[30 Seconds of Happiness]

If your taste is anything like mine, this CD will give you much more than the 30 seconds that the title promises. I admit my bias - I flew to Sydney for the launch of this CD - and count these three musicians as among the most lovely and loving people I know. Liz Frencham (double bass, SASE bass & vocal), Caroline Trengove (violin, viola & vocal), and Greg Bryce (acoustic guitar & vocal) have been travelling along the courageous path of full-time music-making together for over three years now, and this is their second CD.

Starting out by playing 'Celtic and covers' in the Sydney pub scene, they've managed to wean their audiences onto a far richer mix of original songs and instrumentals - in a hybrid style that evokes the best of acoustic folk, jazz and pop - and imbuing it all with a flavor I call 'post-angst' music. These folks are not ashamed to be happy - or sad for that matter!

On this album, the tune sets (Barefoot Bride; The Porch Set; and The Polka Machine) incorporate three tunes written by Caroline - and not being an instrumentalist myself, the best compliment I can pay these is that I had to check the sleeve notes to work out which were the originals. To my ears, the crisp, clear, rich and warm tones of their playing together create a joyous blend that sets the toes tapping and the spirit rising.

The songs are refreshingly listenable - this is a CD I can play at any hour of the day or night - and especially when my world needs brightening. From the outright frivolity of the title track and the bluegrass ditty Love is Good, to the slinky and satirical Man of Wood, these dudes know how to be silly. Then in the midst of this, comes some of the most illuminating and inspiring lyrics I have seen emerge from the Australian folk scene - Ordinary Mystery and Between the Darkness and the Deep stand out to me as tracks that could (in another less multinational world) be 'chart-toppers' (thanks be for independent releases....).

Technically, these three musicians are obviously dedicated and professional in their approach - and blessed with talent. Their instrumental dexterity is manifest - and their vocals are sure, sanguine and steady.

Also impressive is the outstanding production and engineering, courtesy of Siiri Metsar of Melbourne. Siiri is the woman who has done a fantastic job of sound engineering in the Folklorica venue at Woodford, and has engineered recordings for Penelope Swales and our own Rebecca Wright.

The CD also is beautifully designed and presented - luscious images and colours that presage the quality of the music within.

One other thing before I stop gushing :-) This music is among the first I have seen emerge from the Australian folk scene that feels both connected to the traditions and yet daringly accessible to the general public. JIGZAG have fans that range in age from 3 to 73 and beyond, and they offer us music that is filled with hope and faith and love. May they continue to prosper!"

Maree Robertson, Folk Rag, Brisbane, 2002