“The Overture & the Underscore” was recorded in Hollywood, California over six weeks in 2004. Produced by Sarah, Robert F Cranny and LA local Wally Gagel, it is the debut longplayer for Blasko, who rose to prominence in Australia through the success of her independently produced debut EP.

Gagel, who also engineered and mixed the album, came to the attention of the Blasko camp through his work with The Eels and The Folk Implosion. Sarah was particularly impressed with the skill with which he blended organic instruments with electronic elements.

The album also features Joey Waronker on drums – best known for his work with Beck & REM – who took a few days off from working on Paul McCartney’s album with producer Nigel Godrich to lay down his tracks.

“Essentially I wanted there to be something really classic about the album”, said Blasko, at the time, “The kind of debut albums I like are those that don’t try and do too much too soon, that point towards a number of possible directions and that give the songs some room to move. It was really important to me that my voice and the songs had some character and that there was an intimacy to them.”

Produced by Sarah Blasko, Robert F Cranny & Wally Gagel

Recorded & Mixed in July 2004 at Bliss Studios, Hollywood, by Wally Gagel, except “Long Time” recorded by Bruce MacFarlane. Drums recorded at Wishbone Recording Studios, LA, with assistance from Brian Paturalski

Mastered by Louis Teran for Marcussen Mastering, Hollywood, CA

All Songs by Sarah Blasko & Robert F Cranny

Sarah Blasko: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Synth, Keyboards, Cymbals & Percussion on “Long Time”

Robert F Cranny: Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Bass Guitar, Synth Bass, Piano, Organ, Synth, Drum Programming, Backing Vocals on “Always Worth It”

Joey Waronker: Drums & Percussion

Wally Gagel: Intro Drums on “Counting Sheep”, Drum Machine on “All Coming Back”

Korel Tunador: Horns on “At Your Best”

Darren Hanlon: Backing Vocals on “Always Worth It”