Her resonance as a serious contributor in the musical community has remained undiminished since her band Do Re Mi topped the charts in 1985 with their song Man Overboard. And with each successive project she continues to attract a large and fiercely loyal following and critical acclaim for both her live performances and recorded work.
Conway’s career path has been impressive. Her solo work first catapulted her into the national consciousness in 1991 with the breakthrough hit It’s Only the Beginning, the first single of the platinum selling album String of Pearls. This was followed by Bitch Epic in 1993, her first ever collaboration with partner Willy Zygier; My Third Husband, in 1997, written whilst Conway was living and working in London, and 2000’s Exquisite Stereo. Side projects have included Ultrasound, an album made with Zygier, Paul Hester (ex Crowded House) and Bill McDonald (ex Frente, currently with Paul Kelly) and PC – The Songs Of Patsy Cline in collaboration with Zygier and Gerry Hale (ex Uncle Bill).
In 2002 Conway released and toured her album Only The Bones, a retrospective of the artists recorded work encompassing pieces from all her major releases and live, incorporating a nostalgic examination of stage outfits from the period.
Conway has also made high profile screen and stage detours along the way: director Peter Greenaway (Draughtsman’s Contract) cast her in his film Prospero’s Books as the goddess Juno, singing the score by Michael Nyman; Pete Townshend of The Who cast her in his musical, The Iron Man, alongside Nina Simone and John Lee Hooker; and Geoffrey Rush directed her in his Belvoir Street theatre production of Aristophanes Frogs alongside Toni Collette. In 2001 Conway starred as the title role in Always… Patsy Cline, touring nationally to rave reviews. In these many diverse roles, Deborah brings an integrity and credibility to all her performances.
The last few years have seen an increasing depth and variety of collaborative work; from writing with classical composer George Dreyfus, to recording with Brisbane band george; from appearing with Paul Grabowsky and the Australian Art Orchestra to reinterpreting Paul Kelly for the Women At The Well compilation.
Conway’s most recent foray on to the stage was particularly impressive. “Dreaming Transportation”, (composer Andrée Greenwell) had it’s world premier at the Sydney Festival 2003, was recorded by the ABC for broadcast last year and has just completed a season at the Sydney Opera House – March 2004. In it she demonstrated yet again what a consummate performer she is.
Conway is one of those rare artists who are constantly reinventing themselves. The new album Summertown, due out early August, is no exception. Conway and long-term partner and collaborator, Willy Zygier have written their most seductive offering of songs yet, rendered with warmth and charm.
