Aly Cook Caught in the Middle

Today Marks Aly Cook's Birthday and the release of her 3rd Studio album 'Caught in the Middle'.

Cook has plenty to Celebrate as both her pre-release and first single Red Dirt Road Trip come on to several independent music charts, her release is feathered onto Australia's Itunes New Releases and a number of great reviews come out.

Over the past 3 years Aly has established a friendship and writing partnership with producer and former Angels member Graham 'Buzz' Bidstrup and his wife Kay Bidstrup, who were also both founding members of iconic 80's band GANGgajang. The songs from their writing sessions form the basis of Aly's new album 'Caught in the Middle'. The record is a captivating mix of Country, Blues, Roots and Atmosphere, that also includes a co-write with renowned Golden Guitar winner Allan Caswell and three covers, initially recorded by Aly for the up coming Asquith Sessions no.3 .

'Caught in the Middle' was produced by Buzz Bidstrup and recorded in Australia at Asquith Studios Sydney. Helping Buzz to record and mix was David Nicholas, a multi ARIA award winning producer / engineer whose resume lists credits on hit Australian and International albums including INXS, Jimmy Barnes and Sir Elton John. The musicians featured on the record include legendary Australian session musicians including members of 'The Tracking Crew' with Buzz on drums (The Angels, The Party Boys, Jimmy Barnes) , Rick Melick on keyboards (Jimmy Little, Joe Bonamassa), James Gillard on bass guitar (Mondo Rock, Mental as Anything) and the late Glen Hannah, a master guitarist who has appeared on many great Australian albums, and who sadly passed away during the recording of this album. Others to lend their talent were Dean Ray ( of X factor) on acoustic guitar, Clive Harrison bass (Kush, Little River Band reunion albums), violinist George Washingmachine and John Kaldor on pedal steel. Asquith Sessions featured vocalist Jon Abo joined Aly, Buzz & Kay Bidstrup on backing vocals and for a special treat, two songs feature guest vocals from a long time friend of Aly's, multi award winning recording artist Sharon O'Neill.

'Caught in the Middle' is through SBD Music , a partnership between Buzz Bidstrup, David Nicholas and Australian Music Industry stalwart Sebastian Chase owner of MGM Distribution in Sydney, Australia's largest independent music distributor.The album is now accessible for reviewers and Aly available for media engagements. Cook launches the album at Mildura Country Music Festival 27th Sept - 6th Oct, Canterbury Country Spring Fling at Canterbury Hurlstone RSL Sydney on 10th of Oct & Tasmanian Independent Country Music Awards 19th Oct. Aly will return to NZ and be available to NZ Media in Auckland 24th and 25th of October before heading off on a short tour with NZ Cricket Legend/Singer Songwriter John Wright & The Souwesters which includes appearances at the Tauranga Arts Festival on Oct 30th, Auckland North Shore Rugby Club Benefit Concert Oct 31st and a charity event for North Canterbury Wellness Trust on Nov 1 at Rangiora Town Hall.