song in space

and continuing on the journey of unearthing church-ly delights
another example of this bands ability to boldly go where no others dare
space-rock - a bit of a self-imposed definition of some of their music
my interpretation of that is simply psychedelia meets guitar-rock
i gather groups such as hawkwind are the pioneers of the sound
but the church in their usual style do it their own unique way
this clip fresh to these eyes - never seen on any tv show
probably played once on rage at 4:00am one sunday morning
but youtube to the rescue again and seen 13,000 times plus
it's a few years old now but that is totally irrelevant
putting aside a few tunes (mostly off their first album)
every tune they have recorded as timeless as is possible
a big call i know but please - think the beatles
they got lucky - they turned twee into pop
took the crowd with them and kept experimenting
helped not insignificantly by the man and his machine
imploded after a few great albums and seemingly now untouchable
but for me - thanks but nearly 40 years of recycling is way too much
there's this other band that has churned out far more material
and most importantly - they still do - and still sound fresh
imagine there's no beatles - it's easy if you try
no hell below us - above us only - space -
- rock - the church - song in space
another timeless classic

rokia traore youtube

some time tonight spent reviewing the photo archives
including hundreds of them taken at womadelaide this year
a bit of an interest in preserving and documenting memories
so usually at a show a couple of minutes of rapid-fire shooting
in the hope that there is one photo at least worth preserving
not guaranteed given the amateur photographer and equipment
on a beautiful sunday night rokia traore wowed the crowd
i got a few good shots in then flicked the camera to movie mode
the result being a low quality film of a high quality show
i'd actually forgotten about this until it popped up tonight
watched it a couple of times and decided it's not too bad
certainly in comparison to many other youtube posted videos
what my little effort does is show why she is so special
the voice, the music, the dancing, the beauty all on display
the crowd totally in to the show and grooving away in front
not sure how this will look and sound to anyone else
but i reckon i'll re-visit it on the odd occasion
probably when needing a rokia or womadelaide fix
or most likely some ego-tripping on youtube
a nice feature there containing uploads
what fun - goofing off on the internet
though nowhere as good as live music
long may it last - go rokia - she great

the international

sometimes a bit of compromise is required
a decision made tonight to go and see a film
my teenage companion pushing for something fast and furious
my preference for something the polar opposite of that one
so an agreement to meet in the middle with the international
memories of clive owen in children of god still resonating
naomi watts last seen in the rather thinly painted veil
reviews, trailers, etc meaning not too much is expected
though mention of plot complexities in several reviews
means i am concentrating on the dialogue in the opening scenes
a want to stay with or understand the plot as best i can
clive owen and naomi watts play new-york based interpol agents
he is officer louis salinger - she his boss eleanor whitman
good-looking, moralistic, squeaky clean - the goodies
he is in berlin with a companion liasing with a snitch
part of a large european bank with ties to the underworld
corrupt governments, arms dealers, etc also major clients
so the heads of this bank are clearly defined as the baddies
and quite easy to accept given the state of our real world
suspiciously salingers companion has a fatal heart attack
shortly after the snitch dies in a mysterious car accident
and so salinger moves into high gear to get to the truth
bolding striding into enemy territory within impressive buildings
the action leaping all over europe as he goes about his work
with the architecture of berlin, luxembourg, milan, lyon on display
it's a fairly rapid ride as the banks dealings are revealed
leading to the assassination of a future prime minister in milan
this giving more opportunity for salinger to go harder and deeper
this man is on a mission and nothing is going to get in his way
yep - he has morphed into a james bond / jason bourne character
sidelining all other characters as his impossible mission unfolds
not only that but he is a man of steel dodging bullets with ease
emerging unscathed from a long shoot-out in the guggenheim
there's no damsals in distress but there's a hint of romance
our 2 stars being professional yet setting it up for something
the long tear-filled gazes, the gentle touching, the lonely lives
the climax of this film however is some action in istanbul
another city introduced with some impressive aerial shots
the action within the walls of the sultan ahmed (blue) mosque
some shady dealing, eavesdropping, a murder and then a chase
this one taking place across the rooftops around the mosque
so again and consistently some stunning architecture on display
in the end of course salinger gets his man - the head of the bank
cut - that's a wrap - now close it out with a set-up for part 2
multiple online news articles displayed regarding the (bad) bank
showing they continue on their devious ways all over the world
blatantly setting it up for salinger to continue his crusade
besides - the girl - we're all hanging out for that conquest
there's only 1 thing getting in his way i would suggest
bums on seats - if not enough that's it for salinger
but given the success of other films of this genre
i'd say that's not the last we see of this pairing
but for me - that would be enough i think
still - a good compromised viewing

the wrestler

too many good reviews can sometimes be a good thing
here making an unappealing subject an appealing film
american pro-wrestling not at all anything i give time to
just too contrived, primal, manipulated, senseless for my liking
when i heard about this film the first reaction was to steer clear
but there's been unanimous positive reviews and academy awards
on this night in this town there's a limited choice of films
so the prejudices are sidelined and the mind is opened
the film itself opens with an overview of the main man
randy 'the ram' robinson at the top of his game 20 years earlier
a long scan of newspaper clippings revealing his past glories
so cleverly no need to waste time and effort portraying early days
for it's the here and now that this film is concerned with
he's still trying to eek out a living as a professional
mickey rourke well beefed up and very muscular
looking very much the part of a wrestler past his prime
giving out advice and receiving respect from his companions
also some scenes of the wrestlers planning matches
then pushing things to the physical edge in the bouts
giving the small crowds value for money for their entertainment $
he's quite sweet on a stripper in a local club played by marisa tomei
there are some parallels here too - she also at the end of her career
and a clear reminder that especially in america work is mandatory
in this case both using and punishing their bodies for the crowds
the ram pushes it too far and ends up in hospital after a heart attack
is advised to give it all away and he wisely takes this advice
but he finds it difficult to operate in the real world
he is forced to take whatever part time work is available
with some quite funny scenes in a supermarket deli
he decides to make contact with the daughter he abandoned
her initial and sad reaction is in turn to reject his overtures
then in some touching scenes they are drawn close and all seems good
but then rejection by cassidy the stripper affects him profoundly
leading to him again messing up the relationship with his daughter
and a decision to once again return to his comfort zone in the ring
so it's a very simple storyline at work in this film
this is a good thing in this no-nonsense story
everything that happens is quite believable
my thinking this could be an american foreign film
slice of life stuff without the gloss or glamour
though the climax had me squirming a bit in my seat
there's just a couple of naff lines that spoil it
him - i don't want to be out there alone in the real world
her - but i'm here now - i mean - i'm really here now
not so much the lines but the delivery falling a bit flat
and then the film wraps quite unexpectedly and without resolution
ah - but - intentionally or not (doubt it) setting up for the wrestler 2
the cynic in me seeing strong parallels with the rocky series
from memory the first in that series was a good film too

aura

and presenting the second part in the series of classic church tunes
the church - them being the best band in the world by a few light years
this clip not an official church endorsed music vid but a youtube discovery
some seriously creative fan has put together and posted this video
being a bunch of literally fantastic images suited to the music
i watched it through once and thought it was quite interesting
then as usual once is not enough with this exceptional tune
so an immediate second viewing drew me in further and deeper
now it's on repeat play and forever linked to this tune
it may not be official but i'd say it would be approved
aura is the opening track off the album priest = aura
released in 1992 and still sounding as fresh as...
the tune itself being 7 minutes of genre-defining glory
a lovely orchestral introduction and an ear-piercing outro
in-between a melodic bassline, singing guitars, cracking drums
stunning production from scottish wunderkid-at-the-time gavin mackillop
mr kilbey delivering up his sublime poetry-lyrics as uniquely as ever
such lyrics seemingly having an influence on the video producer
the imagery of the words strongly linked to the clip visuals
this one is travelling with me to the desert island
another in a long list of church ageless classics
and now with a clip allowing similar repeat play
happy birthday to me - thank-you sunshine and spirit

two places at once

gems from the best band in the world part 1
the church - been cranking out fine music for 28 years now
have out-lasted, out-delivered, out-played, out-everything all others
in 1993 they called it a day - not sure why but it's not 'musical differences'
i'd be willing to suggest that the man over-promised and totally under-delivered
thankfully 2 of the core members kept the name alive and delivered sometime anywhere
an album of stunning music free of the shackles of contracts, expectation and familiarity
leading to an eventual reform of the band with a freedom still permeating today
an album released in 2009 with the joyous sound of independence dominant
but - rewind to 1994 - this track the sound of a new future possibility
this clip is quite sublime - the images and lyrics perfectly matched
recorded in mexico cutting between band-of-2 performances and storyline
the suggestion of ghosts in the tune conveyed brilliantly in the video
but the music - strings, guitars, choruses, gentle, rock-out, etc, etc
a staggering reminder of all that is possible in contemporary music
15 years later and they're still trailing a blaze musically
long live the church says this long-time hard-core fan
but for now - two places at once - is beautiful

carl dewhurst trio

sunday night now locked in as a visit to bohemian grove
a space 2 flights up in the industrial part of surry hills sydney
pay the dollars down pick a comfy seat and let go to what may follow
tonight's performance is a return visit by the carl dewhurst trio
the first act in the history of the venue to make such a return
indicating that variety has been a factor since the venue opened

still a bit of a struggle crowd-wise - tonight sees 15 or so punters
i've seen each of the musicians in this group in other outfits
the main man carl dewhurst one half of noise-makers showa 44
seen using his guitar to make noises a guitar should not make
so tonight i was thinking it could be more of the same with a trio
cameron undy on 5-string electric bass seen also recently

memories of a patchy gig with his 20th century dog combo
james hauptman on drums last seen with translators
he providing the necessaries to allow that band to shine
one good thing about the bohemian grove is lack of pretence
the musos show up, set up, plug in and away they go
no need for sound-check (no pa) or other malarkey
today it took about 15 minutes from whoa to go
3 musicians walk in, set up and then proceed to have fun
it just so happens there's an audience at this low-key gig
the opening tune as expected is the settling in period
though this band seems very familiar with it's material
ditto with each other as they quickly settle into a groove
carl dewhurst's guitar dominating as would be expected
it's not rock, it's not blues, it's not jazz, it's not funk
though the sound something like where they all converge
cameron undy's funk-bass and effects also very distinctive
to me it's a kind of 60's/70's american underground sound
very comparable to that heard recently on a compilation cd
so i'm very much enjoying being witness to their sound
a bunch of original tunes played very confidently yet loosely
almost a jam session feel but with it a known structure
the 3 musicians retaining constant eye contact to hold that
carl dewhurst has a unique and very solid guitar style
at one point an image of eric clapton popped into my head
which lead me to thinking i could be watching early cream
a great guitar-bass-drums instrument-only blues-rock sound
with an echoey sound in this room that could be of that era
and so from that i'm thinking what an aural treat this is
which of course then leads to why not more people?
this is not some obscure avant-garde improvised noise-fest
(not that there is anything wrong with that to these ears)
this band is fresh, talented, giving and very listenable
the small crowd very much into what they put out
they too seeming well satisfied with their night's work
looking forward to seeing them on a bigger stage soon

summer hours

confession - juliette binoche can do no wrong in these eyes
put her in a film - any film - and i'm there with rose-tinted glasses on
seems i'm not alone though - one david stratton for one at least also besotted
an interview by him of her on his tv show putting this film on the must-see list
in this film she plays adrienne, sister to 2 brothers frederic and jeremie
they and their families are visiting their mother on her 75th birthday
the film opening with children running through the country property
a joyous time for all spoilt by death-wish instructions from mother
she stating the family home will need to be sold when her time comes
valuable furniture and artwork is to be sent to the musee d'orsay
mother's uncle was a famous artist previously sharing the house
so there is national cultural interest in the pieces in the house
soon after mother does in fact pass away so it's decision time
oldest brother frederic the only one not wanting to sell
there's impassioned arguments articulated from the 3 siblings
and for me the feeling that the family may be torn apart
this dispute then becoming the central theme of the film
used as a means to expose the personalities of the siblings
and at the same time demonstrating the fine art of problem resolution
impressively and believably done with no damage to relationships
leading me to think that it may well be a cultural thing
that family, respect, decency overrides all other matters
as this problem is being resolved we learn more of the mother
there is a secret involving her relationship with her famous uncle
her long-time housekeeper adds some gentle humour to the film
and back in new york a there's a brief cameo by kyle eastwood
playing the part of adriennes supportive boyfriend in her home city
i found i was completely absorbed with this quite gentle film
i kept bracing myself for some unexpected turn, shock or twist
but no such thing - it's another case of slice of (french) life stuff
though in this case it is enriched with some emphasis on art
a subtle education as paintings, vases, and furniture is discussed
particularly with several relevant scenes in the musee d'orsay
the film goes full circle with the climax back in the family home
(older) children again seen enjoying the freedom of the property
some long single-take scenes focussing on one grand-daughter
and a quiet revelation by her that could easily be missed
but cleverly demonstrating the connection of generations
in the end juliette binoche was not the major player
just another member of a typical extended family
dealing with typical family issues and problems
typical french-film making really - love it

sandy evans trio

part 2 of the trio of trios over the 3 days of this weekend
sandy evans is the shining star of the australian contemporary music scene
much is made of the fact that she is a woman working in a male dominated area
she overcame that decades ago and now is an extraordinary composer and musician
at least 2 of her other permanent groups are personal must-see favourites of mine
ten part invention and gest8 are both large groups that rely on her playing and composing
tonight is the first time i have seen her in a much smaller numbered lineup
a similarly slimmed-down brett hirst her choice of musician on standup bass
toby hall also looking trimmer than last seen appointed to take care of drums
i didn't know what to expect musically tonight apart from some quality playing
a chance for sandy to fly off freely in any direction she chose to go
this confirmed in the first part of the first tune titled 3 channels
the 3 of them immediately hard at work on their respective instruments
randomly and furiously played to somehow make a coherent absorbing sound
sandy then counting them in as the tune morphed into one with beat and noise
lucky me down the front feeling totally as one with their early connection
brett hirst looking in transcendence as his eyes locked on to something middle distance
toby hall playing as though possessed and delivering up a vast array of sounds
his ability to do this without over-powering the music a most impressive skill
it's a great start with sandy crediting the composer as sydney based eddie bronson
then a change in style as sandy talks briefly about her recent trip to india
flicks the switch on some electronic device and we're now in that part of the world
brett hirst then impressively playing solo bass with a matching eastern feel
sandy then picking up her soprano saxophone to work in a compatible sound
me thinking how lucky we all are to hear the results of her musical adventure
another case of world experiences infusing compositions and coming out in music
sandy always ready to push the musical envelope out of the comfort zone
and i suspect teaming up with musicians willing and able to do the same
after only 3 tunes i was completely mesmerised by this trio
all thoughts of a likely night of fine jazz standards now gone
this group prepared to take on all the risks of live performance
the challenge of playing relatively unfamiliar and complex music
but knowing that given the right circumstances it can be exhilarating
tonight it all came together - assisted in a small part by the audience i hope
it's not often at this venue that complete silence is given over
the sometimes annoying applause for solos dissipated
with some relief allowing the musicians to concentrate fully
some recent reading suggesting this is the preference of musicians
in the second set sandy continued to announce and talk about her music
2 tunes in particular again highlighting sandy's nature inspirations
the triumphant arch a new tune dedicated to the beauty of rainbows
followed by sunshine on tears also inspired by that natural occurrence
by now the band in full flight with each musician inspired by each other
the on-stage body language and chat confirming full contentment
the big one for me in the final set a tune back-announced as sa-ha
another indian-inspired piece of slow, superb, saxophone-playing
various movements giving each of the trio time to let loose
all contained within the beautiful feel of this quite dreamy piece
all too soon the night winding up with another local tune
sandy paying her respects to her peer mr bernie mcgann
his tune scatology a rousing ensemble piece ending the night
an audience laying on loud and long applause for this superb band
2 down 1 to go - gotta love the trio format - next.......

browne hannaford anning trio

complex, simple, aggressive, delicate, triumphal, dazzling, acerbic and engaging
so read the writeup from sima for this melbourne trio
on tonight at the sound lounge - part 1 of a 3 part series
a personal plan to get to see 3 trios over 3 nights this weekend
there is something quite engaging about a group of 3
jazz, rock, blues, alternative - whatever the genre
an equality and inter-dependence the factors at work
like a 3-legged stool - take one away and down it comes
well a simplistic theory and better analysed by those more qualified
i just know that musically when it works it works really well
so if this outfit can deliver on the promise it will be memorable
alan browne is a legendary figure in the australian jazz scene
has established labels, lectured, toured internationally, supported locally
mentors, teaches, records, writes poetry, books and music
has a permanent monday night residency at bennetts lane
i've never seen him in action so tonight i'm parked in front of his drumkit
both he and his band are given a reverential introduction by the m c
the word most memorably used to describe them is formidable
in the middle of the stage is award-winning bass player sam anning
over the left on the beautiful yamaha c7 piano is marc hannaford
as they work their way into the first tune the promise seems real
it strikes me they are playing structured music with confidence
this is not improvised or as often is the case based on skills and sheet music
each knows precisely what each other is doing and how it all locks together
the musical ball being tossed around a bit as each member is highlighted
alan browne himself with a kit that may well have been with him for 40 years
there's no doubt he loves playing and it seems also so with this outfit
they also seem in a bit in awe of his presence and visually deferring to him
he assumes role of spokesman and takes time between tunes to talk to us
graciously thanks his hosts, his band and his audience and moves on
this and his music means i find myself transported over the next few tunes
a feeling that i am witnessing a quite classic form of jazz music
confirmed by the back announcements of the composers they are referencing
thelonious monk, duke ellington, louis armstrong, bud powell amongst them
at times the music is gentle, melodic and with a beautiful piano sound
marc hannaford without fuss demonstrating classic (classical?) style
sam anning anchoring things precisely or using the bow to great effect
alan's browne quite loud drumming dominating when he fires up
his style and proximity almost drowning out the other music
but this is ok for someone like me who embraces volume and noise
the end of the first set confirming that the now full house is also happy
in the second set there are 2 tunes that stood out amongst the others
a quite moving, beautiful rendition of an ella fizgerald tune titled solitude
and another duke ellington piece entitled black and tan fantasy
allan browne happy to acknowledge his love of this one after 40 years
and for me equally happy to be given a lesson in classic jazz
it's a long, structured piece that heads off into a blues feel
at the conclusion there are 3 very happy musicians on stage
and an audience that has been witness to some superb music
the aforementioned program writeup pretty well spot-on
complex, simple, aggressive, delicate, triumphal, dazzling, acerbic and engaging