midday saturday adelaide and it's a stinker
don mcglashan has the opening spot on the main stage
people stayed away from the blazing heat in their droves
so securing a good spot for this performance was a breeze
though lack of those meant it was an endurance test
this man should be as famous as neil funn
rose to fame in nz at least with a band called blam blam blam
came close to wider fame with another outfit called the muttonbirds
now has another outfit that was part of the lineup at womadelaide
to be honest i'm not sure why he was at the festival
though presumably his nz pedigree means he is a world musician
not complaining though as i was more than happy to see him
i walked into the domain as they started their set
by the time i was centre stage a few songs had gone by
and the band was well into a tune called envy of angels
which is just a gorgeous tune highlighting his vocals
and his ability to write and perform a classic song
this one is from his muttonbirds days
which gave me hope for a performance of a real classic
there is no depression in new zealand
originally recorded by blam blam blam in 1981
but i had a feeling it was unlikely at this time and place
there were a number of other memorable tunes
very nz oriented including one about the auckland harbour bridge
the band seemed very comfortable on the big stage
and the on-stage jokes indicated a friendly comraderie
don generally took the time to introduce each tune
one in particular he announced as a real nz classic
which had me excitedly waiting for the opening chords i expected
but instead the band played another old favourite of mine
a tune called nature originally done by the fourmyula
and also recorded and performed by the muttonbirds
very happy to be reminded of a song from the past
and done so well in difficult circumstances
there seemed to be a few fellow kiwis in the small crowd
who joined in loud applause at the end of the song
and also at the end of the set
i hope they get a good hearing elsewhere
and someone with influence
goes oh yes he should be famous
and does the right thing
thanks don
good show
