Astronomy Records

This article was published in The Range News, April 5th, 2007. Written by Arcadia Love.

Over the past few years I’ve had to face more than most people probably do in their lifetime.

Writer, artist, poet, songwriter, musician and father Greg Reid has indeed had more than his fair share of challenges.
From cancer and the ravages of chemotherapy, operations that involved replacing both hips and knees to deep issues surrounding life, death and relationships, Greg still feels he’s the luckiest man alive.

“There aren’t many people,” Greg said “Who get a second chance at life and the chance to face their death again. The first time I wasn’t ready, but I think I’ll be able to leave peacefully next time.”
Greg believes one of the reasons for him being given a second chance was to create his first album, ‘Dream Beautiful.’ A collaboration with long time friend, musician, producer and sound engineer Herrin Larkan, the album has taken the pair over seven years to complete.
“Herrin was always there for me, encouraging me to continue with my dream to produce an album. When I went through stages of thinking, ‘What’s the point’, he helped me to keep at it.”

Greg and Herrin decided early on that their philosophy for creating the album would be to try anything. “Over the years,” said Greg “Some talented people heard what we were doing and wanted to become involved. Together we wanted to stretch the boundaries and try whatever would enhance the songs.”

The result of this organic production process has been a fusion of styles, voices and instrumentation that goes beyond description of a particular genre. Greg suggests “Eclectic rock, pop, folk,” but adds “It’s difficult to place.”

Greg and Herrin worked with talented musicians Jason McGowan, Wendy Hodgins, Kit Cotter, Zane Savage, Angie Kennedy, Tappasi, Simone Townsend, Jai Larkan and Isa. “They all helped give the songs their texture and beauty,” said Greg. “They were the right people at the right time.”

The lyrics and music reflect the many phases of Greg’s journey over the seven years and of the 24 tracks featured on Dream Beautiful, only two have lyrics that are ‘borrowed’. One, ‘Alan’s Song’ came from a poem found in an old diary of someone long gone. The other, ‘Cassandra’ was written by Ted Walker and belongs to popular UK artist Alan Aldridge. During the 60’s and 70’s Aldridge was responsible for a great many album covers including Elton John’s Captain Fantastic and the Butterfly Ball. He helped create the graphic style of that era.
“I had nothing to lose in asking someone so high profile to be involved.” It was wonderful when Alan not only agreed, but liked what I’d done with the poem and gave me his blessing.”

Greg designed his own album cover and has used the name ‘Blossomhead’ rather than his own. “The word refers to someone who has blossoms in their head, meaning a person who has imagination and creativity and does something with it.”

The album is released under the independent label Astronomy Records owned by Herrin. “The aim,” said Greg “Is to eventually feature not only local, but national and international artists and is about quality. I’m proud to be a part of that.

There aren’t many people who get a second chance at life and the chance to face their death again.

“Although the album has taken seven years to complete,” said Greg “I think the wait has been worth while. I hope people who hear it feel that too. Dream Beautiful has a life of its own and I believe it will give pleasure to people and that’s a great thing.”

As for Greg’s health, the Leukemia is in remission and although he has no sight in his left eye and a debilitating form of arthritis that has left him wheelchair bound, Greg remains ever optimistic. “I live in a beautiful place, have two wonderful children, solid friends and the freedom to do what I’m meant to be doing.”

The words from Greg’s album reflect his attitude to life: ‘Everybody dreams, some can’t remember, some want to forget and some just dream beautiful.’

Dream Beautiful is available at The Bower Bird, Maple Street Co-Op, Maleny Music, The Ananda Marga River School or online at and www.astronomyrecords.com/musicstore

Download MP3 edits - 01 Everchanging View (750KB) - 02 Picture of You (1.1MB) - 04 Heaven in the Distance (1.2MB)

Visit Gregs Website at www.blossomhead.com

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