.
Irene appeared on Adelaide Tonight, Bandstand and many TV shows produced in Melbourne and Sydney.
Now with well over three decades as a favorite singer, Irene has released a CD titled “Looking Back”.
The title comes from many areas of Irene’s work over the years which began as mentioned in the mid sixties.
With the “Sweet Peach” label at Gamba Studios, situated in Melbourne street, North Adelaide. Irene recorded much of her music on two and four track tape units.
A four track in those days was a luxury, but none the less it gave most performers such as Irene a must to get it right, and also a time limit.
Irene released two singles, “Does Your Mother Know” and “Really and Sincerely” were released in ’69 and from some of the memorable ‘all night sessions’ she has included 4 additional tracks.
Though a folk, pop, cabaret and jazz artist at the time Irene released her LP “If Wishes Were Fishes” was released in 1982.
A successful national tour with Tom Paxton followed.
Recent recordings were personal gifts to her daughter, Arwen, and Irene has included 3 tracks here.
It’s been a long time between songs and many thanks must go to her friend, Doug Ashdown, for getting Irene back to recording.
Now photography and music are a huge part of Irene’s life and now she shall be sharing her creativity through her album.
Jan McAskill with Irene Petrie.