G'day Punter's
Where was I? Something about time flying.
As usual I'll start with what's freshest in my mind and work back. For those of you who turned up to the pub last Sunday (12th) to see Spectrum only to discover this bloke doing a solo gig (although if you are reading this you would have known cause the change was posted on the site here 3 weeks previously) and stuck around to see what he was like I'm sure you are glad you did. I refer of course to Derrin Nauendorf. He had just the one window for a gig at the pub and that was it. Derrin has spent the best part of the last 3 years making a name for himself in England and Europe. Look up his name on Google and be astounded at the rave reviews he gets from his gigs and albums. I was privileged to get to know Derrin really well in 1998 when I recorded his first album 'Phantom Figures'. 2 years later we were back in the studio together to record his 2nd album 'Natural'. A bit of trivia for those who like it - there is a duet with Geoff Achison on that album called 'Country Way', they sat opposite each other and I captured it live in the studio and it is a fitting song for that day as it was recorded on the day that I found out my soul brother Bob Coy had passed away. I am very proud of both those Derrin albums as they stand up well to this day and although I don't usually listen much to albums I have recorded due to the 'hear it way to much at the time' syndrome, I really enjoy revisiting both those albums regularly.

Since then Derrin had worked non-stop building a career and reputation on the European circuit and when he is back in oz comes to do a gig or 2 at St Angas. Last Sunday he blew me away all over again with his awesome energy and chops. His maturity in songwritng continues to grow from strength to strength and we talked about maybe working together on another studio album next year, if it happens I will be well chuffed.

Sat night 11.6 saw the return of Geoff Acho and the Souldiggers. Since his last run of gigs at the pub Geoff has been to France, England and the U.S of A. and has no doubt many stories to tell of his travels. And you will usually get to hear a few at his solo acoustic gig in the arvo before he does the Souldiggin thing in the night. Like the story of trying to find a pair of gloves in Paris for example (but you'll have to come along to the gig to find out). As usual the band gig went off like a frog in a sock. Even though 3 out of 5 of us had colds, it didn't dampen the enthusiasm and a great night was had by all. I've got this panorama shot of the Souldiggers and crowd, it's a bit grainy but I'll see if Colin can post it on the site, cause it gives a good perspective of what a Geoff gig is like at St Andrews. Looks like the DVD will now be launched on the 2nd of July to coincide with their last gig for this run. Fingers crossed!

Moving back further to the 1st week of the month (June that is) we hosted the annual NMIT Music Student Concerts. (TAFE - Fairfield & Greensborough campuses) This is the 6th year I have been doing the sound and recording these gigs for the Tafe.. The concerts are part of the student's performance assessment and usually consist of 6 bands each night with an average of 5-7 performers in the groups - usually including rhythm section, keys, guitar/s, horn/s, and vocals. A group does a 20 min set and we do quick change -overs, then the next one is up. A busy 3 nights for yours truly, but always interesting to check out all the different performers. The standard gets better every year as does the efficiency of the night.

The weekend of 20,21,22nd May we had Drop on the Fri night, they are a local band playing acoustic guitars with a kickin' rhythm section. Brossy is out front on lead vocals and if you are into the Creed and Pearl Jam style but with an acoustic edge and originals thrown into the mix, then these are the guys for you. Then on Saturday night we had Rob Gaston's Living Legends with Roger Treble filling the shoes of guest legend guitarist extraordinaire. An excellent night of music always when Rob brings his band to St Andrews. And to top off that weekend, none other than the amazing Andy Cowan (nuff said, see my last rave re Andy).

And the week before that, we had a special gig with Fiona Boyes and The Fortune Tellers, consisting of none other than Chris Wilson on harmonica and vocals, Dean Addison on double-bass, Dave Folley filling in on Drums and of course the lovely and talented and multi award winning Fiona Boyes on guitar and vocals. Special guest player for this particular gig was the very nimble fingered Nick Charles on guitar and vocals (nice to see he's finally singing some songs after all these years) I first met Nick when I was doing the Acoustic Sessions back in 1993 and I prob met Fiona around the same time, she was playing in 'The Hokum Girls' with Caz Dalla-Rosa on harp. Several years later I wrote the liner notes for Fiona's first solo album. As I said, jeez time flies. Anyway the Fortune Tellers gig was great. (I think Dave and Dean were the first Spidermen along with Shannon). I might add that Fiona's regular drummer is Mark Grunden and he does a great job too. I hope the Fortune Tellers come back soon cause they are definitely worth catching.

The week before that which brings us to near where I left off last time, featured Chubby Rae and The Elevators with surprise guest on electric lap-steel, Bill Putt. He sat in for the whole gig and there were some great moments between Bill, Jim Dyson and Lou on sax, esp. when Jim played slide over Bill’s lap steel. See my rave re Chubby Rae cd for my thoughts on the band but I’ll say here that I always love working with these guys as they go from strength to strength, especially in the songwriting department and I reckon they have one of the best repertoires of original Australian blues songs going. Craig Chiller writes great songs as does Jjim. And Merissa’s autobiographical, ‘I Wanna Be A Blues Singer‘ is a killer. I love it.

For the rest of June for me its more Geoff and the Souldiggers gigs on Saturdays (see gig guide) hopefully finishing the run with the DVD launch on July 2nd.
Rob Harwood - June 2005