Richie Pavledis; 'Minstrel' This CD is a work of art, weaving together country, folk, and blues with acoustic melodies that lift the spirit and ease the blues. Richie breathes spirituality throughout his songs by way of strong soulful vocals, sensitive lyrics and his consummate performance on guitars, percussion and harmonica. The idea of recording this CD came as a result of winning the West Australian WAMI 2001 Award, given to Richie for Best Blues Song, 'Long Distance Dream', the title track of his first CD. Part of the prize was recording time at Witzend Studio, Perth. After the recording session, Richie decided to continue with, and develop the project resulting in a beautiful collection of songs and his second album, 'Minstrel'. He was inspired to write 'The Name Of The Angel', 'And I Write', 'Time Heals All' and 'Whisper For Peace', by Gabriela his partner and manager. His father's painting from 1982, the awesome art work on the cover, spurred Richie to write 'Joseph The Minstrel'. 'Long Dark Night Of The Soul' came about after Richie read Manley P Hall's 'Triatise', 16th century writings of St John of the Cross. Shortly after the tragic Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race on Boxing Day 1998, 'Sydbart' was written. Richie has recently returned to Australia after his second successful tour of Switzerland where he played 15 gigs in various regions around the country, culminating in his last show at the "Golden Anchor" in Interlaken as the solo support for the "Climax Blues Band". His ability as a writer has been given recognition through several songwriting awards and the fact that his material has been recorded by a range of artists in the rock and country fields. Richie has played on a number of CD's including those of; Bob Patient, Gerard Maunick, Bronnie Gordon, Common Man Band, Jovial Crew and Hot Biscuit Band. He has been in several Western Australian bands over the years including; Barrelhouse, the Gamblers, Dave Hole and the Helping Hands, The Hot Biscuit Band and The Jovial Crew, to name just a few. With this new album, ' Minstrel' and his debut, 'Long Distance Dream', Richie has however, stepped out in his own right. His unique vocal and instrumental skill, imagination and a willingness to express from the heart has given us two excellent CDs from a local treasure.