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For a generation Peter Combe, often referred to as the 'Paul Kelly of children's song writers' well before the advent of the Wiggles, captured the imagination of both young and old Australians with his funny, inspirational and irresistibly catchy songs for children. He now has 3 generations of audiences and is currently experiencing a major career resurgence evidenced by a 9 concert, sell out 2012 season at the Adelaide Fringe, 2nd biggest Fringe in the world after Edinburgh - 2750 tickets were sold. The audiences consisted of young children plus their parents who grew up on his songs in the late 80's and early 90's! Like a good recipe, his music is being passed down to today's children. And with over a million album and DVD sales to date, Peter’s passion for performing, writing and recording quality new music for children is as strong as ever.
 
2012 sees the release of 'Quirky Berserky the turkey from Turkey', 22 new Peter Combe songs, his 13^th album for children and possibly his most eclectic yet.  Apart from Peter's sometimes beautiful and other times quirky vocals, there's the sublime talents of ARIA winners The Idea of North, the Zephyr string quartet, Bluegrass Junction, the gorgeous sounds of the Glee Club kids and Young Adelaide Voices, Peter's superb band and...the debut of Peter's 3 year old grandson Oli. As always the album is wonderfully diverse with every track a musical surprise. 
 
As well as shows for kids, he also performs to adoring crowds of '20 somethings' who grew up on his music, at 'Renaissance' shows in pubs or universities with audiences of sometimes 2000 or more. The most recent and biggest of these was the Falls Rock Festival in 2011 with an audience of  over 3000. These shows feature all his ‘hits’ including Wash Your Face in Orange Juice, (Mr Clicketty Cane) Newspaper Mama, Toffee Apple, Spaghetti Bolognaise, Chopsticks and Juicy Juicy Green Grass  – by the end of the show most of the '20 somethings' are up on the floor dancing and singing every word of every song! During one memorable performance, a young man, acting out a famous line from Wash Your Face in Orange Juice, actually bellyflopped into a pizza!!
 
Peter’s career began with a six-year stint presenting Music Time for BBC Television in London, but things really took off in Australia when the hugely successful Toffee Apple album and video clip were released in 1987. Toffee Apple was the first ever full-length video clip made for kids, and established Peter as Australia's first kid's ‘popstar'! His ABC series Ticklepot was voted best radio programme in the world in New York in 1991.
 
His well known Monty Pythonish sense of humour is evident on the new CD in Never No Never No Never, Not Zee 1, 2 & 3, A Brussel Sprout and Standing in the Shower. In fact Peter pioneered the whole idea of adult friendly kids music – music you could play in the car on long trips and not go completely insane after hearing the same songs 20 times!
 
Besides his thousands of solo performances, Peter has worked with orchestras, including the Australian Youth Orchestra, the Queensland, Adelaide and Western Australian Symphony Orchestras, choirs, rock bands and dancers. He has also performed on three occasions at Carols in the Domain in Sydney. In 1993 in a production of Ben Hur proportions his musical, Snugglepot & Cuddlepie was performed and recorded with 18 soloists, including Ruth Cracknell, the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and a 120 voice choir.
 
With 3 ARIAS for Best Children's Album and seven gold and two platinum CDs, Peter Combe is an icon of Australian children's music and recognized as simply the best and most loved children' songwriter in Australia 

 

If you already love Peter Combe’s work or if you haven’t been introduced to it before (where have you been?), you are bound to enjoy this new album. “Quirky Berserky” is a truly delightful and highly engaging collection of new songs and stories for children.
There is quality musicianship throughout, with every track revealing a new array of instruments and fine performances. Peter’s voice is as rich and warm as ever and his vocal tones are balanced by the inclusion of some very young and talented singers. A vast range of musical styles distinguish this album which is full of musical surprises.  Children will adore the groovy rhythms, beautiful melodies, poignant harmonies and full on fun. This is a generous mix of new classics for the next generation of Peter Combe fans to fall in love with.
Peter Combe has truly mastered the art of composing for children. The song lyrics are appealing, educational and relevant, ensuring that even the youngest listeners will be taken on a magic carpet ride of imagination and delight. The melodies are memorable and original, and importantly, are pitched at a suitable range for children’s voices, ensuring many happy hours of repetition.
Several short songs, eg.” Red Says Stop” and “Not Zee” are repeated between longer tracks. This clever device serves to engage the youngest of listeners and adds a familiar touch of whimsy to the collection. This album is also enhanced by the inclusion of several original stories, told with great gusto and character by Peter himself. In true Combe style, this album for children will also be enjoyed and appreciated by parents, carers and teachers alike. Australia is indeed fortunate to have a composer of this calibre working almost exclusively for the benefit and pleasure of our children.

- Katharine Finlayson, Primary Music Specialist Teacher, Ngunnawal Primary School, ACT. Katharine received a National Award for Excellence in School Music Education in 2011
 

 Peter Combe "Kids songs that are also adult friendly"

- Sydney Morning Herald

 "Never underestimates the intelligence of his audience"

- Melbourne Age

 "A purveyor of dreams, fairy tales and unfailingly positive messages"

 - Adelaide Advertiser

    You can visit Peter's website at www.petercombe.com or e-mail him at peter@petercombe.com.au