sandy evans trio

i doubt if there is a harder working musician than sandy evans
the bands she is a current and founding member of includes -
ten part invention, gest8, the catholics, snap and australysis
she teaches, guests, composes, plays and tours frequently
one day she will be the subject of a feature film or a book
certainly at least a cover story in the smh good weekend
and then everyone will finally get out and see her perform
but until then - there are about 20 of us at tonight's show
she's here tonight in trio mode with toby hall and brett hirst
i had the great fortune of seeing them only a month or so ago
as with all (but one) of her other groups - see them every time
a walk into an empty room and the trio are in final preparations
feeling a bit of an interloper as she runs them through the tunes
another reason to respect this performer - she respects us
she takes nothing for granted - least of all her audience
and sure enough when they fire up it's serious music
a long slow number demanding concentration from all
didn't catch the name but presumably another new piece
sandy evans being one of the most prolific composers around
but then it's back in familiar territory as the drone is fired up
and sandy then introduces a distinctly indian influenced tune
she says she has been studying indian music lately with difficulty
still trying to find her way in she says - could have fooled me
the influence clear to hear with sandy now on soprano sax
think snake-charmer and add in compatible percussion
as eastern sounding as is possible with drums/bass/sax
and then another change in direction with a jovial tune
leprechaun sam and his annoying frequencies - or something
a tune with lots of stop-start activity requiring skilled playing
there are various other tunes of equal impressive musicianship
sandy taking the time to announce and explain her sources
which is something i always enjoy about her performances
her talk is always informative and always cheerful and gracious
tonight in particular she is most grateful to us and her hosts
thankful for the opportunity to play for us at this venue
me thinking how lucky are we to see this trio intimately
they being in-demand internationally at large festivals
tonights show ending with some guests joining the trio
a violinist and 2 saxophone players now playing with them
sandy mostly looking on with pride as they make the most of it
i believe they are students of hers and they all do her proud
a rousing finale with the 6 of them playing long and loud
matching applause as the tune and performance winds up
all of us conscious that we have seen a great show
the band themselves obviously also happy
...another fine musical sunday night

tulpan

a cautious approach to this film from kazakhstan
various film-goers branding it as boring, worst-ever, etc
margaret and david much kinder and more influential
the film opens with the main character performing
trying to impress tulpan's parents with his sea stories
he exaggerating beyond belief, they bored witless
apparently she is not interested - his ears are too big
tulpan is never seen but remains central to the film
as askhat then resumes life at home on the steppes
he is staying with his sister, husband and young family
the eldest boy obsessed with his radio and the outside world
the middle child a girl with the need to sing at every opportunity
the youngest child a toddler constantly moving and hitting things
a lot of the film showing the father tending to his flock of sheep
the size of his herd a sign of his success in this barren place
but it's hard, unforgiving work - most lambs are stillborn
animals in a way taking a major role in this film
some hilarious scenes with some cavorting donkeys
and a camel that has followed a visiting vet for 100km
despairing with it's calf perched on his motorcycle's sidecar
a funny scene in itself and worthy of a single long take
many like this effectively showing the isolation of this place
sandstorms and even tornadoes frequent visitors as well
askhat has a friend with a ramshackle vehicle and some obsessions
mainly photos of women's breasts and the music of boney m
more hilarious scenes whenever boni visits in his jalopy
at one point me thinking it could be scene from mad max
totally unintentional i'm sure but similar characters and settings
the dilemma for askhat is that he cannot win the heart of tulpan
his sailor background not working and he is not a herdsman
and as such is held in disdain by his brother-in-law
though his sister loves him dearly - another sad moment
as askhat decides to leave with his friend to travel the world
some unforgettable scenes as he heads off in the dust
but he recognises the love of his sister and decides to stay
all in all a very simple storyline but that is the appeal
these people are leading very simple lives in this place
one heart-wrenching scene showing the birth of a lamb
the real deal here - nothing acted, faked or implied
we all hoping desperately it will be one that will survive
especially as it is askhat that has found it and has to assist
so a turning point in his own life as he passes this test
all very moving really - and so appropriate in the film
the whole experience of the entire film quite touching
anybody who found it boring is not looking very hard
there is so much going on - and also much to learn
me thinking this is how life is for a lot of people
leading simple lives in a harsh environment
we've got a lot to be thankful for...

state of play

film night tonight - down to a choice of 2
another bleak, sad, true, long, rated world war 2 flick
and a colourful, happy, fictional, brief, rated local rom com flick
having trouble deciding which way to go and then problem solved
at a nearby theatre is this latest russell crowe flick - state of play
as fate would have it i saw the man interviewed on tv last night
clean-shaven, hair-cut, suit-dressed on david letterman's show
doing the promo thing for this film and doing it very well
so i decide to go for the middle ground and see russell
the film is set in politics-infested washington d c
an opening sequence reminding me i'm in hollywood
there's car crashes, a chase, and a couple of shootings
cut to cal mcaffrey (crowe) the slob on the way to work
no effort spared telling us he's untidy, slovenly and uh-oh
country music blasting in his beat-up 1990 saab - so un-cool
but he's a reporter of the old vintage at the washington globe
well connected - mates with everyone - can pull favours
his college room-mate (of course) is now a congressman
taking on the evil empire of pointcorp (read blackwater)
the congressman's research assistant and lover has been killed
and so erstwhile reporter come detective mcaffrey is on the case
way too many plots and sub-plots to describe in this rave
but - surprisingly - it's all quite easy to keep up with it
which probably sees something for the director
or more so i think for how contemporary it all is
all manner of things going on that are close to reality
for one the replacement of journalism with e.g. blogging
the rise of the mercenary army another - i.e. blackwater
doing big things in iraq and afghanistan but warning bells
the real intention is to privatise homeland security - huge $
so i sat there thinking hooray for crowe, affleck and producers, etc
it's only a flick but good on america for letting this reality jolt out
bringing to mind a few interviews done with ben affleck
he previously an outspoken critic of george w bush
lately an outspoken supporter of barack obama
but also stating that the best he can do is act
use his skills, profile and beliefs to tell the story
but then hey it's just a story - and with a real motive
bums on seats for one and recoup the costs of production
russell crowe, ben affleck and helen mirren do not come cheap
but - value for money - they have all provided it here
it's a great contemporary yarn told convincingly
stand by and watch as the newspapers roll over
the closing scenes in the film reminding us of that era
the manufacturing process of broadsheets shown in detail
a sort of ode to days gone by with the new order now in
here's hoping their other warning does not come to pass
pointcorp - blackwater - a privatised army
gulp - this film sounds the bells
hope someone is listening....

the darts

excitement factor through the roof on this one
the 505 club's weekly email advising of this show
melbourne supremo trumpeter scott tinkler is in town
good enough - but teamed up with sydney supremo phil slater
add in the equally revered simon barker on drums and percussion
joined by highly respected local steve elphick on double bass
the thought of this combo in itself worth the price of entry
another full house for the 505 club this monday night
so i'm one of the floor-huggers but pillar-leaning
ready for shrieking dual trumpets to do their utmost
a quite gentle lead-in with phil slater shutting down the chatter
mr tinkler accepting the invitation and joining in and contrasting
the 2 best trumpet players in the land about to go exploring
bring it on i say - punishing and stabbing sounds is what i want
stage left and right 2 trumpets of similar looking vintage
held and played as though magnets of equal polarity
the first tune indicating what is likely to follow
the instruments not locking in harmonically
one occasionally shadowing the other as close as it gets
otherwise there's a sense of the surreal with their sounds
surely it is a rare thing to hear their equal in the same band
each trumpeter seeming to revel in the others inventiveness
each no doubt inspired by - but also complementing the other
a very slight nod from scott tinkler giving praise to phil slater
before he lets rip with some screaming stabs of sonic bliss
in the engine room simon barker is quietly stoking things
mostly with eyes closed as he himself soaks it all up
zoning in to add all manner of percussive noises
scraping and tapping cymbals, dragging drum on drum
a complete show in itself just watching his unique style
steve elphick seen by me for the first time improvising
his bass playing very deep and singular - then out with the bow
held low and flat and making the bass itself sound like a trumpet
phil slater seen blowing his trumpet but with air noise only
several minutes of this and a totally credible sound
convincing me this outfit is now riding this show big time
then all in with the 4 players obviously lost to the sound
it's not only us that realise this is a superb performance
5 or 6 pieces in total - all improvised - all outstanding
at one point me hoping they just keep playing
however it's all over before we know it
though there's a real charge in the air
everyone buzzing with excitement
including the many musicians in attendance
a great night for the audience, band and peers
the darts - hopefully this gathering not a once only

defiance

another second world war film on the big screen
this one has daniel craig on loan from james bond duties
it's also based on a book of a true story set in belarus
the film opens with what appears to be archival footage
some grainy black and white heart-wrenching scenes
jewish families being torn apart by the invading nazis
and then a smooth transition to panavision colour
2 brothers discovering the horror that has visited
all in their village massacred - including their parents
they head for the hills to avoid certain death themselves
apart from the nazis the local police are now anti-semitic
there's a bounty on offer for any jews that are reported
and so the scene is set for this sad but true story of survival
as the word spreads more jews turn to them for protection
in turn the brothers enlist the help of a russian resistance group
one brother zus (liev schreiber) wants to fight the germans
meanwhile tuvia (daniel craig) believes survival is paramount
and so the film neatly divides into 2 stories of the brothers
they angrily go their separate ways with tuvia now in charge
most of the film is spent with him and his burgeoning followers
digging in for the harsh winter of 1941 with little food and shelter
tempers flaring at times as hunger and sickness dominates
some pre-viewing reading had warned me to be prepared
various critics complaining about heavy-handed direction
lack of subtlety and hammering home of points mostly
which meant i was probably looking more than usual for fault
but all i found was a bit of unconvincing ensemble acting at times
scenes with a lot of the refugees involved mostly too rehearsed
bringing to mind on several occasions a feeling of live theatre
also at times the serious music score just too over-played
otherwise i was very moved by the story and the acting
daniel craig totally convincing in his role as king of the jews
biblical references not out of place in this desperate situation
but tuvia is not perfect - at times his actions quite confronting
leading me to thinking how would i react in his situation
no answer there - too much to contemplate really
after nearly 2 hours the film builds to a climactic finale
some very realistic war scenes as the germans track them down
tank shells and grenades exploding across the theatre's sound system
and it's brother zus to the rescue and another retreat into the woods
where they hid out for another 2 years while the war continued
as the credits rolled some photos of the brothers are shown
with a few more facts about their post-war lives
an astounding story of courage really
and done so well in this fine film

trio apoplectic (live)

casting the memory back to a friday night only 2 weeks ago
in this case being the random access memory found in the digital camera
take it to the show - take a few shots in rapid succession during 1 tune
then run the battery down in movie mode - who knows - it may be good
on this particular night trio apoplectic were in superb form
celebrating the release of their second album titled sofia
2 sets of music that had at least this fan spellbound
not alone though - a captivated audience throughout
full respect and attention as the tunes were played
loud and enthusiastic applause as they concluded
a very memorable night of music and a new cd in hand
a few quite ok photos taken of this young band at work
my musical intuition telling me they are the real deal
not following, leading, competing, honouring, needing
just pure music played with a sense of total freedom
total respect for the art itself and willing to explore
this coming through loud and clear in the new album
a collection of tunes sounding just so fresh
osmosis working as the album is repeat played
my feeling - with total prejudice of course
they will go as far and as wide as they desire
but - huh - lucky me - their first youtube clip
this one will appear in some future documentary
evidence of the band in their formative early years
left to right dave jackson able cross alex masso
trio apoplectic - see 'em while you can i say

constant in opal

ok - more of the church - best band in the world part 4
my own humble opinion of course but not alone at all there
5 star reviews rolling in consistently for their latest and greatest
so the stars have finally aligned to give this band deserved plaudits
if it wasn't for barack obama you'd hardly believe it was possible
but his election shows to go that good things can still happen
that despite all the bullshit, resentment and apathy
there's still the hope that mediocrity can be overcome
i've been hanging on to this band through thuck and thin
first encountered them way back in 1982 - ancient history
loved them from the first note of the first tune of their second album
an affinity to their sound, attitude, originality and consistency
that being an inate ability to connect to another dimension
they standing between us and a realm we can only dream of
a connection to another place beyond our mundane lives
music being that which provides the means to escape
the church holding that door open and waving us through
constant in opal - typical kilbey-esque word-playing
this tune from an ep released way back in 1984
did they know back then it would take 25 years
doubt it - but shrug - it not matter at all
for me they have provided inspiration
what is that popular expression again?
integrity, integrity, integrity
thanks chasps - love your work

live in london

the title of a new leonard cohen dvd
recorded mid 2008 before his recent tour
but presumably the same band and material
this live concert at the humongous o2 arena
most famously used last year by zed leppelin
now i must confess i am not a hard core fan
only lately getting into him with dear heather
a very good album released a few years back
his recent concerts receiving universal praise
tonight it was decided to watch a music dvd
current hosts well set up home theatrically
so an easy decision to indulge in this concert
the action opening with the man coming on stage
a huge ovation from a huge crowd at this huge venue
leading to some concern about how this is going to work
his material as far away from stadium rock as you can get
but cleverly the director has a means to nullify that
keep it close - very close - the close-ups reign
so we get to see every line on his craggy face
which also means we can monitor the sincerity
and there's plenty of that coming from him
every note of every tune sung emotionally
and clearly too - the lyrics easy to decipher
the sheer poetry of his songs there for the taking
so for me as a late convert this is working very well
and then there is the band - perfect for the material
the hammond organ the standout instrument aurally
the chap on guitars and laud also of the highest quality
but the master-stroke is cohen's choice of backing singers
sharon robinson particularly held in high esteem by the man
similarly the gorgeous webb sisters just right on the night
lots of eye contact from the man as he looks on lovingly
graciously acknowledging all of those on stage with him
and in turn giving thanks to the large and excited crowd
the tunes - 25 of them in all including all the big ones
so long marianne, suzanne, hallelujah, tower of song
the banter between songs both humorous and telling
it’s been a long time since i’ve stood on a stage in london
it was about 14 or 15 years ago - i was 60 years old
....just a kid with a crazy dream
even at 2 hours the dvd is shorter than the show itself
but it is entirely captivating - total class throughout
and well suited to a large screen and speakers
a very pleasant saturday night in the country

chase the sun

literally actually - heading west as the sun sinks
an invitation to see this band playing way out west
the offer including ticket, food and accommodation
too good to pass up really so the journey is made
they're performing in a large community hall
a masonic lodge converted for live performance
the promoter and friend has done a good job
the locals out and in force and a near full house
first on the bill a singer-songwriter named cass eager
she in possession of a fine and strong blues voice
stunning guitar skills particularly on lap-slide
a very natural attitude and sassiness to match
next up is a chap in the new one man band mode
live looping - play a riff, tap a beat, record it
play it back repeatedly and repeat the process
so that a band sound can be created by one person
last seen at womad with maori lady mihirangi
tonight claude hay mixes in an electric sitar
an impressive blues-world-rock performance
chase the sun have a big reputation to live up to
they are billed as australia's best blues band
their opening tune a stunning acoustic guitar solo
a seated jan rynsaardt referencing some obvious heroes
robert johnson and eric clapton quickly coming to mind
with bassist and drummer then on stage it's no holds barred
this 3 piece producing a big, loud, clean blues-rock sound
various guitars swapped in and out to provide the variety
jan rynsaardt as lead vocalist meaning he's the man
solidly supported by ryan van gennip on bass
jon 'howler' howell tub-thumping with style
it's an impressive sound they crank out
70's rock blues guitar fresh energetic stuff
in a way nothing too original but still compelling
the mosh pit and the seated audience all enthusiastic
me - thinking i like it but once is probably enough
but then they play their trump card superbly
cass eager back on stage as lead vocalist
a female robert plant as they play rock 'n' roll
she looking the part with this tune in all its glory
lifting the band to a total new dimension
it's a cliche but born to be on stage she is
voice, looks, attitude, and now an amazing band
i don't recall ever seeing such a transformation
with her up front chase the sun can go anywhere
record company exec's will be tripping over tongues
stand aside wolfmother - here's the real deal
it shall be interesting to see how far they go
after gig discussions confirming my thinking
nice bunch of people too - very gracious
they deserve whatever success they enjoy
chase the sun - great name, great band

samson and delilah

the 5 star reviews are rolling in for this film
some saying every australian should go and see it
which was never said of the other australia film
it reached for epic-ness but was saved by simplicity
from what i read the aboriginal boy was the real star
in this film it's another aboriginal boy at the centre
the film opens with him rousing from his sleep
and oddly some american country music is playing
he struggles with his clothing and then takes his fix
his nose buried in a plastic container of petrol
stumbles outside picks up a guitar and thrashes away
jamming away with the drummer and bass-player
significantly he's wearing a birthday party t-shirt
so already we know music is a big part of his life
but this is big brothers guitar and mates in the band
so samson's turn on the guitar is aggressively cut short
over on the other side of town delilah is with her nana
she elderly, sickly and an accomplished indigenous artist
they sit quietly doing their dot-paintings together
delilah cooking, administering drugs and walking her nana
it's a very simple and quiet life everyone is leading
it's like groundhog day as the film goes through a few days
leading eventually to samson and delilah meeting up
some genuinely funny scenes featuring nana's comments
also some genuinely sad scenes as they are run out of town
alice springs is where they end up living under a bridge
he is still petrol-sniffing, she is still providing
so far there's not been a word spoken between them
which i put down to the atmospherics of the film
an intention to let their environment tell the story
the harshness of which is also shown with no punches pulled
delilah falls victim to some brutal and then accidental assault
sadly samson is so out of it he is oblivious to her plight
the weight of their situation fully on her young shoulders
apart from her own assault she witnesses a major scam
sees her nana's artwork being sold for astronomical prices
stirring an anger in her that transforms her personality
and a clear change in her attitude towards the townies
it's a sad and desperate situation the 2 friends are in
eventually however the authorities step in and assist
seeing the 2 relocate to delilah's isolated family shack
it smacks of happily-ever-after but it's not going to be
though there's a temporary reprieve in their hard lives
at which point we the audience can also take a breath
this film is so genuinely touching and presumably realistic
i know very little about the indigenous way of modern life
but everything seen in this film seems quite representative
showing the basic conditions in which aborigines are living
the effect of alcohol and petrol-sniffing on old and young
the entrenched violence within and visiting their communities
and yet the film is not preaching, begging or accusing
it simply shows it as it really is from the inside
which of course is why everyone should see it
apparently it's gathering momentum overseas
australia's answer to slumdog millionaire?
though this one stays very close to it's core
more like australia's answer to hollywood's australia
and yes - definitely worth the 5 star treatment

gerard masters trio

tonight was meant to be a trip on ze train
into the night to the current place of domicile
but oops connecting services letting me down
and so a 45 minute wait at central station - pass
wander up the road to the surry hills best indian
but oops an ammonia soaked floor too much to bear
a desperate owner literally chasing me for my business
the familiar next door foyer some respite from him
so music beats food - press the buzzer for admittance
into the graffitti infested foyer - into the lift and up we go
pay the $10 down and wander in as carl dewhurst winds up
but the place is packed - this place is definitely tres fashionable
it's dark, dank, and tippy-toey through the floor-dwelling throngs
but wait - spot the gap - a space on one of the few lounges here
'scuse me - do you mind if i sit down here - sure mate - go for it
at times like this i do appreciate the concept of twist-tops
scrounge a plastic cup and pour forth el cheapo red wine
survey the scene and plan an escape real soon now
between me and the band is a solid concrete column
totally blocking out one third of the trio now performing
but there's a direct view of main man gerard masters on piano
over on the right is evan mannell in charge of drums and percussion
behind the column is our host and bass-player cameron undy
me - convinced myself i have that gerard masters can't cut it
this based on one experience of a less than convincing show
an outfit at the time to me over-confident and under-rehearsed
so - sniff - i'm only here through a combination of circumstances
and sure enough the opening tunes not compelling in any way
the crowd showing indifference with many conversations also under way
try as i might i just can't invoke the required evil stares to shut 'em up
so yep i'm thinking the rarely used eject button may be required
after all - it's monday night - a train is waiting - should move on
but - but - but - gerard masters it seems has an intent to inform
and a mutual disdain for those that insist in blah, blah, blah
his barbed comments appropriate but most likely lost on 'em
so ok - i'm now with him and willing him on despite the crowd
the opening few tunes not doing much to win me over
no doubt about his keyboard skills and confidence
gentle is not his style - bang out those tunes
the rhythm department trying to keep up
yes - i'm certain it's good but it lacks something
soul i think - they are reaching but not grasping
i'm checking the time as gerard masters talks again
this time informing us of his admiration of swedish outfit est
the esbjorn svensson trio - the main man drowning 12 months ago
gerard masters has written a piece dedicated to them titled est
now we're talking - and what a musical transformation
this trio nails the sound of est respectfully and precisely
the fan in me very happy to hear that sound live
the band themselves now in a comfortable groove
and playing a few more tunes in a similar style
me - content - crowd - hushed - band - happy
the end of the set coming 15 minutes before train time
a dash for the door with a thanks to the man on the way out
onto the train into the night and well satisfied
funny how that invisible force works sometimes
nudging you in the right direction to the right place
me - totally enjoying that ride at the moment

simpatico

now it's getting serious - 2 of the stars of the local scene
paul cutlan on bass clarinet and andrew robson on tenor sax
this combo plays infrequently - both busy with other projects
my feeling is that the preference is to keep it short and sharp
one set only - played hard and fast and see you again sometime
a concise and precise introduction from andrew and into it
a promise of total improvisation throughout their performance
a sincere wish that we enjoy it as much as they are going to
these 2 have obviously found something sitting above skills
brilliant exponents of the combination of talent and freedom
in the opening tune they are both hard at it and letting rip
each musician well synced with the other without eye contact
rapid-fire playing with complementing sounds from both players
this is not gentle, smooth or nice - it's aggressive and demanding
requiring serious energy and commitment to sustain the sound
and it works - the bass clarinet perfectly suited to the alto sax
lower and upper register notes harmonising for a full sound
the pace of the tune changing in an instant and in unison
for me it's another riveting improvisation experience
that's me with my jaw dropped and eyes fixed
pinned to my comfy seat only a few metres away
the first tune winds up accurately with no obvious sign
2 musicians well happy with that effort and loud applause
a change of instrument for paul cutlan onto a standard clarinet
and with that a slower number but no less engaging
andrew using his alto to provide a looped bass effect
allowing paul to wander all over the place on the clarinet
and speaking of which - pet hate time once again
we had been warned that the performance would be filmed
fair enough - a great opportunity to record a moment in time
but grrrrr - these 2 cameramen went over the top
cameras up close, from below, from behind
and worst of all - standing right in front of me
total disregard for the audience and all about them
incensed i was - thankfully it was an exceptional performance
tempted to have a go at them but presumably they had permission
and a realisation that this set would find it's way to a video
shall be looking out for that - and all will be forgiven
live at the grove - has a nice ring to it actually
another satisfying sunday night of music

roman pulati band

back to the bohemian grove to lend support to this venue
a sunday-night-only operation trying to help musicians
run by a musician wanting to provide space for his peers
the word is not out yet so there's never a problem with seating
pick a lounge, a futon, a mik crate and cushion - or stand
then take in some fine music over a couple of sets
tonight 2 different acts are playing one set each
first up - the newly formed roman pulati band
he's the fellow in the centre on electric guitar
apparently he has played extensively overseas
including serious guitar schooling in the u s of a
this 5 piece band a nice balance of guitar/brass/drums
so the credentials are impressive enough - should be good
nope - not really - all kind of dull actually - too nice
maybe west coast jazz is all floaty, cruisey and safe
but down here it's not going to be taken seriously
there's way too much gutsy original stuff happening
mein host for example - he from wunderband trio apoplectic
an unbelievable performance from them 2 nights ago
tonight he's sitting next to me willing on his guests
he and i also wanting this to be a great performance
but it just doesn't get there - though they do try
some interesting brass arrangements in the mix
electric bass player and drummer both efficient
roman pulati himself obviously a talented guitarist
but this venue still has fresh memories of local heroes
carl dewhurst and james muller both having visited recently
tonight's performance not in the same league to these ears
and please mr pulati - talk to us - tell us something
a bit of history - a new beginning maybe - some inspirations
eventually the pregnant pauses between tunes got to him also
and a half-hearted attempt was made to provide some banter
but for me the damage had been done - boredom was in the house
a bit harsh probably but nice jazz does not cut it for me
they're not written off yet - just need to get more edge
or maybe find an audience that enjoys this style
one of those jazz cruise things back over in amerika
or accompanying an accomplished jazz style singer
that would work - shift the focus - play the music
nice try - now - moving on - next set please

let the right one in

something called twilight is getting all the attention
a book/film about teenage vampires - or something
this film bearing no relation except in subject matter
sweden - snow - cold - bleak - eerie - subdued - weird
the opening titles setting the scene quite convincingly
no music, no sounds, small lettering on a dark background
a very scandinavian looking boy out of focus against a window
armed with a serious looking knife with clear intentions to use it
me - feeling challenged and comfortably not numb about this
oskar is the subject of the school bullies and decidedly alone
until eli mysteriously appears after moving in next door
she is in the company of an older man who has a role
he is her provider - sustenance - in the form of blood
an early murder scene which has me squirming
nothing too gratuitous seen but all clearly implied
there's something literally chilling about blood and snow
though he botches it and has to incur the wrath of eli
a physically 12-year old girl who has it all over him
but she identifies directly with oskar and his aloneness
similarly he sees in her the companion he craves for
the empathy between them becomes the core of the film
the failure of her provider means she has to strike out
leading to deaths and disappearances in the neighbourhood
eli's pale skin, dark hair, black eyes and bloody lips striking
her actions leading to despair and fear in the community
and an awakening in oskar about his friend's special skills
there are some amazing scenes showing eli the vampire
the bleakness of the snow-covered city a perfect setting
we see her scurrying up the sides of buildings and trees
launching herself onto victims and disappearing quickly
classic vampire stuff but cleverly we don't see her as evil
as the bodies become discovered things get more complicated
threatening to expose oskar and eli's secret relationship
one thing she has taught oskar is to stand up for himself
and so he takes matters into his own hands with the bullies
which in turn leads to a confrontation at the indoor pool
and then for me some scenes that are almost farcical
i'm sure it wasn't intentional but it was laugh-out-loud
eli comes to oskar's rescue with over-the-top results
and in the final scene it is clear oskar is now the provider
i walked out of the theatre a little bit disappointed
for nearly 2 hours i had been totally held by the film
only to be released in what seemed an odd way
though - coming out into the now cold and dark night
warily pounding the back streets of darlinghurst
and alarmed as a young lady ran past and close by
had me jumping out my skin - relax - it was just a film
but like any good film it stays with you for a while
you the living and now let the right one in
2 swedish films of very similar themes
isolation, loneliness, empathy - love actually
though not your average love story - thankfully

trio apoplectic

it's favourite band time at the sound lounge tonight
well there's a few of them but this one certainly counts
saw them do a set at the same venue about a year ago
sharing the bill with another trio of young local jazz upstarts
and making an impression on me that has had me on the lookout
i attended the wangaratta jazz festival last year to see them again
their attendance there convincing me of their unique sound
tonight it's the official launch of their second album titled sofia
a decent crowd in attendance and me in the best seat in the house
looking forward this time to a couple of sets of fine music
sure enough they start up and are immediately engaging
in a way it's a fairly conventional lineup - sax, bass, drums
but then they have other things to add - youth, talent, enthusiasm
dave jackson on alto can't help attracting the most attention
for it's his sweet, singing, melodic style that makes their sound
able cross on standup bass his musical brother and master player
he similarly as fluid and melodic as can be on his instrument
alex masso on drums and percussion sitting tight and close
no need for flashiness here - precision playing filling it out
his other duty to provide the banter between blocks of tunes
which to me is quite an essential yet underrated component
done with grace, humour and brevity adding to a performance
certainly the case tonight as alex informs us of the music
they now have 2 albums to draw on and a few standards
one of them being the gorgeous what reason could i give
an ornette coleman tune last heard covered by another outfit
then led by a trumpet but tonight it's at home with an alto
dave jackson appropriately providing the emotion in spades
working with his bandmates to provide a unified sound
the silence factor confirming that this show is special
at times in gentle pieces like this the room was hushed
to me indicating every person tuned into the performance
with loud and generous applause as each tune concludes
the new tunes sounding original and played confidently
sofia - back-announced - me thinking it was a standard
holly and bobby - horses - sax playing of the highest order
details of how to get APOPLECTIC on your licence plate
a tune from the first album that allows lots of space
an up-tempo all-in anything-goes free-form number
dave jackson pulling all manner of sounds from his sax
able cross using a bow to great effect on his bass
alex masso bashing, crashing, tapping, flourishing
a move away from melody but still playing as one
every single tune different from every other
no mean feat in 2 hours of music from a trio
it's always good to see a unit having fun
even more so to recognise mutual respect
and the ultimate to sense something special
heart palpitations in one moving tune for me
a totally impressive and engaging performance
music as fresh and pure as you could hope for
their musical journey only just beginning....

the baader-meinhof complex

i'd seen the trailer for this one and was curious
then david and margaret both gave it high praise
tonight is opening night - about 10 of us there
so maybe terrorism has been done to death (ahem)
the film opens with some historical footage
showing a visit by the shah of iran to germany
journalist ulrike meinhof writes a scathing article
denouncing the shah's failure as a leader in iran
citing poverty, ill-health and the treatment of women
his visit leads to protests in the streets of berlin
which is met with a brutal putdown of the protesters
the violent thuggery of the attackers quite jarring
and a wake-up call - the alarm bells start ringing
for me personally that this film is going to be full-on
and historically for many that a fascist state may re-emerge
so this sparks more protests and the birth of the red army faction
under the leadership of the charismatic andreas baader
there is a very strong anti-american sentiment in the film
the vietnam war and american imperialism often mentioned
and again some very disturbing historical footage
carpet-bombing, napalm, executions all shown
and thus setting us up to accept the raf's ideals
that violence can only be confronted with more violence
and so the raf under the leadership of baader and meinhof go for it
a string of bombings and executions over a number of years
the film depicting these events with chilling realism
it's quite a rough ride during this extended part of the film
accuracy retained as victims and buildings are clearly identified
with a fine line between re-enactment and archive footage
a lot of time in the film is spent with the perpetrators
but without denouncing them it is suggested they over-react
at the same time the police are seen showing restraint
the chief of police depicted as a man of intelligence
wanting to understand the terrorists motives throughout
so this film is not taking sides - it is telling a story
as more students become radicalised the violence also extends
particularly when the leaders of the raf are arrested
and in turn more violence is used to coerce their release
the raf now seen to be linked to middle eastern terrorists
resulting in the hi-jacking of the lufthansa flight
and the murder of israeli athletes at the munich olympics
the film spends time showing the raf leaders in prison
a realisation that their cause has gotten out of hand
but still a stubborn determination to defy authority
resulting in appearances in court turning farcical
as large numbers of supporters also interrupt the process
phew - there's a lot going on in this epic film
2 and a half hours of violence, arguments and action
though at no point did i lose the plot (so to speak)
the relentless depiction of violence is exhausting
but i did feel like i had been delivered a lesson
not only in historical facts of major events
but also on what drives people to terrorism
and in turn how authority can react to that
so it's also a very contemporary film
and one that could be seen again...gulp

the boy in striped pyjamas

the title sounding like an adaptation of a children's story
far from it of course in this film of a book of the same name
the central character is a boy dressed in striped prison garb
the prison being an unnamed concentration camp in germany
some time is spent at the beginning of the film setting it up
with a senior nazi officer packing his family off to his new job
they unaware of his new role as commandant of the camp
there's some long and wide shots of life in wartime berlin
children playing, soldiers marching, jews being herded
the family seen to be from the top end of germany society
with a lavish party being thrown prior to their departure
the commandant's parents are seen at the party
he the proud militaristic father, she challenging the war
this the first sign of cracks in their authoritarian lives
it takes a few minutes to get used to the very english accents
as there is no attempt to authenticate the language
which means this is another in a series of similar films
valkyrie and the reader particularly also english based
but again no point being picky - so best go with it
a change of focus as the family moves to the country
their sterile home close to the camp he commands
some chilling shots of smoke from the chimney stacks
and a gradual but discernible effect on the family
as the father takes on the role of the tough and loyal leader
initially mother supports her husband until the truth comes out
she is horrified by their situation and is deeply affected
their daughter at 12 embraces the ideals of hitler youth
while the son - bruno - an explorer - befriends a jew
it's a secret friendship with schmuel who is in the camp
they sit, talk and play with the camp fence between them
their innocent 8 year old conversations are very moving
as they both try and figure out the world they are in
the action moves between here and life in the house
as bruno watches his family change before his very eyes
for it is through those eyes that this world is seen
very clever directing means we are totally empathetic
and the pacing of the film is also superb - just right
as it builds to a quite an emotional and stunning climax
which sees the 2 boys fall victim to the fathers crimes
and some quite unforgettable scenes inside the camp
assisted by some very sombre yet appropriate music
me - i was pinned to my seat as the credits rolled
a day later and it's still stuck in my head
this one is a war film with a difference
and given the state of our world today
also very contemporary - a must-see

laughing clowns

you could say ed kuepper is currently on a musical roll
the saints and the clowns both playing to large crowds
particularly at the all-tomorrows-parties festival in january
since then ed has been drafted by nick cave as a bad seed
which can only add an exciting dimension to a well loved band
on friday night the clowns played as part of the melbourne jazz festival
tonight is the second night of 2 sell-out shows at the basement
no promise of any further shows so the fans are out in force
a pleasant if not dated sound as warm-up by the lighthouse keepers
another independent band from the 1980's recently reformed
but there's a real charge in the air as the clowns come on stage
there's also some large cameras in place to record the show
the fan next to me in the know saying it's for live at the basement
it's an unrecognisable noisefest in the first tune - improvisation?
leading into their signature tune of laughing clowns
it's loud, it's clear, it's solid and they are superbly tight
which is almost a contradiction given that they are pseudo-jazz
but the rock component of form, chorus, beat and rhythm locks it in
after a couple of tunes there's a discerning feeling of unity
each member clearly giving their all and into the sound
alister spence on keyboards looking like an original now
a lot of time spent syncing his sounds with louise elliot
she on her large tenor saxophone playing faultlessly
convincing this novice that a player can have their own sound
leslie (biff) millar on the best looking stand-up bass around
whacking strings, all over the place, volume just right and solid
jeffery wegener again displaying his exquisite timing and restraint
capable at any point of launching into drum solo-ish histronics
but always instead choosing a single tap, crash or not to add the edge
as for edmund kuepper - he's the human lightning rod at the centre
is surrounded by a band of musical equals and an adoring crowd
but nothing is taken for granted - he is a committed performer
looking and sounding as one totally connected to his craft
clearly enjoying his time at the centre of his invention
each unique and classic tune played with total conviction
every one of them sounding utterly and totally contemporary
collapse board again the tune of the night for this big sop
again dedicated in my head to a departed friend and song-fan
a tune that i suspect that could not be played by anyone else
which in hindsight is probably true of most of their material
including the classic eternally yours which lives up to its reputation
every time i hear this one ed has worked out a new arrangement
tonight it's a quite loose, noisy, all-in introduction hinting at what is coming
and then when louise plays that riff it just about brings the house down
being at the end of the set means the calls for encores are loud
and the band duly obliges with another 3 fine tunes
wrapping up with bully in the town
just totally freakin' unbelievable
here's hoping there's more
nick cave - lucky man

new gold dream

this youtube thing continues to amaze and delight
you name it - there seems to be something for everything
not to mention a very clever tool that knows what you like
comes up with recommended viewings based on those watched previously
so now i get a choice of music based clips closely aligned to my tastes
though you do get punished for goofing off on some nostalgia trip
a few weeks back i locked in a simple minds track from the 80's
so now - there's an abundance of them awaiting consumption
this one just too good sonically to be ignored
visually it's a dud - a single image of cover artwork
but apparantly it features stereolink - not sure what that is
it reminds me of the good old days when vinyl came out in stereo
i don't actually remember that much but it was well embraced
it was a quantum leap in the reproduction quality of music
which certainly is now needed for internet downloads
mp3 compression, etc compromising music quality
but whatever has been done here is totally noticeable
i love this tune anyway but here it sounds quite superb
my preference - stick on the headphones and crank up the volume
simple minds were are at a creative peak when they put this out
a full 28 years ago - unbelievable - and now back into stadiums
new gold dream 81-82-83-84 - seemed so forward thinking back then
bet they had no idea they would be playing it 30 years later
it just doesn't sound like something of that era
but that's probably true of the best of music
timelessness - is good - as is this tune

may day

had a real blast of a travelling day today in nz's south island
left christchurch yesterday in a pocket-rocket rental car
at nightfall cruised into a much rejuvenated kaikoura
last visit to this town probably 30 years ago
since then the whales have visited frequently
meaning this town is now a tourism mecca
backpackers, cafes, motels, bars are plentiful
but all done quite tastefully and in true nz style
this morning i drove out with snow on the hills
swirling clouds, chilly air and a crashing sea
bought ye olde style toasted sandwich and cup-a-coffee
hit the road north fired up the cd player and settled in
today's first discovery - fleet foxes cd is fine driving music
all tracks on the album so reminiscent of 70's something
hollies - csny - buffalo springfield - simon & garfunkel
but with an edge and production that sets it apart
but whatever - perfectly suited to today's trip
quiet roads, rolling hills, clear rivers, wild seas
a pervasive sense that here and now all is ok
hoping that the destination doesn't come too quickly
the digital camera my companion on this trip and needing air
so frequent stops to push buttons to try and capture atmosphere
thus turning a 90 minute trip into much more than that
which also allows time for a run through of another cd
animal collective today's second musical discovery
an unbelievable collection of noise-infested tunes
radiohead - beach boys - pink floyd - stone roses
topped off with great vocals, harmonies and production
both new albums soaked up before cruising into blenheim
business successfully done and dusted at the local cd store
being on a musical roll means another new cd is bought
(a p r exercise for what hopes will be a new client)
the superb drive through to nelson has a soundtrack
more hills, more vacant roads, more stunning scenery
with the cafe-del-mar-ish music of boozoo bajou
musical discovery number 3 initially underwhelming
but won over as the pocket-rocket cruises into nelson
the album itself morphing from m-o-r to left-of-centre
oh what a perfect day - topped off with a meal with friends
and then some fine red and amy winehouse in concert (dvd)
that would be musical discovery number 4 - she has soul
so rolling into bed tonight feeling happy and well
all is good in (this part of) the world...zzz