roil

part 2 of tonights presentation of improvised music by sima
another eclectic lineup featuring chris abrahams on the piano
master noise-making bass-player mike majkowski in the middle
james 'pug' waples completing the lineup on drums and percussion
the trio are positioned tightly together in the middle of the stage
the piano repositioned stage right to suit chris abrahams style
his preference seemingly to have his back to other musicians
the first sign that this outfit is not your standard jazz trio
mr abrahams leading off with an introduction of the band
then heading off musically with his distinctive playing
fingers moving rapidly, gently and somehow uniquely
eyes left and mike majkowski already into it big time
not much noise but some very impressive actions
palm-scraping, finger-flicking, bow in and out
james waples now assuming an unfamiliar role
i have a lot of respect for him as a drummer of feel
all other times i have seen him there has been structure
tonight he's now playing with more experimental style
easily providing the percussive noises to suit this group
scraping cymbals, tapping or bashing anything in reach
an array of metal objects placed on drums and manipulated
dragged, tapped, brushed, dropped to create various sounds
some too close to fingernails on blackboards for our liking
but as mike majkowski also demonstrates - anything goes
his hands and arms moving at lightning speed pulling sounds
his bow in and out of it's holder sometimes used for one note
or a kazoo type instrument held in his mouth and blown
sometimes his voice used in unison with the bowed notes
producing a very harmonic and strangely beautiful sound
in the meantime chris abrahams trills away on the piano
his fingers moving rapidly - the rest of him motionless
me thinking he must be thoroughly enjoying this setting
his day job with the necks seeming so different to this
a sense of freedom and freshness with this outfit
and also obvious admiration for his peers tonight
at one point craning his neck to watch mr majkowski
again i think there were only 3 tunes played by the band
all improvised, all totally absorbing, all very well received
and given the previous bands efforts also totally unique
long live improvisation i say - in the hands of experts
now looking forward to the next sima presentation

3ofmillions

part 1 of a 2 part presentation of improvised music tonight
sima regularly putting on such shows at the sound lounge
3ofmillions are on first and surprisingly in front of a full house
which to me speaks volumes for the reputation they are forging
adrian klumpes on keyboards and gadgets a prolific composer
able cross on acoustic electric bass an eclectic performer
finn ryan on drums and percussion with talent to spare
at 17 (maybe now 18) he is primed for an exciting future
another front row seat is made available at start time
which means as it should be this is a visual and aural treat
in the first of 3 long tunes adrian klumpes is piano bound
the bank of gadgets ignored as the c7 demands attention
mostly rapid-fire playing with both hands used in unison
the love of playing clear on his downward concentrated face
though also clear admiration for his bandmates as they solo
finn ryan with an erect, fluid, hard-hitting confident style
long drum sticks flaying over cymbals his favourite sound
able cross in charge of a beautiful acoustic-electric bass
at times sounding like and played like a standard guitar
but always capable of providing seriously deep bass sounds
or warped through his effects boxes to sound entirely different
one impressive sound to live-loop a heavily distorted fuzzy riff
this the signal for the 3 of them to let fly with all in action
before dropping back to the lightest of touches from each
and a timely winding up of this totally unique piece of music
me sitting there thinking how absolutely relevant this all is
improvisation in the right (expert) hands is very exhilarating
and definitely to be savoured visually as much as aurally
2 more tunes of genre-defining glory with variety galore
one featuring some beautiful bass/keyboard harmonies
a momentary lapse in attack confirming anything goes
another laugh-out-loud moment provided by finn ryan
deliberately emptying a bag of goods from head height
shakers, sticks, bells, objects crashing through his kit
and not an eye-blink from him or his musical peers
a quick glance around to confirm an entranced audience
it's all over too soon and then some words of thanks
adrian klumpes taking the time for introductions
completing the fine performance most graciously
setting it nicely for part 2 of tonights show...

bernie mcgann quartet

bernie mcgann - the legendary local alto saxophone player
saw this outfit a few years back and made myself a promise
see them every time they play if it's in the same town as me
pretty well kept to that commitment and no disappointment
tonight they are on at the underground 505 club in surry hills
this place now pulling in performers held in the highest regard
again confirmed tonight with many local musos in the audience
but surprisingly the numbers are relatively low given his stature
the other surprise tonight is that there's been a change in lineup
regular player brendan clarke not here - replaced by ben waples
that's ok - mr waples has been seen many times since triosk days
(shameless plug for late, great no-longer sadly-missed fave band)
but tonight he is in the company of greatness - there's work to do
the most-reliable warwick alder is here also with trumpet in hand
andrew dickenson completing the quartet on drums and percussion
first tune and it's such a pleasure to hear their unique sound again
i doubt if there's a better harmonising trumpet and sax anywhere
just so light, yet tight, sweet, melodic, and very easy on the ears
no improvisation here - nor any sheet music - experts at work
every time i see bernie mcgann play i am in awe of his style
and i'm not the only one - there's young musos here tonight
sax players particularly looking on with clear admiration
which says it all really - this man commands serious respect
the tunes played tonight are long, loose, swinging and complex
the 2 brass players taking turns to play superb long solo passages
a couple of times stepping aside to let the rhythm guys have a go
andrew dickenson so good that he carries the tune on his drumkit
playing alone and the tune still there as he further augments it
ben waples taking the mostly subtle cues to also take the lead
similarly carrying the tune as he plays his bass in solo mode
and in the process totally dispelling any sense of the new boy
these guys are just so good so mannered and so together
no pa in this place so the sound is as pure as it gets
which had me thinking this is probably a throwback
bernie mcgann in particular looking most comfortable
he totally oblivious to the annoying chatter from the floor
happy to once again have his sax in hand and band with him
after the final note has been played there's genuine happiness
the quartet looking well satisfied with tonight's fine performance
jokes, smiles and laughter to me confirming all is good there
just a shame about the relatively small and noisy crowd
but there's some new fans i'm sure in the the fan club
me - also totally satisfied - happy to see them again
and equally now looking forward to the next time

barbara luna

sultry and sexy argentinian singer makes return visit
first and last seen at my first womadelaide in 2001
then appearing on stage with a damaged leg
the result of a hard landing from a skydive
but still delivering a couple of superb shows
she's been brought back for an adelaide festival
the promoter thankfully adding a show in sydney
this one at the never-before-visited carriageworks
a new venue inside the cavernous derelict railway workshops
so before showtime there's a sense of excitement in the air
especially with complimentary tickets at a front table
a most enjoyable set from local support act sorelle
4 (white) ladies doing sweet-honey-in-the-rock vocals
barbara luna's 4 piece band then on stage setting the scene
she runs on, picks up her ovation acoustic and away we go
first impressions - she looking as stunning as remembered
now i think probably delivering on the earlier promise
her stage presence demanding constant attention
not too mention her beautiful and clear voice
the lyrics - no idea - she sings in argentinian
but as with the best performers - no matter
it's the feel of the tunes that makes the difference
and this lady has feel to spare - most naturally
a few welcoming words at the end of the first tune
confirming her slight grasp on the english language
and then back into her comfort zone as performer
peeling off song after song of superbly played music
the versatile musicians changing instruments regularly
meaning the music easily changes in pace and feel
she does the singalongs as good as slow and sultry
a very professional show with lighting to match
close the eyes and listen to the voice a reward also
me thinking she has to be as good as anyone else
mariza comes to mind and this lady up there also
but i'm not sure the crowd tonight are with me there
it's quite a subdued audience reaction by and large
the obvious argentinians providing some encouragement
but despite best efforts she can't get too much action
the singalongs and call-and-response numbers a bit flat
sydney apathy seems to be out in force here tonight
result - she gives up talking and just keeps singing
excepting for the introduction of a bossa nova tune
a cover of a antonio carlos jobim song done superbly
sounding perfect in the hands of this band and this singer
me thinking that she could own that style on the big stage
it finally seemed to get the crowd cranked up also
and nicely placed at the end of the performance
meaning the demands for an encore were loud
then she come out to do a solo little wing
a stunning rendition of the hendrix number
though most memorably done by that sting chap
here tonight though - she just oozed sensuality
a classy performance from a classy lady
hope she comes back again soon

steve hunter's nine lives

there's a number of local musicians with influence
being that whenever they play it is worth checking
steve hunter on electric bass is one on that list
tonight he has at least 2 more in this lineup
phil slater on trumpet is like jazz royalty
matt mcmahon on piano held in similar regard
there's 9 of them in total in tonight's lineup
4 piece brass section and 2 piece percussion
guitarist, pianist and the man himself on bass
apparently they released an album 10 years ago
someone had the idea of reforming for a few shows
a full house suggesting they are well regarded
the opening number a long, orchestrated piece
all the musicians deferring to sheet music
steve hunter working hard as the conductor
with his bass guitar used most effectively
completely cementing and directing the sound
often pointed at another band member like a baton
directing musicians to take charge with a solo
the bass itself at times sounding like a tuba
a big, full, melodic sound dominating the music
no mean feat considering there's a big brass section
they themselves providing some great harmonies
it all seems to be working quite well musically
but being very close to the stage is revealing
for one phil slater is a very tired man tonight
suppressing yawns, trying to remain focused
dealing with irritations that niggle away at him
sheet music that just won't stay in place
a bass player swinging a bass just too close
the impression is he's here out of obligation
but admirably he does his very best for the band
ditto i suspect matt mcmahon on electric piano
these 2 the core of their own superb quartet
brought to mind as i look on at this combination
likewise ten part invention also now visualised
result - steve hunter's nine lives has work to do
but i suspect this combinations days are numbered
especially when steve hunter plugs his other combo
the slimmer, trimmer, better translators coming up
2 sets of complex music played admirably tonight
they pulled it off - but - not much more really
another case of rehearsal meets live performance
wing it, rely on skillsets and strong leadership
but hey - grateful once again for their presence
better to have an ok performance than none at all
just hope phil slater catches up on some sleep
charged up for next weeks second performance
chances are that it may be really, really good

angels and demons

i read the the da vinci code in the frenzy of it's release
but didn't see the film due to underwhelming demand
never got to read angels and demons so best see the film
some favourable reviews suggesting nothing too serious here
some good film-making, acting, directing and not a bad story
the film opens with some excellent documentary style footage
the pope has died and so we see in widescreen what seems real
rome in all it's glory, parading cardinals in red, mourning crowds
cut to an underground heavy-duty scientific centre in switzerland
the contrast very deliberate and presumably related to the title
some fascinating scenes depicting particle collision experiments
the intention to manufacture anti-matter for the very first time
particularly in light of such tests now being conducted in france
so it's a great start to the film with religion contrasting science
then the fiction kicks in - a murder and theft of the anti-matter
back to the vatican where 4 cardinals have been kidnapped
and so our hero professor langdon (tom hanks) is called in
he's an expert on the ancient cult group the illuminati
they have left a sign that indicates their involvement
seems they have finally decided to take their revenge
the catholic church having forced them underground
their scientific doctrine incompatible with the church's beliefs
and so they intend to kill the 4 cardinals and blow up the vatican
the hero-prof has about 5 hours to prevent murder and mayhem
this while the remaining cardinals are in their conclave for an election
all in all it's like the plot of a james bond movie - complete with the girl
langdon - robert langdon - accompanied by israeli stunner ayelet zurer
and typically she's gorgeous and intelligent - she created the anti-matter
so off to work he goes applying all his religious knowledge to the task
displaying some fine acting skills as he rattles off facts and figures
dashing all over rome and through the vatican chasing down clues
mostly just 1 step behind the baddies as they start assassinating
but midnight is the time the anti-matter bomb will explode
so there's a degree of suspense built into the plot as well
but each twist in the plot seems to add another level of silliness
i found myself laughing out loud (and alone) on several occasions
one when the main baddie is discovered and then sets himself on fire
the resultant (white) smoke finding it's way into the vatican chimneys
and then bringing huge cheers from the crowd - they waiting for that sign
but it's all tongue in cheek stuff i suspect from the director - ron howard
let's not take things too seriously - tell the story - get the message across
do it in an entertaining way but at the same time plant the seeds
get the audience thinking about science and religion today
no answers offered - and leaving each in it's place
so no need for hysterical back-lashes
just lots of bums on seats
...mission accomplished
or whatever bond says

damien dempsey

in the spirit of never say no to an invitation
combined with a curiosity about this performer
and a want to be part of the luminous festival
means that tonight it's a visit to the opera house
opening act the crooked string band set the scene
some rousing baltic-inspired string-based trad-tunes
then the main man is on stage alone and in the spotlight
that lovely dublin accent and humble attitude coming over
he comes armed with an acoustic guitar and heartfelt tunes
one tune in solo mode then the band is on stage and belting it
keyboards, electric guitar, drums and bass guitarist rocking it out
the volume cranked up with at least one person in front cowering
he may be the next christy moore, etc but phil lynott is in the mix
brought to mind with reference to the black irishman in the white house
the banter in-between tunes politically charged, informative and humorous
he holds his position centre front of the stage distanced from the band
one spotlight or another constantly on him - he's the star tonight
which is just fine for the audience of hard-core fans singing along
oh lord give me the strength to be strong and to be true
for the devil has got into my head and made me feel blue
one tune after another bringing shrieks of recognition
including some word for word accompaniment for colony
this song containing some spoken-word rap-style sermonising
400 years of anglo-saxon plundering the subject of this anthem
by which time i'm feeling decidedly exposed in my ignorance
but i quite easily get into the vibe and clap and sing along
he's only about 5 metres away from me as he urges us on
it all looks quite sincere and he is constantly praising us
he may be the man that takes ireland's music forward
but he's going to do it in a totally accessible way
rock – anthems – singalongs – love and respect
another tune had us all howling to love ourselves
very reminiscent of u2 stadium based anthems
no accident maybe with the edge being a big fan
so after 2 quick hours it's all over for the formalities
my ticket benefactor tonight securing entry to the party
so off to the the opera house's green room for some schmoozing
and lo and behold who should be there but festival curator brian eno
whoa – this is serious mum – i am in the presence of greatness
funny how a glass or 2 of red wine invokes self-confidence -
hello brian – just wanted to say thanks for all your music – hic
especially discreet music that i played recently at a friend's funeral – hic
and will you be in town on june 20 for some amazing improvised music – hic
how's the festival going by the way – are you enjoying it – hic
to his credit he also was very gracious and well - gentle
thanked me for my comments but no – heading to thailand on june 15
sorry guys – i tried to get him to the gig – i know he would have loved it
but anyway then a dash to the train for the mid-night journey
alas no trains tonight so onto the buses with the unruly mob
what a surreal night – opera house, brian eno, the hoi-polloi
pinched myself most of the way home i did
i just met brian eno – unbelievable
damien dempsey was good too
....a most enjoyable night

trio apoplectic

seems the stars have aligned for tonight's musical treat
favourite band laying it on at el trendo jazz venue on this night
previously visited on monday nights with large el trendo crowds
tonight it's the dedicated few (and a few more) for trio apoplectic
last seen launching their new cd titled sophia at the sound lounge
since then playing said cd on a daily basis out of pure indulgence
so anticipation of a new level of enjoyment coming with recognition
yep - opening tune sophia now lodged in the musical memory banks
as then and now thinking this tune could well belong to a jazz maestro
but no - it's their own - ownership, pride and skills setting a high standard
the trio tonight looking and sounding completely unified in their presentation
dave jackson particularly seen swinging on his alto sax like never betore
abel cross looking as intense and dedicated as he has always been
alex masso on drums for some reason now looking so integral
never any question about his sounds but visually it's working
throwaway line - it's the black t-shirt and the black background
now moving on - the music - they have gone up another notch
it may be my own level of familiarity but it's more than that
there is actually something quite pure about their sound
i say it's a combination of youth, skills and enjoyment
nothing at all to do with trying to aspire to anything else
with all due respect - a sense that many outfits are emulating
my impression is that trio apoplectic wouldn't know how to do that
out of a lineup of 3 there are 3 accomplished musicians and composers
and a sense that they can produce a quite unique and contemporary sound
but maybe hopefully further inspired as tonight by a respecting audience
we're not big in numbers but we're big in appreciation of their music
the end of sophia bringing loud applause of the sincere kind
and from there everyone is on a memorable musical journey
i for one looking on in wonder at the excellence of this trio
a sense that they are very well tuned into each other
tunes themselves played precisely and respectfully
but with enough looseness that each can be inventive
there's lots of room to breathe which keeps things fresh
nothing taken for granted here – they have rehearsed a lot
or else they do possess some connection sitting above all that
either way it is nothing less than exciting about where to from here
my humble opinion saying they are onto something unique
it may take a year or decade or 2 but it's going to happen
only a matter of time before they play at large festivals
my enthusiasm matched by my seated neighbours
visiting african-americans displaying serious approval
and the ultimate test – the audience totally attentive
a big call I suspect but tonight they oozed – sexy
hard to beat when that comes in a musical guise
shame it all had to come to an end on this night
but – love is in the air – more of that please...

quiet chaos

or in italian caos calmo - the opening subtitle is calm chaos
but all the publicity, reviews etc refer to it as quiet chaos
a moot point but by the end of it calm seemed better
the film opening on a beach in italy with 2 brothers
drawn in to the surf to rescue 2 women in trouble
then the drive back to their villa and more drama
pietro's wife has fallen and died during his absence
leaving him to care for their young daughter claudia
no real emotion shown by each other as they move on
father then finds some solace in sitting outside her school
he's a power-broker in a company about to be taken over
but this change in his life forces a re-think of priorities
other regular visitors to the park drawing his curiosity
his interest in corporate life seen waning at a similar rate
his work acquaintances, friends and family track him down
so plenty of people coming and going with their stories
and from this we learn more about him as a person
including why he is having trouble grieving for his wife
it all sounds quite inconceivable but how do we know
the suggestion being that grieving is a personal thing
no-one can or should determine how others should react
especially in this case where there are many complications
as each person provides support, advice and some secrets
thankfully his daughter is well protected and immune to all this
the relationship with her father and uncle keeping her safe
but something has to give as his life catches up with him
eventually in a quiet moment of quiet solitude he cracks
so his calm demeanour is finally and briefly lost in the chaos
sheds the tears possibly more for his past life than past wife
and symbolically resumes normal life with a torrid sex scene
this with one of the women he rescued also connected to his work
he then snares a new job courtesy of her ex-lover and his new boss
which is where this film lost me a bit - one coincidence too many
but overall i liked the possibility presented of a grieving man
unsure how to handle his grief but embracing those closest
and as it turns out his daughter is the one who saves him
she also symbolically advising him when all is well
and then life in rome returns to normal
snow falling - nice - a fresh start....