Jeff Lang Takes Home National Folk Festival

On 5 April at the opening of the National Folk Festival, the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia presented the 12th annual National Folk Recording Award to guitarist, singer and songwriter Jeff Lang for his new CD, Carried in Mind.

The NFSA’s CEO Michael Loebenstein said 'Jeff skillfully blends these musical influences with a prodigious songwriting talent. He has the ability to get inside the skin of his subjects and to weave beautiful, emotion-laden, musical stories. We are delighted to present him with the 2012 Folk Recording Award.’

The Award is designed to encourage high-quality recordings which pay tribute to Australia’s sound heritage. Entrants were selected from recordings submitted by performers at the 2012 National Folk Festival. The Award was judged by a panel of representatives from the National Folk Festival and the NFSA. Award winners receive a cash prize and their CD is included in the NFSA’s recorded sound collection.

Jeff Lang said, 'Being presented with the 2012 National Folk Recording Award at the National Folk Festival this Easter was a wonderful surprise for me. I want to personally thank the National Sound and Film Archive for awarding me this honor.’

Jeff Lang has built a reputation for startlingly original performances, working without a set list and allowing the unique energy of each night to lead his song choices. With musical roots in the blues and subtle musical nuances from a range of traditions he is a popular performer throughout Australia and overseas.

Carried in Mind is Jeff’s 14th album. Recorded in Melbourne, it also features Danny McKenna on drums, Grant Cummerford on bass and Garrett Costigan on pedal steel.

Samantha McDonough
P. + 61 2 6248 2173
F. + 61 2 6248 8159
Samantha.McDonough@nfsa.gov.au