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Since beginning writing this column over the past few years, my interest has either been re-issues of hard to obtain albums by Australian artists, or new albums by older, established musicians and bands that are overlooked by the usual media that promotes and documents the latest craze or popular artist that is being pushed by the major record companies. Sometimes described as Heritage Rock, older artists struggle to have their new music played on radio or interviewed in the music press. While radio programmers are happy to play their old, once successful material, they are reluctant to provide air time among the next big thing being pushed by record companies. In fact an article in The Age (2/9/2004) written by Patrick Donovan quoted ARIA organiser Mark Pope criticising the music industry for not paying enough respect for older performers. Pope also went on to say that the industry should encourage career musicians, rather than discard them after their "15 minutes of fame". This CD& DVD set features a dozen or so of Australia's elder statesmen recording a dozen songs in front of a live audience. Sam See and Glyn Mason kick off with four acoustic ballads which highlight Mason's vocals and See's guitar playing. The duo performed Mason's It's Only Love which was a hit for Ariel, and Reasons which John Farnham successfully recorded. Spectrum provided some contrast with Sensible Shoes which is reminiscent of their best period, circa the Miles Ago album in 1972. Right in to You isn't as engaging, but it illustrates Rudd's good vocal technique. For mine Bob Spencer provides the two highlights on the album, with his two tracks Push Break and Rosie. Surprisingly the guitar is turned up loud and it's heavy - Big Meaty riffs. It's time this fellow put out his own solo album! Either John Butler has been taking lessons from Spencer, or Bob's realised where the action's at these days, for there are some similarities in the style Spencer has chosen. Well regarded singer, Kerri Simpson presents a seemingly simple country tune in Calling from Memphis. While providing some variety to the rest of the album, the song does not show nor illustrate her powerful singing ability that she is reputed to have in Melbourne. The last three songs on the CD are performed by Forever Young Music, which seems to be a group of seasoned musicians gathered together to record for the event. The members include Brendan Mason, Kerry McKenna (both x Madder Lake), Jimmy Sloggett (sax player who's played with Max Merritt and Johnny Rebb), drummer Trevor Young played with too many well known bands to mention, and Neale Johns, one of Australia's most distinctive vocalists. Unfortunately the songs they have included here don't do their collective efforts justice, although Balls does have its moments. On the DVD, the extra tracks find Mason & See record the Dingoes' classic Boy on the Run, While Forever Young perform "A Boogie". Overall the live sound is captured well on both formats, although the vocals suffer in the live situation. For those of you who rememince about the music from the 70s this is a must buy. I look forward to future series. References Previous
columns Chris Spencer is author of the "Who's Who of Australian Rock'. He can be contacted through Moonlight Publishing. |
Various
Artists
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