A selection of Musos Reports from 2014
EUDLO MUSOS April 6, 2014
The Musos enjoyed their second session at Eudlo Hall on Sunday and, as with the first, it was a musical feast. There were a stack of newcomers, including Wyla - a sibling trio from Palmwoods, consisting of Brea, James and Tessa Roberston. Featuring strong three part harmonies, guitar, keyboard and percussion, they are an impressive group, and with their original repertoire standing up and being noticed, they are a real find. Keep an ear open for them or chase them up online. Alex McKean apparently funds his day gig in the legal profession by moonlighting as a musician, or at least, that was what I recall I heard. It may or may not be true, but it is reasonable to say he should give up his day gig! Alex is an outstanding blues guitarist who moved with ridiculous ease from an old fender telecaster to a resonator acoustic which he played with a slide, while laying down some gutsy vocal tracks! I know I was not alone in being knocked out by what he did. Doug Pullen, who inveigled his way onto the stage with Alex, was convinced he was a Peter Green reincarnation. Alex and Doug later found themselves back on stage with Wyla, backing trumpeter Stephen Ewart. It was also Stephen’s first Musos appearance, and he excited everyone with his “beat poet” style – setting up a groove with the band and then hitting us with his vocal and trumpet solos. The band was pumped and with Alex Mckean featuring with two screaming solos, it was one jam it would have been fantastic to record for posterity.
Once more we were blessed on this day with the music of De Greer-Yindimincarlie - recently a big hit at the Sports Club, so I was especially looking forward to catching her again. She brought along fretless bassist Dave Evans who had his instrument singing for De. Ever since I discovered Jaco Pastorious in the 70s playing with bands such as Weather Report, I have been in love with the fretless bass and it’s ability to successfully ape many of the qualities of the acoustic upright bass. Dave’s playing filling out De’s lovely guitar work, voice and songs. It was a joy to behold, and one of the stand outs for me on this very impressive Musos afternoon. And I still haven’t mentioned Karen Law with son Murray and two fine ring ins in Anna and Rob! They made a very smooth sounding quartet with Anna’s harmonies in particular sitting beautifully with Karen’s voice and her original songs. Newcomers Kelly Anne and her brother Ricky - both experienced musicians with songs from the early 60s and some country classics, sat nicely on the program, as did Bob Henderson and partner Ruth who gave us a fine set with more wonderful harmonies. Regulars Warren Freeman, with his politically charged originals brought us down to earth in a thoughtful way, while Laurie White accompanied by Doug on bass filled out a magnificent afternoon’s entertainment with a collection of dog songs – undoubtedly inspired by the canine members of the audience!
With 10 new performers on the day, a lot of fresh artistry graced the Musos stage on Sunday. Ladies and gentleman this was a special session and I have no doubt that the 50 odd people there enjoyed it immensely, all going went away with the same “wow” feeling. We’re on again this Thursday night at the Sports Club. I do hope some if you can get along. De Greer-Yindimincarlie, Mary Martin and Kalani have already booked spots. Do drop me a line if you’d also like to.
Michael
GLASSHOUSE MUSOS, April 10, 2014
Hardly a quiet one for the Musos last night at the Sport Club, with just enough acts and of course new performers on the bill. One of the newbies - drummer Terry Robson, was a welcome sight, as we can’t seem to get enough drummers at our sessions, and when they are as talented as Terry it is doubly wonderful. Terry came along to play with Jon Brown who he accompanied successfully after Jon had struggled with an unruly guitar for some minutes before switching over to bass – being a leftie, you can’t just loan Jon a guitar. On stage with Jon was also vocalist Rob Goodwin and guitarist Paul Fagan. We had earlier welcomed back Paul as he displayed his characteristic good humour encouraging audience participation and including the fun Maxwell’s Silver Hammer in his set. It is always satisfying watching talented musicians casting back into the recesses of their mind trying to recall riffs from a song they haven’t heard for years. In this case bassist Doug Pullen and Terry on drum kit joined Paul and seemed to dig that little bit deeper for all those old Beatles riffs. Doug reminded us that the world had recently lost Arthur “guitar” Smith who was the composer of Duelling Banjos and Guitar Boogie, amongst many others, so the boys took on the challenge and produced what appeared to be a fine version of the boogie for us. I’m pleased I was behind the mixing desk as I couldn’t remember the song!
Also on the bill was 2 top professional acts in singer song writer Noel Gardner in scintillating form – I especially enjoyed his song about Stradbroke island, and De Greer-Yindimincarlie joined by Dave Evans on bass and harmonies - what a great addition they are to the Musos ranks! De mentioned what a great week it’s been for her as she has just been booked for 2 tours with outstanding national acts, including Dan Sultan. It’s fantastic to see our talented musicians recognised for the quality of their work and to see them working professionally doing what they “do do well”! The Glasshouse Highwaymen - Rob Goodwin, Mike Hadrill and Rick Elcar are 3 members of a new group formed from some mentoring sessions I ran over the last term. Great to see them up and doing it, and in particular Rick, who has been a regular Musos attendee for some years, but has waited until now to get up on stage. Some of the boys are still at the nervous stage – no problem with that, many top professionals also suffer them. They’d prepared well for this performance, everything was in place and I am confident they will grow from it and we’ll see a fine ensemble develop.
Clive Bilby is a talented guitarist who suffers dreadfully from nerves once he gets on stage, and I know Clive won’t mind me saying this - it is good to have it out there and talked about. Clive had two shots at his set and the second, after he had suitably relaxed, with his impressive Stratocaster tone, was much closer to what he is capable of. Good on you Clive, keep it up! Doug Pullen - including a very clever original of his from 1970, and Kalani also gave us solid sets at this popular monthly session. We’re on at our coffee garden this Sunday from 1pm and welcome regular guests and newcomers keen to make music.
Michael
GLASSHOUSE MUSOS May 8, 2014
The Musos resident statistician Doug Pullen began our evening Thursday by noting that, having begun at the Sports Club on May 12, 2011, it was our 3rd birthday, that we’ve had 89 sessions over our 3 years, and we’ve also enjoyed the work of 198 artists. That number however was soon to be swelled with the appearance of Kerry Lawson, a fine singer guitarist who’s comfortable stage presence, wide repertoire and interest in sharing the stage with others is sure to add to the colourful show that the Musos often becomes. Kerry has a good light baritone voice and gave us solid performances of a number of standards early in the evening, then later joined others on stage adding harmonies and the occasional guitar part. With his warm stage presence and vocals he is a great addition to our artist list and we heartily welcome him! We haven’t seen Paul Griggs for a while but he popped up last night assuring us he would not be getting up, but with encouragement eventually did and gave us respectable performances of A Horse With No Name and Paul Kelly’s Dumb Things. I hadn’t really heard him sing before and was impressed with his voice.
It was a good night for artists who are starting to find their stage legs and Rick Elcar was one of them. Rick has supported the Musos for quite a while as an audience member and last night was his first showing as a soloist giving us 3 songs, including a decent rendition of Gordon Lightfoot’s Beautiful. Rob Goodwin however has become a regular performer with us over the last 6 months and last night - playing the guitar with a lot of confidence, his set of Aussie songs was marked for me by a solid version of Nick Cave’s The Ship Song. After appearing for us for the first time last Sunday we got to enjoy the work of La Veenie again last night. Sara and Reilly have a particularly original sound as evidenced in this set of their own compositions. Reilly’s guitar style – half solo line and half chordal, sits well with the reliable acoustic guitar strumming of Sara along with her sultry voice, which is another feature of the duo. Doug Pullen had began the evening with an imaginative interpretation of Melanie’s Look What They’ve Done To My Song, taking it on a world trip - complete with accents where appropriate! But that entertaining introduction to the session was not going to let him off - he was in demand as a bass player for act after act, ending the evening with a jam with quite a few who came and went from the stage. Amongst those leading the jam was Paul Fagan, who it was good to have back on the Musos deck. He played a few instrumentals early on in the evening and along with Doug also supported our good friend Andrew Bilby who gave us one of his characteristic songs, but on this occasion playing the acoustic rather than electric guitar.
Carol Lynn, who has been coming to the Musos for a year or so, has a very impressive voice. I had had the impression back then that she was a good country singer who did an excellent Linda Ronstadt cover, but she has since displayed that her stylistic interests are wide-ranging extending to jazz, folk, popular ballads and beyond. I had the pleasure of joining her on stage for a few songs last night, including singing harmonies with her in KD Lang’s classic Constant Craving. For myself as a musician it doesn’t get much better than that - playing a song you love with good artists and being lifted by the occasion. Aah the power of music! The Musos will be on this Sunday May 11, at our coffee garden. Hope to see some of you there.
Michael
GLASSHOUSE MUSOS May 25, 2014
A lovely sunny afternoon and a nice roll up was in order for the Musos at out coffee gardens yesterday. We had some new artists including an outstanding find in Adrian Hiltunen - a young singer guitarist who displayed an impressive technique on the instrument and a potent singing voice. He gave us a Jack White number along with some originals and with bass and cajon beefing up his sound in a couple of songs, the music was certainly worth travelling for. Adrian has a relaxed confidence and easy stage manner as well so we do hope he finds his way back to the Musos in the near future. Also new was vocalist John High who was happy to sing a few big band jazz standards a capella. John remarked he had recently attended a Michael Buble concert and at one point, with thousands in the audience, Buble asked for the lights and PA to be turned off so he could sing totally a capella. The Musos couldn’t muster that big a crowd, and we did leave the PA on, but John certainly sang without backing and had a few in our throng humming along! I wonder if Buble got them humming? Mike Duggan was another newbie and brought along his beautiful hand made cajon and bongo cajon to share with us. He sat in with a few players and along with his carpentry talents there is no doubting his percussive skills, especially combined with our fine bassist Doug. I do hope we see more of Mike!
Lawrie White was in fine form at this session and taking on the theme of the “Sons of Lee Marvin”, accompanied by our solid rhythm section, he gave us two numbers from Tom Wait’s Mule Variations album – Hold on and House where Nobody Lives. It was interesting to hear these songs without that characteristic gravelly Waits voice, and if anything they seemed the better for it. I’m a Tom Waits fan and look forward to hearing anything with him in it, but I often find myself enjoying the sound of Tom Waits and not actually listening enough to the song he is performing, so on this occasion I almost felt Lawrie was lifting a veil on the songs for me and it was refreshing. On the subject of our theme Doug Pullen, always looking for a comical alternative, went back to the roots of “Marvin’s” sons and gave us some of the music of the man himself. He made his way though I Was Born Under A Wandering Star, complete with deep, raspy voice and did a top notch job of it – nothing like the original! I took a more conservative approach to our theme and featured Neil Young in a short opening set, but on this occasion Nick Cave’s music failed to appear, so it was not quiet a complete “Sons of Lee Marvin” event. Oh well…there was still lots of wonderful music on the program with good friend Noel Gardner in inspiring form with some moving original numbers including Sunrise, Photographs and Memories and the poignant I’m a Refugee. As Noel intimated about the latter, written in John Howard’s time about an issue that remains timely, the recent move of our Government to involve Cambodia only heightens the brutality of the inhumane stance they are taking. Shame on them. And thank you Noel for your thoughtful material.
Two recent Musos additions Mike Woollett and Jason joined us again and both shared their passions – Mike’s for the music of the Beatles and Jason’s for country standards including a solid version of Charley Pride’s Shutters and Boards. Mike brought along his ukulele sporting a new pick up which did a very good job for him, and certainly made my task on the mixing desk that much easier. (Every now and again someone comes along with a guitar without a pick up and is a tough job for me trying to get a good sound and good level from it without feedback.) Mike took to his uke with relish and gave us a good version of a McGuinness Flint number. Carol Lynn sang for us - it is always a pleasure to have her on board, and La Veenie, and Mary Martin - featuring their original repertoire, performed wonderfully for us on what was a very good afternoon’s entertainment at out little coffee garden. We’re on next Sunday afternoon – June the first at Eudlo. I do hope some of you can join us.
Michael
EUDLO MUSOS June 1, 2014
What a special day. The Musos enjoyed a dozen acts at Eudlo, and amongst them was four newcomers. A star find was surely 11 year old Hazel Law whose three songs included 2 originals with lyrics displaying a maturity well beyond her years, and a voice which was also particularly well developed for such a young lady. A name to keep an ear out for! Rob McGowan has built a successful performing career in the clubs as That60sguy. Playing lots of hits from that era has most likely paid a lot of bills, but, as most musicians will tell you, the clubs are generally not a totally satisfying artistic environment in which to work, especially if one has an original voice as strong as Rob’s. I found his presentation and performance as a singer guitarist totally convincing, and all of his songs catchy. It’s a bit of a lottery out there and in a different time and place his career may have taken a different turn. Who knows, maybe it still will! A third newcomer was percussionist Dave, who brought along his cajon and cymbal set up and accompanied a few acts. We were spoilt as cajon specialist Mike Duggan also joined us for the day so we had the pleasure of two performers with very different cajon playing styles. At one point they took to the stage as an unaccompanied cajon duo and while enjoying their grooves I felt compelled to dub them the Eudlo Brothers, following in the footsteps of the great drum duos found in the Doobie Brothers and Allman Brothers band! Stewart Kirkland, who played two originals, was our forth newcomer. He has a breathy softness to his voice, which is appealing and I found his songs – ringing with added note chords, also engaging.
A big hit for us whenever they appear is Danica and Klaeton, and this occasion was no different. Danica has a warmth and quietness to her attractive voice which has you listening closely and on stage with Klaeton, who has a big strong voice which he accompanies with passionate guitar playing, they are a compelling couple. Maxine Chisholm finished her warm and engaging set with an capella version of Henry Lawson’s Past Caring, and I don’t think there was a dry eye in the place. A heartfelt performance of a beautiful ballad. Kerry Lawson surprised me with some yodelling in his second song (a first for the Musos) and followed it with a Roy Orbison number displaying his fine vocal range. He was then joined on stage by Rob McGowan to add the high harmony parts to the Eagles Best of my Love which sounded so good that the whole room seemed to erupt with the other parts. Other top acts who played at this session included Kyl-ee B, Cowboy and regulars Doug Pullen, Mary Martin and Lawrie White, and I apologise for lumping you all together as you do such a fantastic job for us. We look forward to your every appearance! The Most award appears every month or two at the Musos, in fact whenever the last holder returns it - undoubtedly taken down from their mantle piece with some sadness, to be passed on, and on this occasion the award went unanimously to occasional tambourine player and big Musos supporter Cheryl Pullen. Cheers CP, we love having you amongst us!
Our newcomers won’t know about our website, www.glasshousemusos.com.au, so just a quick mention. It’s a great resource with lots of fascinating photos, videos and all of our reports, going back 3 years! We’re around again next Sunday June 8, and at our lovely Coffee garden. I do hope some of can get along.
Michael
GLASSHOUSE MUSOS June 22, 2014
Today I was reminded of the extraordinary power of music to move people. I have been lucky enough in my life to have spent time working with intellectually disabled people as the joy that can be experienced in their reaction to music is quite something.
Today’s Musos was different to no other with some very fine artists performing for us for just the love of making music together in a pleasant and supportive environment. However after the gig the following message from Loretta appeared on our Facebook Group http://www.facebook.com/groups/musosclub/
Hi Michael, I took a client of mine to your session today at the café. I am a Disability Support Worker. Everyone who works with this young lady has found that music seems to hit the spot, so I decided to bring her along for a listen. I'm happy to say that she had a positive experience and in particular I would like to mention that a musician who played an original song really struck a chord with her and myself, I think his name was Warren and the song was focussed around a garden. My client is non-verbal and has an intellectual disability. She expresses herself differently to most people, today she extended a part of her inner self that she has not shown to me before, it made me get that familiar old lump in the throat and reaffirmed that music is a powerful language for all. We will be making it a regular outing for her to see live music in intimate settings. We shall be back.
I am sure that Loretta won’t mind me including her letter here as it touches on the reason why we all make music - it hits an indefinable spot! I am so pleased it worked for her and her client and I welcome them back anytime. The musician in question was Warren Freeman and yes, he is a beautiful song writer and the song was called Sanctuary. http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/warrenfreeman
Musicians often feel they work in a vacuum and it is lovely when people tell us that is not the case. Thank you Loretta and thank you to everyone who every now and again says thank you for what we do.
I’ll be brief with today’s report. Performers included two newcomers – Shez Wright, an experienced singer bringing a great voice, lots of folk wisdom and repertoire, and a young lady - Eden, at the beginning of her performing career, and with a gorgeous voice. Shez – a regular in the folk scene, I have known for a while and she is a welcome addition to the Musos clan. Anytime she can get up our way (from south of the Sunshine Coast border) she will be welcomed with open arms. Joining funk wunderkind Nate Tuitahi in 2 songs – Tom Petty’s Freefall and Thinking of You, was Eden whose warm tone beautifully complemented Nate’s passionate, soulful style. Other performers on the day included Lawrie White, Warren Freeman, Doug Pullen, Mike Duggan and yours truly, all of whom kept the “joint a jumpin”. A very pleasant afternoon with beautiful weather, fine food and drinks, and fantastic varied music was enjoyed by all at our coffee garden. We’re on again Sunday July 6 from 1 – 4pm at Eudlo Hall, and artists and visitors are always welcome.
Michael
EUDLO MUSOS July 6, 2014
The Musos enjoyed the work of 3 newcomers on Sunday. 14 year old Kezia Hughes was a delight to have on the program. A delicate finger-styled guitarist with a fine sounding instrument and a voice and confidence which belies her years, her set included songs from the Cranberries and Civil Wars amongst others. Another new performer for the Musos, and also young in terms of career years, is singer guitarist Jenny Downey. Jenny, who only performs originals, certainly has a sound all of her own and using backing tracks from her album, filled the room. Ill admit to some biase with regard to Jenny’s music as I recorded it and played on all the tracks, so as much as I can be objective, I think she is an original artist who makes a lovely sound. I hope that both Kezia and Jenny put the regular Musos dates in their calendar as they are a welcome addition to our ranks.
Two musician friends of mine from my Townsville days – Deejay Radoo and Bec McHutchison, came along to this session. Sadly Bec’s feeling off colour meant we didn’t get to hear her fantastic vocal, keyboard or saxophone work, but I encouraged Deejay up and onto the djembe. He enjoyed himself enough to promise to return to the Musos this next Thursday with his drum kit, so much to look forward to as he is a solid kit player with experience across a wide range of styles.
Always a pleasure for the Musos is an appearance by Tommy Leonard, and in this - his first solo showing for us at Eudlo, he did not let us down. Tommy is a beautiful folk singer with flawless finger-style guitar-playing technique, but more than anything it is his impeccable musical taste which impresses and inspires me. He seems to have an endless repertoire of astonishingly beautiful songs. On this occasion he included a song he had co-written with someone for whom I have a lot of respect - indigenous activist, academic and all-round amazing achiever, Eve Fesl. And dropping into the mix a send up of Clive Palmer’s policies using the music from Boy George’s Karma Chameleon, didn’t go over badly either! Thank you Tommy – long may you keep on keeping on!
Jazz singer John High has fond memories of fronting some good big bands in the past and you get the sense, when he is up on the floor belting out his numbers a capella, that he still has the band right up there with him. On this occasion percussionist David and bassist Doug couldn’t resist John’s passion and slipped onto the stage during his short set to work up a storm with him. Thanks guys! Long time Musos guitarist and singer Paul Fagan made his first Eudlo appearance for us at this session and was in top form, bringing the house down with some Creedence along with numbers from Van Morrison, Steve Earle and Tom Petty. He was ably joined by Doug, David and Deejay – making a solid band sound. Other sets from yours truly and Doug Pullen filled out a very pleasant afternoon’s entertainment at the Eudlo Hall. A huge thank you to the organisers Jennai, Margaret and Stephanie for the warm ambience and beautiful cooking – I enjoyed some tasty vegetable soup early in the arvo and a piece of rhubarb pie later in the day and it was all yum! The Musos are on this Thursday (in what will be our last session) at the Sports Club in Glasshouse from 7 – 10pm. I do hope some of you can get along.
Michael
GLASSHOUSE MUSOS July 10, 2014
It was an enormous pleasure to have so many people come together at the Glasshouse Mountains Sports Club last night to recognise the achievement of the Musos. It was to some degree a sombre occasion as it was our last Thursday night at the Club as management has decided to cut our monthly Thursday sessions to focus their attention on a live music session on Sunday afternoons. The Musos is very keen to promote live music so we wish them all the best. We are otherwise involved on Sunday afternoons but may be able to get back for the occasional Sunday at the Sports. It is interesting to view this trend towards Sunday afternoon entertainment. Venues don’t want to touch Saturday as they all seem to have a successful sports formula underway, but it would appear to me a better idea to consider that afternoon (at least in our area) as there is less competition for the attention of music lovers! That said, many of our artists find is easy to get out on a Thursday evening, so our biggest loss will be losing the evening session for our musicians. We have tried all the other local venues in the past with no luck, but perhaps one of them will resurface in the future. The Musos still has our 3 Sundays a month (at Eudlo and the Coffee and Tea Merchants In Glasshouse) so performers will not want for opportunity with us.
Enough of all that, I don’t want to dwell on negatives - life moves too quickly for that. Last night the Musos was the place to be and we had a sumptuous smorgasbord from which to draw. Original artists Di Greer-Yindimincarlie, Jenny Downey and newcomer Gabriel Monson set a wonderful standard for us as they aim their sites at something higher - communicating with the unknown, with the muse. Long may artists take themselves into that territory, asking questions of and testing themselves against all of the great work out there. That is not to suggest there is any lesser talent required to perform a known song at a high level. Klaeton and Danica, Jon Brown, Kerry Lawson, Doug Pullen, JJ Munyard and Rob Goodwin, all amply displayed in their own way at this session, the strength of a good song sung well. The evening was also special in the number of musicians who just turned up and many of whom actually got up on stage and played with one of the above mentioned singers. Newcomer Rowdy on electric guitar joined Klaeton and Danica for a rousing finale (thank you Klaeton – a great finish, superbly coordinated by you), but throughout the evening we had 2 drummers - DeeJay and Terry, 2 cajon specialists – Mic and David, 2 bassists – Doug and Tony, 2 harmonica players – Klaeton and myself, 2 more electric guitarists – Paul and Jon, along with backing singers - thanks Tina, a ukulele and organ and oodles of acoustic guitars. A big thank to the truckloads of onlookers and all the other musicians who just turned up to enjoy the party. It was a great night and a fitting recognition of what we have all done together as a community over these last more than 3 years.
For those of you who can’t get enough of a good thing, the Musos is on again this Sunday – yes July 13, at out lovely coffee garden in Glasshouse from 1 – 4pm and we welcome musicians and friends to join us for what is always a pleasant, if unknown musical event. And as always, you can email me to book a spot to play. Our coffee garden is a bit less hectic than most of our gigs, so particularly suits people who prefer the laid back Sunday afternoon with a nice piece of cake, a coffee or tea and perhaps a newspaper to fumble through. Proprietor Steve does tasty lunch dishes as well so it caters for most Sunday needs.
Cheers, here’s to the next 3 years!
Michael
GLASSHOUSE MUSOS July 27, 2014
It was a wonderful feeling of community at the Musos yesterday with good colleagues and friends turning up to perform a few numbers, join others on stage, or sit and listen to music while catching up with mates. Doug Pullen began proceedings with an especially entertaining bracket, setting a high standard for the afternoon. I’m Heaving On a Jet Plane I hadn’t heard before (nor I hope had John Denver before shuffling off this mortal coil), and I hadn’t come across I like Beer. I’m sure I had heard Eric Bogle’s He’s Nobody Moggy, but not in this version with an introduction and coda courtesy of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Memory. Mary Martin followed and included songs from Mark Knopfler and Alan Jackson along with an original she had written 40 years ago bemoaning our treatment of the planet. As Mary said, little has changed, it is all just as relevant today. Warren Freeman continued the political theme in his set which included a finely wrought original called There’s Poison in the Water and numbers from some of his favourite artists – Mike McLelland, Kenny Loggins and Ralph McTell. Kerry Lawson followed with some Glenn Campbell songs - a very solid song writer we rarely hear at the Musos, and I recognised the passing away a week or so ago of the white bluesman Johnny Winter with a bluesy set including Rock and Roll Hootchie Koo, written by Johnny’s sidekick Rick Derringer and recorded by Johnny. I have very fond memories of Winter, having bought his brilliant blue covered album Second Winter at some point in the mid 70s while going through a very youthful blues period. Although there are recordings and DVDs he made later in his life, I strongly recommend those 70s recordings for the best of Johnny Winter.
This week the ABC assured me it had been 45 years since we had the first man on the moon (21.7.1969), and at the mention of it my mind immediately turned to my friends Jon Brown and Glenn Stephens who make up the duo One Small Step. (If you don’t recall the history of man in space the name John Glenn might help.) What a pleasure it was for me then when Glenn Stephens appeared at the Musos yesterday, piano under arm, followed half an hour later by Jon Brown. Glenn gave us one of his characteristic piano extravaganzas featuring his astonishing vocal range in numbers such as Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody, and Jon then joined him on stage for a One Small Step set. The boys were in good form - not a lot of duos will take on Africa by Toto, and along with Doug on bass and Kerry and I singing harmonies, much fun was had by all. Thank you Jon and Glenn – we don’t get enough of you two!
Later in the afternoon Scoobs Powell gave us a bracket and he was also in top form - his version of Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville especially suited his style. He was then joined on stage by a group which included guitarist Paul Fagan taking great pleasure in the Stratocaster he was lent for the occasion. This scratch band then gave us a few numbers, including Paul Kelly’s very popular To Her Door, to round off a pleasurable afternoon. Thank you to everyone who came along and I do hope some of you will join us again at the Eudlo Hall next Sunday from 1 – 4pm. Eudlo is always a top session and we welcome old and new performers to join us for the day!
Have a brilliant week,
Michael
EUDLO MUSOS September 7, 2014
Father’s Day is a bit of a competition for any event-running organisation hoping to pull an audience and today was just that for the Musos, however that is not to take away from the quality of artists who appeared for us, amongst whom we welcomed newcomers Roey and Jim Fitzpatrick. Roey, a competent finger style, nylon string guitarist, performed a range of folk numbers most proficiently, but it was her duet, singing beautiful harmonies with husband Jim in a song called Sylvie, that I found most beguiling. They have assured me they will endeavour to put together some more duets blending Jim’s love of blues and Roey’s of folk. Good luck to them, we’ll look forward to any further showings for the Musos. Ian McLeod appeared at the Musos recently, so he wasn’t a newcomer for us, but he is certainly a memorable artist. His repertoire, rooted comfortably in 50s / 60s Rockabilly, features his stylish guitar playing and extraordinary vocal range - here is one singer for whom the falsetto register and yodelling is completely natural. His sets covered artists such as Frank Ifield, Rick Nelson, Slim Whitman and John Denver and included an original or two for good measure.
Noel Gardner appeared fresh from the rigours of last week’s mammoth Maleny Music Weekend which he directed, to share his birthday and the present which accompanied it, with us. It was a Big Foot stomp box and it soon made its mark in his Dreamtime song. He was hesitant to try it out in the other originals which were the feature of his set, but it is certainly a winner for him. Happy birthday Noel and congratulations on another hugely successful Maleny! Warren Freeman featured a world premiere of his original – Hanging by the Thread, in his set and he was joined by Lawrie White on harmonies in a few other songs, which Lawrie, joined by Greg on harmonica, followed with a bracket of his own. As always it was a pleasure to listen to them, as it was to hear Doug Pullen’s set with what are now some of his standard send ups which never fail to leave the audience chuckling in the aisles! Doug also did a wonderful job as Mr Bass sitting in with quite a few of the acts. With or without charts, he rarely puts a foot wrong. I filled out the afternoon with a couple of numbers including the Steve Winwood version of the English folk song John Barleycorn must Die. All in all it was a pleasant afternoon’s music for everyone with a nice ambience which included pastries, coffees and alcoholic drinks. Thanks as always to the Eudlo Hall Committee who put this repast together for us. The Musos is on again next Sunday at our Coffee gardens. We do hope some of can get along.
Michael
GLASSHOUSE MUSOS October 26, 2014
The glass was more than half full!
What a special day for the Musos this last Sunday with some top musicians playing in our coffee gardens. Doug Pullen, John High and I were the first cabs off the rack, but it was Scoobs Powell who for me was the initial excitement on this occasion with his 3 original songs. It’s true that I am always keen to hear an artist’s original work, and Scoobs’ That’s how it goes / faraway cars particularly stood out for me on a first listen from his short set. Cory Josland is an occasional guest at the Musos and what a delight it is to have him. I may be wrong but he seems to get better at each appearance. He has a warm and engaging voice with a very effective falsetto register, but it is probably his guitar playing which is the most striking part of his arsenal. Let’s face it, you have to be more than competent to take on Hendrix’s Red House with the acoustic guitar, and in this case Cory makes a little more room for himself with his expert use of the looper to give his solo playing that extra chance to shine. For those of you new to the looper it is a sampling or recording pedal which allows a performer to record something live and then play it back and play along with it. And take it from me, it is a heck of a lot of fun for the performer!
Ian Williams followed Cory and there was no lowering of the standard that had been established. Ian featured originals in his bracket and for good reason as he is an outstanding song writer - his Suicide Bomber Kiss is up there with the best as far as I am concerned. Danica and Klaeton appear every few months at the Musos and are always a hit with our audience. Danica is just magic as a singer (you can literally hear a pin drop when she is on stage) and she is such a petite young lady that the ukulele appears to have been built just for her. Klaeton of course is no slouch as a singer guitarist and then you add that special “front man” quality he brings to the stage and you have to agree that these two really are a class act. Percussionist Mike Duggan joined them for one number and certainly lifted the occasion. It was a pleasure to have them all on stage for us at this special event.
The star of today’s Musos of course was to be the Matt Glass trio, on tour from Victoria to promote their new album, The Spaces in Between. Consisting of Matt on vocal, harmonica and guitar, Aaron Allen on backing vox and mandolin and Leif Holland on bandolin, viola and backing vox, they are certainly an inspiring act. I hadnt heard Aaron Allen before but what a find he is with his superb backing vocals (how every lead singer longs for such as this) and his fine mandolin playing which wonderfully complements the strumming of the guitar. Couple this with Matt’s very catchy songs, and Lief’s rich caramel textures on the viola and it makes for a captivating aural experience. This was a Musos worth catching and the full house on the day really appreciated it. Thank you to all our performers for bringing so much of yourself to this event.
We’re on again next Sunday at Eudlo Hall. Hope to see some of you there.
Michael