Australian classical guitarists Matt Withers & Callum Henshaw release Here & Now on Friday 27 September on Amica Records. It invites the listener to be in the moment - the here and now - and allow imagination to reign. 

Here & Now is an album of pieces by living Australian composers and songwriters including Elena Kats-Chernin, Paul Kelly, Nat Bartsch and Richard Charlton. It features several world premiere compositions, and arrangements by the duo. 

The album is inspired by the diverse terrain, colour and history of the Australian landscape, as seen in the artwork Threads of Australia, created by visual artist Sue Needham on Gubbi Gubbi country. Needham’s mixed-media work intricately captures Australia’s unique natural environment, through several painted miniatures brought together with thread, twine, fabric, paper and buttons. The various ‘threads’ of the Australian experience are reflected in Withers & Henshaw’s chosen pieces for the album, which represent a textured and unique cross-section of established and emerging composers. 

Matt Withers & Callum Henshaw are two of Australia’s leading classical guitarists: performing together with colour, vibrancy and clarity. Based in Canberra, Ngunnawal land, the duo began their collaboration in pioneering quartet Guitar Trek and have performed across Australia. Collectively, their biographies span an impressive array of achievements including collaborations with Sally Whitwell and William Barton; tours across China and Europe; and multiple prizes and album releases - including for Naxos and ABC Classic.

Matt Withers has long been a supporter of Australian composers, and an advocate for the expansion of classical guitar repertoire to include new pieces and approaches. He formed the Australian Music Composition Competition in 2014, to create an avenue to commission and record chamber music works by emerging local composers for guitar. Here & Now includes works by Charlton, Aksuna and Naomi Dodd - winners of the 2022 competition - which directly respond to Needham’s artwork.

Track listing

1. Snowy River Lullaby (Naomi Dodd)* 4:33
2. Tango After Work (Elena Kats-Chernin) *
3. If I Could Start Today Again (Paul Kelly, arr. Matt Withers)**
4. Stuff And Nonsense (Tim Finn, arr. Callum Henshaw)**
5. Guy Smiley (Nat Bartsch, arr. Matt Withers)**
6. Emily’s Song (Ross Edwards, arr. Z.o.o. Duo)
7. Hanging in the Balance (Richard Charlton)*
8. Acacia (Aksuna)*
9. Grizzlepot (Nat Bartsch, arr. Matt Withers) **

*World Premiere recording

**World Premiere arrangement

Matt Withers & Callum Henshaw - guitar
Recorded at Church St Studios, Sydney, on 11th & 12th January 2024.
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Bob Scott

Assistant engineer Luca Dimakopoulos
Produced by Matt Withers
Cover art by Matt Withers, with artwork by Sue Needham (Threads of Australia)

With thanks to EcoTopia and Christine Goode for their support towards the creation of new music. Special thanks to Timothy Kain for his guidance.

digital streaming release on amica via IDOL

also available on CD direct from the artists

“Two engaging and elegant performers who have a world of musical expression between them.” (Canberra City News)

“Withers and Henshaw put music before ego such that even though they're trained classical players, only when the material demands it will virtuosic displays occur. And while a few such occasions do arise on Here & Now, the music gravitates towards the soothing, peaceful, and painterly kind. Sincerity and quality of expression are paramount, in other words, not flash.” (Textura)

Interview with Matt Withers in Resonate Magazine discussing Here & Now. Click Here to read.

Snowy River Lullaby featured on Mindful Music Radio Show ABC Classic. Click Here to Listen

Matt Withers speaks about Here & Now and the future of guitar composition in Australia in Cut Common Magazine. Click Here to Read.