“Fuchsia is a masterpiece of art rock folk stylings”
From their formation that had deep roots in London’s heady psychedelic underground, to their rebirth in the distant place of Australia four decades later, Fuchsia’s unique brand of psychedelic folk rock continue to enthral prog-rock fans all over the world.
Surprised - an understatement to be sure, when I found that after 35 years the Fuchsia album had not actually disappeared without a trace as I had first thought. It had gone on to make a life of its own. John O’Regan, music journalist for Mojo discovered the 1971 release in a vintage record store in the 80s, and triggered a resurgence when he declared the album "a masterpiece of art rock."
The resurgence of the albums popularity is captured beautifully by acclaimed film makers The Cairnes Brothers in their documentary, The Story of an Album, Lost and Found.
This is the most recent updated version, including all the amazing Fuchsia adventures since the doco was made nearly ten years ago, including some of the beautiful people worldwide who have become such good friends. Thanks everyone !
Today, I am lucky to be working live with some great international string players, and locally with talented Australian musicians Bill Beare (guitar), Louis Baskerville Durant ( bass), string players Su Kim (Cello), and Emma Greenhill( violin). Without these people's dedication, Fuchsia's modern day incarnation wouldn't be possible. Following two European tours in 2014 and 2015 with my good friends David Svedmyr and various members of Me and My Kites and Ill Wicker, we brought our unique live sound to an international audience.
The follow up album, Fuchsia: from Psychedelia to a Distant Place (Sound Practices Records, 2014) received amazing reviews worldwide and further enhanced the band’s reputation.
In Feb 2018, The Perth Fringe Festival hosted the Mahagonny-Behind innocent Eyes musical play I wrote in 1976 ( my music seems to take about 40 years before it finds its audience)....the one Richard Branson liked at Virgin back then ! Perth audiences loved it.
The original album was released on CD through Esoteric, Cherry Red Records, UK. And as part of our 2017 UK mini-tour, Fruits de Mer released Ltd edition vinyls of Fuchsia II. From Psychedelia to a Distant Place , a double album set of the first album plus original demo, and continue to support us with various vinyl incarnations :- Fuchsiasong, Tinned Delerium, and most recently, ‘Barrett’s Assorted’, a tribute to the great Syd Barrett, with our own versions of See Emily Play and Bike, which got a few plays on BBC UK which was fantastic.
Fuchsia III, as yet untitled, is recorded but not mixed, planned for release next year. I hope to see you at the next Fuchsia gig!
Tony Durant - Fuchsia
“...this fine album is powerful, experimental and full of new ideas. It has an airy and timeless quality which is beautiful and impressive.”
“... it is a masterpiece. Welcome back, Fuchsia, and do not let it linger forty-two years for the next album!”
“Returning with dignity and verve, Durant’s created a worthy follow-up to his age-old gem. Did we have to wait quite so long?”