Facebook 2010

.. lots of 60s contacts there!


Jan 2010

Keith Herbert: Re: The Sect "Thank you Lynette for that information about guys who I have never spoken to but who entertained and inspired me at a time when I needed it. love Keith"

Rob Askew: "Jeff St John used to do guest spots with The Bondi Bitch band in the 70s. My brother Lindsay Askew was on guitar, Wayne Thomas on drums. The 'Bondi Bitch' was Sharon Sims, so it was almost a Flake reunion.remember him doing his wheelchair tilt thing."

Keith Herbert: "I heard that he lives in Perth. Helen danced with him on an occasion. I think it was at Vibes. What a great singer... and wheelie dancer!"

Terry Stacey: Re: Alison McCallum "Yeh I used to see her with Dr Kandy's Third Eye (with Gulliver Smith). Speaking of Dave Cain I was a big fan of the Square Circle down at Suzie Wongs (cnr of Pitt St). I picked up a lot of bass tips watching Arthur play there !!!"

Mick Robbins: Re: Alison McCallum:"Thanks for sharing this Terry. Why don't both your good self & Lynne join us Alison's new fan page which I set up a cuppla days ago. In fact why haven't you? I'd love to have you on board "

Bobi Petch: "I lived in Albion Ave, Paddo, and shopped at Taylors Square every Saturday for our foodies circa 1962 - Back in the day - On up the road to Oxford St, and onto Bondi Junction."

Mick Robbins: "Hi Lynne, Musical Notes sounds like an interesting project, I didn't arrive in Sydney until about 1970 but spent a number of years living in the Cross and Darlinghurst between 1970 and 1977 while Buffalo was going. In 1977 I went to England for 7 years. I'm now in Rozelle. Let me know if I can help in any way.

Dennis Aubrey: "2 guys I knew from my last workplace use to do the Manly Jazz Festival...did sound ..... Noel Lightfoot. Other one did lighting ... Bill Pringle ... just wondered if you knew them?"

Terry Wilkins: "I just went through all those pics again... makes me homesick."

Gayle Kennedy: "I miss Mort so much. He taught me a lot about music and took me under his wing when I was just a 19 year old from the bush. I just adored him."

Doc White: "Hi Lynne, The 6-string banjo will give you a lot of joy, a fabulous fun thing to play. Nice to meet you .. Doc"

Paul Wheeler and Teddy Toi

Paul 'Sheepdog' Wheeler an introduction

As a young girl living in Queenscliff I formed a friendship with a local jazz enthusiatic named Paul Wheeler.  Years later I ran into Paul  playing bass in a band at a disco near Central.   That was the last I had heard of him until today when I came across this article on Lobby's Benefit   I was surprised to find that Paul had played with Billy Thorpe and the Aztecs, well I never.

 

' .. Teddy Toi and Johnny Dick played on Lobby Loyde's solo album 'Plays with George Guitar', and then joined Loyde in a new version of The Wild Cherries. Teddy moved on to a stint in Sydney supergroup Duck in 1972-73, followed by a couple of years in the final version of The Aztecs, and Johnny enjoyed a long and successful stint as the drummer in The All-Stars, backing Stevie Wright and then John Paul Young .. Teddy Toifor more details '

Old Times Sake

To all those from Taylor Square, Cremorne and all around the world ..

'Auld Lang Syne' ... in the days of ‘old long ago’ or rather in the good old days

Well 2010 is upon us and I didn't send one card for Chrissy or New Year Eve. I hope you will forgive me for sending this multiple cheerio but I think of each and everyone of you as I click your name lol.

I haven't been able to think let alone write.  I was refused permission to put in my window box air conditioner and I had a herd of elephants living upstairs.  The elephants have vacated and I have a $500 glorified fan cooling my back so I am at least cool enough to think again. I thought I had lost my abilities!

What a wonderful year 2009 was .. My move to Ballina! The Manly, Gosford and Illawarra Festivals, my tour of Woolloomooloo, Paddington and the Cross - so many more contacts.

Sadly we lost Lesley 'Mindless' Armstrong and Martin James

New Year's Eve is always a little sad for me. I met my Graham way back in '64/65. God has been watching me and as I was a 'good little girl' he made it possible for Graham's mates to  find me. They have been trying to contact me for years and a new exciting chapter is unfoldinging. 

Alan Meadows: "Always a pleasure reading through your notes Lynne ~ with great pics a bonus~ best wishes for 2010 ~abm"

Keith Herbert: "and HNY to you too"

Red McKelvie: "hi Lyn Red here haha and a happy new year thanks so much for Dennis A's message I will call him up was in touch with Terry W late last year yeah haha keep looking at your weather apart from the fires you have great temperatures I have the fire on as we speak last year summer didn't start 'til 3rd week Feb think will be the same this year haha who can I complain to I'm still gigging once a week which I still enjoy we tried to get broadband recently but are too far from the exchange and the line too ' NOISY ' okey dokey cheers 4 now Red

 

2007 Thomas Liam, Brianna-Paige, Dylan Nicholas, Jye Daniel, my beautiful grandchildren

We can't ever get them at one sitting anymore and the two boys won't go to Santa. I will make an effort and put up a slide of the kids and the best of them over the years. Ha, yet another tangent.

"AULD LANG SYNE" written by Robbie Burns

"AULD LANG SYNE" sing-along

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And days o auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne my Dear, For auld lang syne,

We'll tak a cup o kindness yet, For auld land syne.

We twa hae run about the braes, An pu'd the gowans fine;

But we've wandered mony a weary fit, Sin auld lang syne.

We twa hae paidl'd i' the burn, Frae morning sun till dine;

But seas between us braid hae roar'd. Sin auld lang syne.

And there's a hand, my trusty fiere, An' gie's a hand o thine;

And we'll tak' a richt gude-willie waught For auld lang syne.

And surely ye'll be your pint-stoup, An' surely I'll be mine;

And we'll tak a cup o kindness yet, For auld lang syne.

Customs

History of "Auld Land Syne: excellent

What does Auld Lang Syne mean? - Blurtit

Cremorne Revisited '09

I received this email today from the son of an  old school friend

. In 1966:  Denise, Sue, Diane, Sandy, Zorba, Elaine, Brian and I shared a house in  Mosman Junction!!

Shane Hannah: Subject: Denise Tsolakis and Sandy Adams

"Hi it's me Shane Hannah, my mother is Denise Tsolakis and I have been trying to track you down for Sandy Adams ..

I googled found the name Lynne Best and  found you. My mum identified you I am great, married with three kids and just left Theological College to attend UWS to be a teacher of English and Ancient History

I am 41. Sandy is English and I gather was a mutual friend...had a Greek boyfriend I gather. Do you remember my mum Denise? Shane"








These are links are my original posts on this crew:-
.

My Graham

Rhubarbs

This looks like being an exciting adventure I spoke to Denise tonight and apparently Keith Longman, Sandy Adams, Denise Tsolakis  and Barry Clover have been trying to track me down for quite a while.  Sadly, Graham Richards, Mick Adams, Patrick Crow and Rick Debenham have passed away.

Keith Longman: Subject: HI ! Lynne, I hope you are our Lynne from Miller St. ??
"I feel sure you are the Lynne we have all been looking for over the years. I stumbled on your great 60sandbeyond entry on the web last week and have just received this site from Sandy (Adams) Have much to tell you and would love to hear what you have been up to. Good to see you are living in one of my favorite areas, have been to Byron in particular, many times. love keith Longman."

Such wonderful memories. Adventures, Marriages, divorces, children, grandchildren to share now.

We were just kids starting experience life for the first time. Sue, Diane and I met Graham & Keith at Surf City New Year's Eve 1964/5. They invited us to a party at their 'pad' in Glover Street, Cremorne and the adventures began.

The 'boys' had travelled and settled here from the United Kingdom on The Big Brother Scheme ..  there was always an abundance of males. Di and I brought along a succession of females friends and we partied religiously for the next few years.  This is where I heard 'music' for the first time, learned to play the guitar and of course lost my innocence.

Daytime was for Bob Dylan, John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, Sonny Terry, Broonzy and Brownie McGhee, Dave Van Ronk and at night The Stones, Kinks, Manfred Mann, Beatles, Animals and Yardbirds. What an amazing journey.

When Graham died in an accident  I drifted away from the group of his immediate friends.

Just off the top of my head I can remember: Margot Edwards, Roma, Dave Burrows, Bruce, Sandy Adams and Zorba, Rhonda Adams, Roger & Sue, Sue Toohey, Diane Willard, Malcolm and his sister  Christine. Ivor,  Graham Richards, Barry Clover and Lucy Headman, Denise Tsolakis, Pat Crow, Cliff Bowles, Keith &amp Robyn Longman, Mick Adams and Rick Debenham.

Most of these people have kept in 'loose' contact so I will be in touch with  each and everyone over the course of time. Many photos to come ..

Beachie

Hi from Lynne, I have been meaning to do a post on my new acquaintance Rod 'Beachhead' Jeffery

First heard of Rod thru Ross aka Rooster McBlurter every week he would send me a 'Beachhead' video from Youtube, then, then I received an email from Rod ('Beachhead') himself and organized to meet him at Gosford Blues Festival!

Rod: I've spent a little time tracking the odd 'old friend' of late as I was diagnosed with cancer just on 2½ years ago - eight months before I lost my own wife to pneumonia. Take care,

'Rod has been singing professionally 1973 and is regarded by both his fans and musical peers alike as being one of the finest blues singers in the country. he has been described by Dr. (A.J.) Bruce Johnson, jazz trumpeter and author of the 'OXFORD COMPANION to AUSTRALIAN JAZZ', as singing "the most heartfelt version, since the original was done by Billie Holiday" of the classic jazz tune, .. read more and listen to Rod's mp3s  "Messing with the Kid" wow and Beachie's Archives !

Rod Jeffery: "Your 'taylor square' pages are very interesting and there are a great number of old friends there including Peter Anson, Al Meadows, Al Ward, 'Wally Mudd', 'Mort Fist', Dave Allen, Barry McGloin, Tony Burkys, Jim Jarvis and the list goes ever on.

I used to go to PACT Folk at the old Corn Exchange building in Sussex St as a kid of 14-15 to see people such as Starlee Ford, Marg RoadKnight, Jeannie Lewis, East Neasens, Stovepipe Spasm, usually after getting shit-faced at the Maitland & Morpeth and a little later used to drink in the downstairs (Day St) bar on the Fridays at the 'Limejuice Tub' Folk Club and hung with Lynn Harrison, who married a mate of mine from school, John Cutler. We all knew Barry McGloin and his cousin, Chris, Kerry & Ian Cantlay, John & Max McGrath and Bill Morgan way back then.

I  stayed overnight with Dave Allen and his wife when I drove up to Newcastle to sell my P.A. - Dave will be at the Gosford City Blues Festival on June 6th, he was at the 'Blues Across the Bay' Festival at Patonga when we played there last November.

There was a bloke named Ray Young who sang and played guitar at PACT back then along with another mate, Warren Stewart. There was also Al Head, Graham Lowndes .... Ray was a member of Bullamakanka  don't have a clue what's happened to Warren Stewart, or Al Head. Bumped into Al early '80s when I was gigging around the nthn beaches and in the 90s came across, Graham L, Doug Ashdown and Jimmy Stewart when working with Tony Barnard's ALL HAT JAZZ at the Unity Hall in Balmain.

I know Peter from the '80s when I lived in Balmain and often send him jokes, Pete and Roger Janes played at the Unity Hall and I used to sit in with them every weekend  I met Wally Mudd at the Alley Cat Wine Bar in Nth Sydney back in the '70s when I was running the Mon. night jam sessions there and he turned up a few times. I had a feeling that Mort Fist had died in the early '80s as I was watching Harvey Fisk's band at the Cat & Fiddle one Sat. and someone came in to say he was dead. Though maybe I have that arse about and it was Mort who came in to say that Wally had died.

I've been sitting in with the Layabouts since around the time of the Hilton bombing as well.

I never did see the Battersea Heroes, although I did know of them and of Terry Darmody. I think the head Layabout, Brian Wakefield may have been in the band at one time,

I met both Mick Leiber and Shane Duckham at times sitting in with the Layabouts - not long before Shane died. Tony Burkys is an old friend. There are many names in Terry's story about the Battersea Heroes that I either know or know of (I'm wondering if Warwick K is Warwick Kennington as a matter of fact).

Many of the other names I do know from the days when I knocked around the Folk Music Circuit between about 1967/8 and the early 70s. I stopped around the time that White Nelly disbanded.

Here's a link for you of Burkys, Meadows, Al Ward and Jim Jarvis playing as Duck Soup in our backyard at West Ryde on June 18, 1988:

Duck Soup 1

Duck Soup 2

.. promo shot of the BEACHHEAD'S BLUES line-up from 1992 when we were getting ready to do our first Queensland tour with Al Meadows on harp. He didn't go though and we replaced him with a young saxophonist, Mick Young.

L-R: Alan Meadows (harmonica), Will Irving (guitar),

Rod 'BEACHHEAD' Jeffery (leader/vocals), Tim Reeves (drums) and Gary Kohrmann (bass).

Will now lives on the Sunshine Coast and doesn't play anymore which is a pity because he is a great guitarist, Tim was formerly with Mungo Jerry when he was in England and more recently has lived at Byron and played with the Old Spice Boys (he stole about half of my P.A. - the prick) and Gary isn't playing at the moment  Last time that Shirley and I saw him was at a gig we did in Richmond on February 3, 2006 when he sat in with the current band. It was a prick of a night with fuck all people, a bitch of a barmaid and more requests for Bob Seger than I've had in years.

Bob 'n Head Beach and the Convention Band at the 1988 Jazz Convention

Rod Jeffery: When the 43rd Annual Australian Jazz Convention was held in Sydney in Dec. '88   the late jazz vocalist Bobby Scott and I decided to have a bit of fun and put a band together in which we would do something we'd not until then done - sing duets. This we did and jokingly called the band BOB'n'HEAD BEACH after a regular picnic haunt in Sydney, Bobbin Head. We enlisted the aid of most of the ALL HAT JAZZ band and a few other friends and had a ball on the days we played together.

I had been co-opted less than a fortnight out from the convention to organise the drum kits, P.A. systems and piano tuning and was also roped into doing much of the stage managing, along with bassist, Peter Gallen and on the same day as BOB'n'HEAD BEACH did its first spot I was back on stage again with a thrown together crew of friends that called ourselves The CONVENTION CLEANHEAD Band when a band just didn't show. The boys that I tracked down in the upstairs bar agreed on the proviso that I sang with them.

Fortunately, both sessions were recorded and I managed to get a hold of the tapes before they were spirited away.

As an addenda to the tale of BOB'n'HEAD BEACH - I was speaking with Bobby's wife, Val and we were laughing about that particular time he'd had an argument with a Bougainvillea bush and bloody near didn't make the gig when his hand blew up like a balloon. That and the fact that at a house-warming party at our new home in Katoomba a couple of years later he had been out back tearing branches from a 'plum tree' and I had abused him for wrecking my tree. They were truly funny times! That conversation had taken place on Friday - October 16 this year. Just on a week later I received this email message and my world was shattered:

"Dear friends of Valerie's,

Funeral Details: Next Thursday 29th October at 2.15pm.

Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park at the South Chapel (see map attached).

Wake to be held at Newtown (Jets) Rugby League Football Club from 3.30pm.

Holbeach Ave. Tempe."

.. the following day (Sat.Oct 17, '09) she died in her lounge-room after suffering an abdominal aortic aneurism. I am told that she hadn't been able to speak much about Bobby since his death in June 2008 I had just emailed her the photos from the convention  ..

UTUBE
Facebook

Listen to Rod at his best on MYSPACE

Emails '09

I read an interesting article by Tamam Shud's drummer Dannie Davidson, I have written to Dannie and am awaiting his reply.

"Dannies' story begins in Newcastle NSW Australia a working class town, a Novocastrian at heart. I was born at Merewether to Bart and Shirley. I then moved to Merton Hall Kings Cross at around 3yr old, attended Darlinghurst Public School ... more "

Warren Fahey: "Folks, People all over the world are organising a musical tribute to honour the great humanitarian and folk singer Peter Seeger however I don't think anyone has organised a Sydney event.

If you are a Sydneysider and would like to sing at the Sydney party - 2pm Sat 3rd May - please let me know urgently. Everyone is invited and especially those who can lead the crowd in one of Pete's songs. At this stage the event will be staged in kings Cross on the same day as the Kings Cross Food & Wine Festival. Let me know."

Warren Fahey

Australian Folklore Unit

www.warrenfahey.com

0418423050

wfahey@bigpond.net.au

PO Box 262, Potts Point, 2011.

Alan Meadows: "Excellent site for info, most informative Lynn ~ good work...now nobody mentioned The Roxy in Taylor Square run by Tim Martin .. spawning ground for some great musicians including the Emanuel brothers.. it was where I met Earlwood Greg who was a regular perfprmer there in the mid seventies. Others may have detailed memories of the venue and artists just as an aside... I remember gigging with the neasdens at Buster Browns down from Taylor square on Oxford street.. the waiters were on roller skates and we were supporting Madam Lash .. indeed strange bedfellows ... and we were told it was a family show! allan meadows"


canberra musicians "


Allan Meadows: "hi lynette Glad you caught up with Chris Blanchflower. We had a lot of fun when we played in Richard Brook's Puffin' Billies harmonica band. Incidentally, Chris was the harmonica player in Greg Quill's 'Country Radio', a band that had a couple of good selling albums in the early seventies.I have attached a shot taken at my fortieth ( Forty years in OZ) and showing a group of great mates that have been playing together for over thirty years.---- Allan Meadows "  see Allan Meadows

Dave McDermott: "Lynette, Below is a site that may be of interest to you, specially as Dave Kane features a lot. Thank you for the link to Taylor Square. There was a part about Suzie Wongs in King Street and they were musing about the Square Circle, if my memory serves correctly the members were Arthur Eisenberg, Dave Kane, Darryl McKenzie and Peter Figures. Regards David McDermott

Pete Anson: "G'day Lynne, that's a good article by Nick Warburton. Thanks for the link. About Errol Woods etc, .... That probably was me as in 1975 I had moved to Mullumbimby playing in a band called Chincogan, named after the hill on the edge of town. We played at the top pub in Byron, and dances in the local halls. Ian Walsh on piano, Alan Britain played electric bass, Don McCormack on drums. Ian and I also had a duo gig at a bar/restaurant in Byron Bay. The bar was named 'Dinty's' after the bar in a comic strip called 'Bringing Up Father' ..... The folk festival would have been great. Well it looks like we've all survived pretty well. I don't have any complaints. My life has been pretty good up to now. I've had a lot of luck and I've played with quite a few of the people I idolised as a kid. Can't ask for better. regards pete "

Re: Quill
Red McKelvie: "Hi Lynne, we played at the 'Kings Cross Bar B Q' for abt 3 weeks we were 3 pce, then Terry Wilkins, Darryl McKenzie and me we went to Joan Whitty's club 'Adam's Apple' cnr Crown and Oxford Sts to be resident band after Tully left. We become a 4 pce when Keith Barr joined us. After Terry W left and joined the 'Flying Circus', Peter Knox joined as bass player. I think eventually Darryl and Keth Barr went off to form a band and as far as I know 'Quill' ended (then, Peter knox may remember better than me? I joined up with some 'kiwi' mates Claude Papesch, Murray Grindlay plus 'Ace' Follington we called ourselves haha Savage Rose and we played up the Cross at the 'Electric Circus', 'Whiskey A go go' and the 'Hawaaiian Eye' in Castlereagh St also the 'Here' disco in North Sydney this was all in 1969 cheers"

Peter Knox: "Lynette, Yep, all that sounds good. Daryl went off and joined The Nutwood Rug Band, and I think Keith followed him a little bit later. I think we tried auditioning some new players, but that didn't work out. I remember Daryl trying to talk me into auditioning for 'The Nutwood Rug Band', but I wasn't quite ready to jump from band to band in such a hurry. (Daryl, by the way, became my drummer in 'The Zarsoff Brothers' years later - he was the third drummer in that band, joining about 1983 or 84, I think - at least it was halfway through the recording of The Zarsoffs' 'Rude Awakening' album, because he got to play on about half the tracks. He rejoined me for The Zarsoffs tour with 'The Boys Are Back In Town' bunch of shows in the 90s, and played on The Zarsoffs' 2005 studio album 'Mixed Business' - he wrote some killersongs for that album!)Izzy Foreal"


Lyn Nuttall: "Great stuff. I wish someone had documented my youthful years in inner Melbourne in the same way. You should write a book. I'll add you to my links page. Lyn N(Pop Archives)"

Sue Kielt nee Toohey: "Danny Groves (ex 'Sect') played in the orginal Jesus Christ Superstar and toured with the Production. He followed up with time in the 'Jon English Band' and others in Melbourne. Also 'The Climax' with Nick Dunn, Dave Fookes and Frank Glea and played at Manly Pacific "

LATEST UPDATE NOV 24

Charlie Watts: "Hello Lynne, Do you remember me from Taylor Square ? a friend of Wally's and also in the 'Starving Wyld Dog Piano Band' ( to use it's full name). I have just stumbled across your site, very interesting and very nostalgic.

Could you please pass my email address on to Alan Johnson. Regards for now, Charlie Watts"

Patrick McKenzie: "Hi Lynne, I am researching a book about drug use, treatment and sub cultures in Sydney from early 60's to early 90's. Came across your website through Cass Commerford. He and Lesley Armstrong have been very helpful. I was saddened to hear of Lesleys death.

I was interested in a posting you made on Cass's blog re some names from early 60's (I am not at my computer so cant recall them), who I would like to track down and/or get information on. Are you in Sydney? Would to easier to talk by phone if OK with you."


Larry Adams: "g'day love, my name is larry adams of california in sydney i was called 'dirty big dingo' or 'big daddy' in the biker society. i was the doorman and bouncer at wittys wine bar. joan and cess were the owners of the bar they had a daughter named colleen. we probably crossed passed each in the old days it was a trip to see the old crowd at wittys and the oxford. my computer skils are bad please call me (number supplied_ reverse the charges. please call me!"

Phil Wood: "Yeah, I remember Larry, used to wear a cutoff jacket like Colours. I remember an altercation outside Whitty's when Larry was bailed up by some gunsel from Abe Safron's club upstairs round the corner past the Chew 'n' Spew. Ces tried to talk to him & when that didn't work, Ces just DROPPED him. Out like a light. We dragged the guy up onto the front of the chemist next door & Terry Wilkins stole his gun ... Ah, takes you back"


Barry McGloin: "Hi Lynne, looks like you'll be getting some good photos for Musical Notes. Unfortunately all my memorabilia, including old mags, went up with the house in the 2003 bushfire.
I was at Narooma on the long weekend - the bluesfest on Sat only, some photos of artists are on Picasa, including the magnificent Diunna Greanleaf. http://picasaweb.google.com/barry.mcgloin




I posted six Cds to you on Thursday, the four Aussie 60s compilations plus a compilation of world music and a cd called Below the Baseline by Jamaican guitarist Ernest Ranglin.

The compilation is some my favorite world music tracks, mainly African from Mali, some 'desert blues' included.

Ernest Ranglin is one of the best guitarists anywhere and he has a great band which includes the jazz pianist Monty Alexander and they rework reggae songs. Hopefully you will enjoy. Barry"


Lynne says: am wading thru the music and came across "Blue Day" Billy Thorpe & The Aztecs (written by Tony Barber) will listen to Baseline tonite Barry!


Keith Herbert: Recognize anyone?

Allannah: "Hi Lynn, Well I guess you are busy unpacking still from your trip to Manly Jazz Festival, either that or you have been swallowed by your washing machine - in which case ignore this message :).

Hope everything is OK - get Dylan to write his famous blog on your Musical Notes pages - we miss your updates!"


Peter Anson: "Thanks for the mp3 "Blue Day" by Thorpie.

The banjo makes a bloody racket no doubt. Makes it easy to play gently, did I send you the tracks I made playing the banjo and guitar .. multi-tracked?

Papa Charlie Jackson was the virtuoso 6 string banjo player of the 20s, I'll dig out the recording for you! .. pete"


Terry Darmody:  I've seen a fair bit of Terry Stanton in recent years. My brother alerted me about the accident & Deidre & I went to a benefit at Palm Beach RSL. I ended up on stage playing harp & kazoo with Reg & Pete from the Mentals/Dog Trumpet, George Washing McHine (my idea of a Scottish/Greek joke this), Peter Head on piano. and another harp player called Peter. We were playing "Strange Brew" & a few other country & blues numbers. 'Dog Trumpet' make a great sound for 2 guys. Reg Mombassa told me he used to come to the Taylor Square 'scene'.


Last night I saw Ry & Joachim Cooder & Nick Lowe. A really nice show. Ry can teach us all so much about tasty playing. I hung around for more than an hour with some autograph hunters & I got to give Ry Cooder a copy of my CD, which is influenced by Ry's 1960s & 70s albums"


Paul 'Ear-ring' Stevens: Hey Lynne -- I went to Terry's Stantons's benefit back in August. Terry wasn't there, but all reports were that he is practically a vegie. It's very sad. The benefit went well - lots of old identities there - though most of them didn't have much $$$ to bid with. Good on you re the banjo.

I started learning guitar 6 months ago and recently bought a Tanglewood acoustic to replace the old one (previously my son's) that I started with. I have been getting my teacher to concentrate on blues licks and chords (though we do other stuff too). I don't get a lot of time to practise, but I am making some progress. I can play a simple version of the Stones "Love in Vain" (Robert Johnson) without too many pauses while I remember the next bit. Thanks for "Blue Day". I remember that! Cheers Paul"


'

News Update .. The Book

Nanny Lynne has got me up and typing for her once again. She many 'newcomers' and posts to add in the New Year.

Tonight she lay awake thinking, "will I ever get to write my book .. I think it's time."

The Reunion of the Taylor Square Crew at the Manly Jazz Festival   rounded off her original mission, to locate old friends from the 60s.

Well, not quite, seems she is now being contacted by 60s friends from Cremorne, and it looks like she will be off on yet another tangent.

 On her frequent trips to Sydney she has found her lots of new friends and interests. Photography for one is fast becoming a thrilling hobby, She has travelled around her old stomping grounds and  now has quite an extensive collection of old music venue sites, terraces houses, people she has met etc. etc. this has rounded of her recollections of  'growing up in Kings Cross' stuff.

Nanny Lynne's mission to locate the Starving Wild Dogs proved to be one of the most exciting ventures she have ever been on, resulting in contact with Alan Johnson, Allannah, Alan Meadows, Ayesha, Barry McGloin, 'BeatnikCas' Cummerford, Bob McGowan, Charlie Watts, Chris Blanchflower,  Danny Groves,  Dave Allen, Dave Marshall, Dave McDermott, Dave Miller (Sons of Agamemnon), Deidree McMasters aka Nita Mann,  Dutch Tilders, Errol and Phil Wood, francis Butler (OBH, UBB), Frank Dengate, Glen Lockitch, Jacquie McGarry, Jeannie Lewis, Jill Trevillian, Jim & Mic Conway, Judy Miller, Keith Herbert, Ken Adams, Larry Adams, Lex Mesker (Sect),  Lesley Cumerford aka Mindless, (recently departed),  Larry Knight, Mick Morphett (Sect), Mick Lester (Sect), Neil Smith (Sect),   Peter Anson (Id, Missing Links), Paul Stevens aka Earing-ring Paul, Phil Jones (Unknown Blues), Phil Manning, Peter Gatehouse, Peter Nehill (OBH), Peter Knox aka Izzy Forreal (69ers, Zarsoffs), Red McKelvie (SWD), Rob Askew (Me 'n Mine), Rod 'Beachhead' Jeffery, Ross J Waters (OBH), Ralph Graham,  Sue Toohey, Steve James, Tony Burkys, Terry Darmody (OBH),   Terry Stacey,  Terry Wilkins (SWD, Flying Circus),   Vittorio (Piccolo), Warren Fahey (folklore),  the list goes on unfortunately Wally and Paul Wyld, Jim Crowley and Mort Fist have  passed on.

My Nanny has moved near my Mummy  and us grandkids, purchased a banjo, enrolled in a website design course, volunteers in the library of the Ballina Historical Society AND has also joined a Writer's Club, her life is rich and interesting .. oh, and, she has just discovered Dick Diamonde (ex Easybeats) lives around the corner and has arranged a 'meeting' with him, who knows what will happen next.

Next mission is to reunite The Sect for her funeral LOL .. and she has located 5 members so look out !

Reunion: Manly Jazz Festival

This is for you Mort!
Slim Dusty "Looking Forward, Looking Back"

Let's not beat around the bush eh!

The reunion was successful and the meeting culminated in an overwhelming flourish of strings, horns and kazoos ..

From the beginning the venture seemed dogged by rain and gusty winds, the crew trickled in and out over the three days, wandering around attempting valiantly to make the best of it despite the weather.

Dave 'Sons' Miller and Ross J Waters OBH

My brave little bookends appropriately geared for the stormy weather were a marvellous support to me throughout the long weekend at the MJF

Manly Wharf Hotel, bracing myself for new arrivals .. here's my old friend from Berry Street, Little Judy Miller and her partner Phil Colson (Foreday Riders -  (ex Colin Hay Band). Phil had warded off the weather attack by sporting a formidable dri -as-a-bone. Judy had forgotten to bring her glasses and said I  looked exactly the same as in Berry Street.

Judy and Phil

Roving guest artists The New Orlean Wanderers were next to 'appear' Peter Anson with jacket slung over one shoulder and banjo t'other looked exactly the same as the first time I saw him outside Surf City .. I too had neglected to bring my spectacles. No, seriously except for extra padding and snow on the rooftops we  all looked 'exactly the same'!

Found this little pub facing Manly Beach which became our temporary home and here we are looking adoringly at Phil who opted to take this photo.

Ross, Lynne, Judy and Dave

Next to make an appearance was the inimitable Terrence Darmody

Ross and Terry

Being the mother hen of the crew I was constantly on the lookout, my aim was to keep all my eggs in one basket .. Dave, Ross, Terry and I went  to search for Tony Burkys .. Terry wandered off and I became nervous, my intuition was telling me that Terry was a 'necessary ingredient' and must not stray. How right I was!

We had arranged to meet Peter in a side alley off the Corso on the Monday .. and true to form there he was avec his horn players, whose names escape me .. he had opted to quit his 'roving' and stay put, we volunteered to be rent-a-crowd. Old favourites were enjoyed including, of course  Leadbelly.

                           'Where's Terry I wondered?,' looking up the lane. 

He eventually came back to the fold, excited about having just seen the Jugalug String Band, Philthy  D and Chris Blanchflower

I managed to get a few shots off  before  Peter and the boys accompanied by Terry on harp broke into "Just a Closer Walk with Thee" .. ahh now tears were near. Must have a ciggie. I looked up and there was Terry and Peter side by side ..  where's your camera girl??!! Dave's big fat head was in the way so I jumped up on the bench. Then it was as if God waved his hand things just started happening. Down the alley came John Mackey and  his partner Yuki on tambourine they took up their positions alongside Terry as if prearranged .. then to top it off down the lane, strumming his guitar came Tony Burkys in all his glory

Amazing eh! Set with a backdrop of  'war', an old style 'barber' and a 'psychedelic window'.

The lady next to me said, "I feel something strange, what's happening" The boys seem to be really enjoying themselves. "These guys used to play together in their teens 40 years ago .. and the jam was not prearranged".  What a blessing! Terry, by this stage had whipped out his kazoo, Peter had began doing a little two-step rasping away with gusto, and the grins on all their faces were priceless. Tony later remarked that he was strolling by the lane and heard the kazoo and said to himself that could only be one person .. Terry Darmody. Much merth when Yuki whipped out her kazoo and toot tooted and we were treated to an impromtu call-response routine.

says Terry D:-  It was a wonderful success wasn't it? I felt that God's hand was bringing it together. I've been inspired by the 'Jesus: All About Life' campaign.  I've been in the Christian way for almost 30 years & it's a major part of my life & it actually helps me to put a greater value on friendships, people & music. Anyway I think that message came through pretty clearly. 'A meeting of the minds' adds Pete A.

oh and yes by the way this was how my week ended . Of course, with Jeanne Lewis at the Piccolo Bar. Plans are already underway for the next  'reunion' to be held at the Piccolo Bar later next year. Vittorio the proprietor has kindly agreed to this.

Alan Meadows:"Hey Lynette thanks for that tremendous update... sorry for the tardiness of the ackowledgement... been battling the swine flu or something similar here in tas... it was good to see the pictures and hear of the deeds... made me feel like I should have been there. Best regards Alan Meadows"

Dave and Jacquie Miller: "we got the article and photos that appeared on the blog site about the Manly re-union that you sent us and we loved it all. I will print a hard copy and mail it to my sister Judy and partner Phil B.  Any other shots you have we would appreciate them if you send them to us. We've been playing Terry Darmody's CD that we got from him at Manly, what great music. We contacted him and Ross and have given them our contact details and invited them to stay with us whenever they visit Canberra, and of course you are more than welcome also



(Ross J Waters and his wife Caroline are coming down to visit the National Art Gallery in Jan, (one of our favourite places) so we will catch up with them then.)


What a heartfelt letter of appreciation from Peter Anson ! I bet you haven't stopped smiling yet. We all appreciated what you've done in organising this re-union, and we're glad it all came together at the end after such a bleak start. Great to hear from you Lots of Love Dave & Jacquie

Ross J Waters: "Hi Lynne, Terry D called the fiddle thingo a "phonofiddle". Years ago, a friend had one - he called it a "stravioli". I might do a bit of googling on the subject, methinks!!



Meanwhile, when I have time, I'll put my photos from MJF on Facebook. I really enjoyed the MJF weekend, & it was a real buzz to see you guys again, so thanks for organising it. Terry jamming with Pete Anson & co was a real treat! Also got a nice email from Dave M. recently. Ross xxxxxxx"

In Search of the Starving Wild Dogs

The Universe really does provide, my next story was to be about my days 'hanging around' Taylor Square - my jug band days! Looking through old negatives last week I found one of Wally and me. For only $2 I was thrilled to receive this photo.

I also located Red McKelvie on Myspace. Red has  written a tune called "Wally's Song" and it was there for the download … dare I play it? … I did and I cried it was a song about my friend Wheezin' Walter T Mudd, his brother Paul Wyld and his tribute to the days at Taylor Square.

1967 .. Whitty's Wine Bar and The Starving Wild Dogs (SWD)

Wally, lead singer and harpist was charismatic. (Wal suffered from asthma, an attack would later on end his life), Paul 'Dog' Wyld organist and pianist extraordinaire. Terry Wilkins (bass), a Libran, ever neat, ever clean - clean jeans, clean shoes and a clean and neat moustache. I remember when Terry changed his bass style from a standard plectrum style, to using an upward stroke finger-picking style, new and interesting at the time. Terry is now playing double-bass ... Red McKelvie (lead guitar) and Jim Crowley R.I.P. on drums both from New Zealand. Other members have included Daryl McKenzie also played (drums) and Chinese Chris played lead guitar before and after Red.

After a day's work at the SCC, I'd don my 'wine bar gear', and head off to Whitty's Wine Bar in Oxford Street, Taylor Square.

First stop however, was the 'deli' next door, 'Cecil B Fardouley's', where one could purchase a crusty roll, cheese and the best pepperoni in the world. The thin wizened stick with oil oozing out, could be snapped into pieces - combined with chunks of roll and cheese, it was then washed down with apple cider,- which was the 'go' in the wine bars (popular with the young folk in the late '60s).

 anticipation heightened as the boys, Wally, Red, Paul,Terry and Jim their gear.

By nine they were ripping into:-

"What’s that smells like fish Ma-ma", 'do you really want to know?'

"Stealin'' .. ' Put your arms around me like a circle round a sun .... '

this was Jug Band music!

 

The SWD played also executed some excellent blues numbers; "Messin with the Kid", "Mystery Train", Little Walter's "You Better Watch Yo'sel", "Dust My Broom", and "Walking Blues". I quickly learned the repertoire and for many years I would play along with Wally - later in the evening.

 Berry Street had folded; Wally lived in a terrace house on 290 South Dowling Street,so I promptly moved in to an available spot - top of a sideboard under the stairs!! Although it was very dirty withd bed bugs dwelling there, it was an incredible ’vibey’ house with a different 'buzz' in each room. Romantising as the red welts made by the bed bugs enlarged, I would hum Dave Van Ronk's "Bed Bug Blues".

Sue Challis, Allannah, Stuart West, Steve James, Terry Wilkins, Wally Mudd, Jim Crowley, Sonya, Larry Knight and guests, to name a few; Red McKelvie, Bob and Kathy McGowan, Phil Manning, Shane Duckham, Anna Henry, Neil Bromley, Dave Sturdy, Moya Sturdy, Lindsay Bourke, Pip and Adrian Rawlins was another guest (laughing, laughing, laughing) - I thought maybe that's what happened to one after a few years in this amazing environment.

I recall one evening Steve Sutcliffe 'Sudsy' came around; he'd just heard the Stones Satanic Majesty LP. He put a glass up against the wall (as according to him he was being followed by the 'D's' (drug squad detectives) and they were listening to him think! Sudsy said, the Rolling Stones were sending him messages via Satanic Majesty. Poor Sudsy, I thought he was so cool! We so weren't familiar with schizophrenia in those days.

Most of the time together was spent sharing riffs, tunes, blues info. We were really bored this particular rainy Sunday and someone suggested we put the names of the inhabitants into a hat and 'go off' with the person we drew out. Sonya, Larry, Wally, Sue, Allannah, Terry, Steve and I. Most were already 'a couple'. That left Steve James and me to muddle through the afternoon with each other! Steve was into sitar type slide so I was pleasantly entertained for the afternoon.

Well, what a stink it caused. Friends visited, they'd heard about the 'raffle'. It's disgraceful, lots of tut-tutting etc. “What on earth are you doing Lynne?” I didn't know what they were on about. It was all rigged anyway.

Errol moved me into his huge flat in Alison Road, Randwick opposite the Racecourse, the rent was $17 per week that worked out to $3 per person.

Over a period of 6 months several people came and went, Anne Kelso (nee Kerr), Kerry Phillips, Bobbi, Crazy Wayne Barnes, Brian Dewhurst. Wally moved in for a spell with his companion Charlie Watts (drummer).

Most nights we'd listen to "Becks Bolera" (Rod Stewart and Jeff Beck's 'Truth') the  flavour of the month. Then, taxi it to Oxford Street, where a quick pub crawl was in order to see who was around and what was happening.  Ports of call would be the The Beauchamp, Oxford and Albany Hotels. A look see into Whitty's Wine Bar and off to Frenchs which featured The Foreday Riders, a predominately blues roots band, and the creme de la creme of jugbands The Original Battersea Heroes (OBH) with Terry Darmody. The Heroes were the real thing, a genuine jugband, with kazoo, washboard and tea-chest bass! We'd trundle back and forth from Whittys to Frenchs all night, catching all of the available 'live' music. Anyone remember the really smelly fish shop?

Around midnight, after a quick snack at the Greasy Spoon or the Chew and Spew we'd taxi out to The Greenwood Tree Hotel in Paddington to see Jeff St. John

Little Walter "You Better Watch Yo'self"

Memphis Jugband " Stealin' Stealin' "
Dave Van Ronk " Stealin' Stealin' "

News Update: Things to Come

'Taylor Square in the 60s has been quite successful and I am off to yet another 'Reunion' this time it will be at the Manly Jazz Festival.  Hope to get some classic shots of the crew for you!

I need to take a break for a while and will come back afresh with articles

TO COME ..

•  Bob MGowan (Uncle Bob's Band),.. Terry Darmody, Tony Burkys 

I am in the process of uploading (and sorting) all Bob's photos on facebook Nov 30 Lynette Komidar Best

• Dorrigo Folk Blues Festival with Ian Fretwell, Errol and Phil
• Annandale Bluegrass Society
• activate the Rogue Gallery .. on going
• Jeanne Lewis
• Foreday Riders
•  Al Meadows and  Duck Soup,
• Rod 'Beachhead' Jeffery,
•  Quill
• Terry Stacey
• Easybeats and Beatle Village
• Domain

some tidbits

HARRY BRUS on Myspace, Harry's name has cropped up many times - he has some interesting photos to share including Russell Dunlop's wake and an old photo of him with Red McKelvie, Graham Lister and Dave Ovendon

'ANTIPODEAN BEAT' Interesting site including bands as obscure as mine!

THE BONDI CIGARS ... That original Cigars line-up brought together four like-minded experienced players, all veterans of Sydney inner-west blues venues ... Bass player Al Hollywood Britton is another blues trooper, having survived the Dynamic Hepnotics and the Foreday Riders, and puts real backbone into the rhythm section ... '

DARK AGES a New Zealand band featuring Clive Coulson and yet another old snap of Red McKelvie ' .. The Dark Ages was formed in 1964 by a group of five teenagers from South Auckland who were keen to take an alternative approach to music and their on-stage appearance. The band was influenced by early British R&B groups, such as Downliners Sect, the Pretty Things, the Yardbirds and the Rolling Stones.'

CANBERRA MUSICIANS Some dialect between musicians on their message link

DAVE KAIN Myspace including an interview on video, slideshow with some incredible old snaps. I would say back then Dave Kain had just about the longest hair known to man.

ADRIAN RAWLINS  Three interesting sites on Adrian

1. Recently discovered obituary. from Australian newspapers and the statue erected in his honour

2. Adrian Rawlins this site his about his life and his poetry
' ... Dear friend and poet Adrian Rawlins, one of the first Australian music journalists, died on September 12, 2001 aged 62 after suffering from cancer. Baba was his first love in life, poetry and music followed ... Adrian on slide '


3.  www.milesago.com/Misc/Rawlins.htm

HALF A COW RECORDS Missing Links - a comprehensive account

LA DE DAS

Reunion: Dave and Phil

Dave 'Sons' Miller: 'Hi Lynne, Dave Miller here, thanks for the e-mail regarding the re-union at Manly Jazz festival. we'll have to do some organising before I can tell you what day(s) that we'll be attending. Well, you will never guess who paid us a visit today. Yep, thats right, Phil and Lyn Wood. How amazing seeing Phil after 41 years! Prior to this my only memory of Phil was that of a frisky young motor bike riding devil may care teenager.

Photo: Dave Miller and Phil Wood

What a difference 41 years makes, seeing Phil the family man and his lovely wife Lynn He is very close to his youngest son Cassidy and spends a lot of time trout fishing in the Snowy mountains with him, as he and Errol did with their father who is still alive at 94 (and stills drives a car, amazing). After lunch we did a tour of our property and went up to our neighbours, 'Jeir Creek' winery, where they did some wine tasting. Although we didn't stop chatting the afternoon was way too short to talk about everything and we've invited them back for a longer stay and they have invited us to visit them up at Bellingen. And who was responsible for this reunion? You of course, you precious person! We couldn't thank you enough. I hope things are going well with you. Any news of your transfer to either Ballina or Coffs Harbour? I'll keep in touch, bye for now. Love Dave Jacquie Miller'

Charlie Watts

Just received an email from Charlie Watts


"Hello Lynne,

Do you remember me from Taylor Square ? a friend of Wally's and also in the Starving Wyld Dog Piano Band ( to use it's full name). I have just stumbled across your site, very interesting and very nostalgic.

Could you please pass my email address on to Alan Johnson.

Regards for now,   Charlie Watts"

Mindless

Just received the saddest news .. Lesley 'Mindless' Armstrong passed away July 26 ..

Beatnik Cas talks about the passing of Lesley on Utube (click here)

click here for Cas' blog where he takes us thru the daily life in the 'scene' in and around Taylor Square

BeatnikCas: "lesley ;mindless armstrong (the queen of LSD experimenters) died july 26th but---- her old boyfriend "Casbah" (ex-Royal George) and pal of Tracey Rorke, Dutch Andy, Johnny Bates, Ear-ring Paul, English Paul, Big Malto, Melbourne Jeff, Dave Anderson and Big Lilly, Old Mick, Phil Bryden-Brown , Mainline Michelle, Granny, Roy the Boy, Dave Ellis, Rocker Rob, Penny Symes, Heather Buchanan, Lachie Jamison, "Feenie", Little Dick, Little Africa, Black Allan, Johnny Patch, Lady George, John Foggerty, Kay Benz, John Sande and Brett Lea will definately try and mosey along ( from deep in the wild Aussie bush) and meet you in the pub --- see my BEATNIKCASS site on YOUTUBE.

more on leslie at a later date, here us a sample of Leslie's artwork

Manly Jazz Festival

I thought it would be a good idea to have a 'reunion' of old heads at Manly Jazz Festival .. interested??

VENUE: Manly Wharf Hotel (base)
TIME: 10 onwards (most meeting at 12 noon)
DATES: Sat, 3, Sun, 4 and Mon. 5 October, 2009

Welcome to the Manly Jazz Festival 2009  Saturday, 3rd October 2009 to Monday, 5th October. Happening at The Corso, Manly Beach. ' .. Now in its 32nd year, the Manly Jazz Festival is the largest and longest running festival of its kind in Australia. With a relaxed atmosphere and a breathtaking Ocean Beachfront backdrop, the festival location is considered to be second to none in the world of jazz. ..

 

Link to latest PROGRAM

Trumpet Summit – Bob Barnard, Bob Henderson and Company
Buddy Bolden Tribute Band / Benny’s Boys – Tribute to Benny Goodman
Royal Australian Navy Band / Geoff Bull All Stars
Dan Barnett Big Band / Erroll Buddle Quintet
James Valentine Quartet
Andrew Speight Quartet w/ guest James Morrison
Carol Ralph and Blue Rhythm All Stars
Doug Williams and The Mix / Harry Sutherland Trio
Neilsen Gough / The Translators
Swing City Big Band / Mike Nock Quartet
Erana Clark Band / Victor Rounds and Usgang
Anita Spring Quintet / Mike Price Trio (ACT)
Armondo Hurley / Conservatorium Big Band
Charito / Craig Scott Quintet / Blaine Whittaker Band
Geoff Power Quartet / George Washingmachine Quartet
The Grown Ups / Swing City
Dale Barlow Quintet Feat George Coleman Jnr
Steve Clisby Band / James Morrison
Armondito y su Trovason / The Modecs fest Lily Dior

Ian Cooper's Roving Artists:
New Orleans Rascals - John Mackie
Hot Potato Band
New Orleans Wanderers - Peter Anson
Smokey Mary's Jazz Band - Colin Beale

60s Crew: Terry Darmody, Mick Morphett, Lex Mesker, Ross J Waters, Ralph Graham, Fran Miller, Dave 'Sons' Miller and Jacquie, Phil Colson  & Judy, Peter Anson, Tony Burkys, Deiter, Cas and Phil Wood have expresses interest.

Tony Burkys: "I am playing in a roving band at Manly Jazz Festival on Sat . 3/10 and Mon .5/10 but I don't think I can make it on the Sunday . Have fun anyway. cheers Tony Burkys

Dave 'Sons' Miller: "Hi Lynne, Dave Miller here, thanks for the e-mail regarding the re-union at Manly Jazz festival. we'll have to do some organising before I can tell you what day(s) that we'll be attending."

Peter Anson:  "G'day Lyn, Manly have got around to asking me to the festival, but as yet they haven't told me which days. I usually do 2 days out of the 3. I'll let you know when I know. regards..Pete

"Hey there Lynette, Jazz Festival dates 4 and 5th Oct I'll be strolling the streets, playing my banjo, with two others on those days, between 1pm and 4 pm. Hope to see you .. P Anson"

Beatnik Cas: "lesley "mindless" armstrong (the queen of LSD experimenters) died july 26th but---- her old boyfriend "Casbah" (ex-Royal George) and pal of Tracey Rorke, Dutch Andy, Johnny Bates,Ear-ring Paul, English Paul, Big Malto, Melbourne Jeff, Dave Anderson and Big Lilly, Old Mick, Phil Bryden-Brown , Mainline Michelle , Granny, Roy the Boy, Dave Ellis ,Rocker Rob,Penny Symes, Heather Buchanan , Lachie Jamison, "Feenie", Little Dick, Little Africa, Black Allan , Johnny Patch , Lady George, John Foggerty, Kay Benz, John Sande and Brett Lea will definately try and mosey along ( from deep in the wild Aussie bush) and meet you in the pub---i have lyn's phone number and will stay in touch-----see my BEATNIKCASS site on YOUTUBE."

Terry Wilkins: "Boy oh boy, I surely would like to attend and participate...but not possible....break a leg.  Lynne, I would love to be there...but I doubt it. Last Sat. I played The Montreal Jazz Festival with a woman named Lily Frost doing a Billie Holiday repertoire done in a Wester-Swing style. It was on a large street stage and there were between 30-50,000 people. It was excellent in all ways. On Wed. I am flying to Switzerland to play at The Montreux Jazz Festival. It has been a busy year. Think of me thinking of being there in Oct. T.Wilkins "

Deidree McMasters aka Nita Mann: "Hi Lynne, Oh wow - I'll be in Sydney on my way to Bathurst at the end of Sept - returning to Hobart 30 Sept - just don't think I could do another trip so soon . . . . but WILL be back in Sydney early Nov - must keep in touch"
 
Ross J Waters: "Hi Lyn,Great idea & amp; great venue. Hopefully I shall see you there!

When you're in Manly, give me a ring & I can come down & meet you & we can check out the M W Hotel. I met Terry D for lunch the other day - he will try to make the MJF either Sun or maybe Mon will be easier. Ross."

Barry McGloin: "thanks Lynne - looks enticing. I usually go to the Narooma Great Southern Blues Rockabilly Fest that weekend, not sure what's happening this year, someone did mention a workshop (long weekend???), but I'll keep it in mind."

Dave 'Flake Allen: "Hi Lyn, I will be at Narooma for the Blues Fest, we go every year for a week, do a bit of fishing as well. Great lineup though, Dale Barlow and Errol Buddle etc. I must go there next year for a change. Dave Allen"

Allannah: Hi Lynn, good idea from Ralph - now where did I put that kazzooo! Allannah in sunny Rye Victoria
for offering her services on kazoo for the day.

RALPH GRAHAM: "Hi Lynne, Re the proposed Reunion, During Manly Jazz Festival, 3rd - 5th October 2009

Always been a bit of a dreamer, but I can visualise during the Festival (Sat or Sun - afternoon), a venue perhaps in (near) Taylor Square, where folks from the era could drop in, catch up with whoever is there, and get up and have a play. What do people think of this and does anyone have a PA that could be used? Does anyone know of a possible venue? Were you thinking a specific meeting place in Manly during the festival?

I suppose the ideal would be to have a pub where people could get up and have a play. Cheers, Ralph Graham"

Taylor Square Introduction

The inner city area of Darlinghurst, Paddington and King's Cross were my stomping grounds as a youngster and remained so until my 30s.

Whitty's Wine Bar, Oxford and French's Tavern ... Friday and Saturday nights blues, folk and jug bands ... 'light' shows' at the Cell Block Theatre, underground movies and live performances at the Mandala Theatre on the corner of Oxford and South Dowling Streets, surf movies and live folk performances at the Wintergarden in Rose Bay .. We were never at a loss for stimuli and entertainment and travel from one venue to another in the course of the night .. including The Windsor Castle (nestled in amongst the terrace houses) on Sundays, lazing around playing pool and listening to jazz. The Greenwood Tree was also a favoured spot.

When the week was done .. Sundays one could venture down to the Domain Park and listen to and participate in various political debates with John Webster and Raven, or wander around to the many other soap box speakers .. the route to the Domain would take in Lady Macquarie Chair, Sydney Harbour, The Botanical Gardens, The Opera House, Sydney Art Gallery, The Mitchell Library, The Conservatorium of Music and sometimes a stroll through the Rocks to view various displays of artistery. Wayside Chapel on a Sunday was also the go for a while as musicians came to enterain us with their varying talents - Bob Hudson for one!

Numerous music venues were available to us: Folk Cellar, Folk Attick, Pact Folk, Surf City, Beach House, Beach City, Beatle Village, Hawaaian Eye, The Sound Lounge, Whiskey Au Go Go, Rhubarbs, , Beethovens, Vibes, Op Pop, Here, Suzie Wong's, Ball Pants, Adam's Apple, King's Cross BBQ, Whitty's Wine Bar, Oxford and French's Taverns, Loue's, John Huies, The Roxy, Yellow House ..... Arts Factory, Wayside Chapel, The Last Straw, Gas Lash, The Cask, Chez Ivy's and there were resident bands in almost every pub and surf club.

The Terrace Houses in and around the Cross, once occupied by my school chums and their lower or working class families, became 'pads' in the 60s, where common interests in music and politics were shared. Some of these terraces were converted to 'folk' venues and coffee lounges, others became 'squats' for bums and runaways'.

A creative subculture evolved: A wide variety of people from all levels of the social scale came together; curious middle class university students, office workers, surfers, runaways. A combination of political activists, musicians, artists, pot smoking, drug dabblers, petty thieves and the mentally deranged. Most were altruistic. We were were lumped together and described by the 'straights' as longhairs, druggies or misfits - referred to as 'hippies' or 'drop-outs'. Our catch cry was 'Tune In, Turn On and Drop Out' .. some were week-end 'drop-ins' only and scurried back to their comfortable homes in the upper North Shore, Kingsgrove ...

'Normal' people in the Cross were considered 'odd' by suburban standards. King's Cross attracted the weird. This barrage of eccentricity surrounded me in my formative years. I was lucky to survive. After years of abuse, I clambered onto a 'life-raft' . I chose to write about these times in order to find old pals and I have been successful in my mission.

Photos

Musical Notes Photos and information

News Update

'Lyn,You may wish to check this out. Regards David McDermott

Python Lee Jackson

Mick Lieber-guitar
Mal McGhee-vocals
Lloyd Hardy-bass
Dave Montgomery-drums
David Bentley-keyboards

Python Lee Jackson
1967 ABC TV "Be Our guest".
Unknown song.
Recorded in Australia before going to England to record with Rod Stewart.

Keith Herbert: "Hi Lynne,I'd never seen that one before. Is that you standing at the back? :-) They may be the worst at miming, but they were a true "soul" band and were all very good players. Probably still are!Keep 'em coming please. Regards, Keith"

The Royal George UPDATE!

I received this email today from Paul 'Ear-ring' Stevens (Frank's Cafe)



'Hey Lynne -- if you or the readers of your Blog remember Terry Stanton from the Royal George they might be interested in this. I posted a notice on Tales of the Royal George.

http://theroyalgeorge.blogspot.com/

There's a bit more about Terry here:

http://theroyalgeorge.blogspot.com/2006_03_01_archive.html

He used to play pretty good blues guitar among his many talents.
Hope all goes well with you. Cheers Paul

Norm 'Gutbucket' Roue

Normie Roue (pronounced Normie Rowe) headed the unforgetable bands Om Di Com with Danny Groves on drums and Gutbucket, aptly named! Normie's gutsy version of "Louisana Red" still haunts me. They supported Phil Jones and the Unknown Blues at Beethoven's late '67. Norm went onto Buffalo and Band of Light .. you can catch a glimpse of him playing magnificent slide with Russell James Walsh (ex Feeler) on Utube.


Standing on my tippy toes, tears welling up in my eyes I strained to catch a glimpse of Little Normie .. it was 1967/68 and Dal Myles had put on a special show at the the old Trocadero in George Street, in the line-up of stars was Phil Jones and the Unknown Blues featuring Normie Roue from Gutbucket. The reason for the tears you might ask, well I had been unceremoniously dumped by Norm the previous week and, well, you know.

I did run into Norm years later at The Village with his ever present cheeky grin, so here's to you Norm.

Buffalo 1976 L to R Peter Wells, Dave Tice, Jimmy Economou, Karl Taylor & Normie

Is that Russell J in the background??

Band of Light “The Cat”

RUSSELL JAMES WALSH  (Feeler):  "Mick G, me and Norm played together for about fours years, we met in a pub, we really got a great sound, done a few gigs and parties, but i tell you he got his slide playing back to the old days. Norm had two bass players -Ian Rilen and Pete Wells, i think Norms slide had a big influence on Rose Tattoo, have a look at Youtube me and Norm have four songs together there, he played great that day so at least his slide playing is documented. Norm was well then we were together 2002 to 2OO6 Gutbucket were underated too .. " Facebook

Reunions: Emporium

Peter 'Izzy Foreal' Knox' and Lynne Sanders-Braithwaite have arrived in the Lower Clarence Valley and have taken the area by storm, or did the storm take them?

A deluge of rain had recently occurred and the waters flooded the entire valley, Lynne and Izzy were the proud dwellers of a house in Ulmarra which was 'surrounded' by the Clarence River .. nevertheless, they soldiered on and became part of the community.

Downtown South Grafton is a hive of creativity - quite 'hippified' with its bazaars and arts 'n craft stores; hand-made leather goods .. three pubs and music coffee lounges featuring 'blues' entertainers.

Izzy has secured gigs at one of the restaurant venues, the Emporium Cafe ' with its amazing psychedelic bedouin tent decor is a relaxing and interesting eatery.' The curries are scrumptious and can be attributed to their knowledge in spices. Visit their site Emporium Cafe for more information.

Pulling up in the taxi I was met by a warm glow emanating from the premises ..t he venue was packed to the rafters, the music was up and away and I settled back for what I knew was going to be a delightful night. The entertainment was inspiring and a tribute to the hard work that has gone into making this restaurant a winner.

Izzy, sporting his new two-toned hair look, was the perfect MC and held the evening together nicely.

For more information on guests and Izzy and Lynne S' struggle through the floods visit Izzy Foreal on Facebook.

After a fulfilling night, Lynne S and Izzy toddled off home the proud owners of a crock pot (secured in the raffle) .. I arrived home satiated with pleasant food and memories of a wonderful evening in downtown South Grafton.

I am leaving the Clarence Valley this week, having lived there on an off for 30 years. I am headed on a new an exciting adventure in my new hometown of Ballina .. 'So long and thanks for all the Fish' .. Adams .

"Hi Lynne, Thanx so much for your kind words. And your blog is fantastic.

Annie (Dodd) and I (Peter Freeman) are so pleased you found us and had a good time. Annie has owned the Emporium for some 9 years and has performed a marvellous job in creating an inspiring building.

I took over the cafe 3 years ago and moved into Annie's life and we became partners. This is my first eatery but I've always enjoyed good food. I have catered for some amazing dinner partys and now can offer my energies to others.

Annie has always said that the Emporium always attracts interesting people and it certainly reached a peak with Izzy and Lynne. I think the Music Cafe would have been successful anyway but with Izzy it has a depth that it wouldn't have achieved without him. And he and Lynne are such lovely people.

Anyway, again, thank you for your kind words. Enjoy Ballina, it's such a lovely place.
Pop in when you pass through. Regards ... Peter and Annie"

Lex Mesker: more on Vibes!

In touch with Mick Morphett, hopefully he will be coming to the Reunion at the Manly Jazz Festival

from Lex Mesker (roadie and DJ)

wipe this off by accident will redo  .. sorry Lex

Ralph Graham remembers Taylor Square

Ralph Graham has been promising to put together his memories of Taylor Square . . today I received this recollection, obviously written from the heart:-

2006 Ralph Graham

"Perhaps I was not a “core” member of the Taylor Square mob as there are a few faces on the Taylor Square site that I don’t remember but I certainly was around and I’d like share some of what I remember.

Just a note: Dave Turner, is a mate of mine from Hong Kong where we played in a band in 1971 and in later years he moved to Sydney so he was not actually a part of this scene. The photo was taken about 1972. Also see post Photos: from Ralph Graham

“Since I came to the city how my life has changed, All of the people and all of the names …”

Dave Turner, Tony Borg, Ralph Graham, Larry Knight, Jim Crowley, Alana Kereopa

Jim Crowley
Played drums for a time with the Starving Wild Dogs, a blues band with Wally Mudd (Walter Wyld) played harps and sang and others will know who the other members were. I also played guitar for a short time with a band at Whitty’s etc but I don’t think it was the Dogs. Jim is a Kiwi and also played in bands with fellow Kiwi guitarist, Red McKelvie. [Jim was from Timaru which is where Red McKelvie now lives.] This was 1969. In 1970, I was the resident guitarist (Peter Knox was the bass player) at the Ball Pants coffee shop in Brougham Lane at Kings Cross and cooling my heels after a failed relationship when Jim Crowley tracked me down at my flat at the Cross. He asked if I wanted to join a band that was going to Vietnam. I thought it sounded like an adventure and the band flew out in February 1970. From that time on Jim and I shared many an adventure over the years, living together and playing in bands in Australia, Hong Kong Thailand etc.

In 2002, Jim lived only a few minutes away from where I live here in Epping, but we had not seen each other for quite a long time. I rang out of the blue to borrow a mike stand only to find to my horror that Jim had passed on two months prior on 17 March. His liver failed him. It was a big blow as I was not able to be with him through his sickness before he died, and missed his funeral. He left a wife and two fine boys. Jim’s father died at 57 when Jim was 13 and Jim died at 57 when one of his sons was 13. His heritage was Irish and he had revived his Catholicism some years before. He left us on St Patrick's Day.


Wally Mudd
In July 1979, Jim Crowley and I were sharing a house in Paddington and we moved to a house in Naremburn, north of North Sydney where we lived for several years. After much persuasion on Jim’s part, we managed to extract Wally from the scene at - the Cross, Darlinghurst etc – and he came to live with us. I cherish the times I sat with him in his room when we played guitar and he shared a couple of songs he had written.

I remember the chords and a few more words of this and he only played it once! I would love to have a copy of the whole song. I was profoundly affected by the way he disappeared to another world when he sang, seeming not to be aware of himself or the room, opening his eyes at the end as if to suddenly become aware of his surroundings again.

It must have been his destiny as not long after (I think Jim and I might have been on tour with John Williamson), Wally suddenly packed up and headed back to the never never where it seems many a good person had been lost. Within a couple of months, sadly, Wally was gone, I’m afraid

Paul Wyld “Dog”
You would think the nickname dog would describe a wild man but Paul, as I found him, was quiet and a gentleman. In 1977 my country rock band Rainshine was signed to a deal by our manager Colin Petersen, (former child star of the movie 'Smiley' and ex Bee Gees). Paul came to Alberts Studio and played piano on some tracks. The tracks, never released, were "Miles Away" (written by our Drummer, Shane Flew), "Flashing Lights" (written by me, Ralph Graham) and "Old Cowhand". His playing was a delight.

Paul Johnson “Pig”
One night I was on the way to Ball Pants coffee shop where I was the regular guitarist, I heard a voice singing that I thought sounded like a cross between John Lee Hooker and Nat King Cole. He was actually young, white, tall, brash, already life worn and possessed of a wonderful blues voice. He played guitar and blues harp and I spent many a night playing my electric guitar for him and delighting in his vocals. A lady who often performed at the “Pants” known as Leonie (later performing around the traps as Leonora Jackson) had a “party” at her flat. Pig’s party trick was to ask for the lights to be turned off whereupon he de-trousered and set fire to a huge fart. Perhaps he should have been nick named 'Blue flame' or 'Methane'. One night at the Ball Pants he was standing there playing on his own and his song finished with rapturous applause. He obviously felt that he was below par that night and that we should have recognised it as he ripped off his guitar, threw it on the floor and said “You are all f**d! You know damn well that was terrible!” and strode out into the night. In the 80’s, some 16 years later while on tour with Digger Revell I ran into him in Melbourne where he, having now embraced country music, was performing ‘round Melbourne in a duo with his girl friend. In 2008 I was trying to track him down and discovered that he had died in the late nineties. So sad and disappointing, a CD of his is available from Dave Dawson’s website.'

The link for Dave Dawson's site who has copies of Paul "Pig" Johnson's ( later known as A. P. Johnson) CD with the Dead Livers is http://www.nucountry.com.au email on the site. Thanks, Ralph

More yak.. Ralph

The Ball Pants
A small coffee shop in Brougham Lane at Kings Cross, tiny but full of character by virtue of the “clientele.” There was no stage as such and I think we sat on our amplifiers and made do. We had regular performers and all kinds of characters blew in and out. There was "Peter Pop Star", so called as he used to gyrate and gesticulate like a real pop star. These antics seemed totally out of place in a scene like that but it didn't seem to matter and we all loved Peter. There was Paul "Pig" Johnson with the wonderful blues voice and harp, a rough diamond and a good friend. Phill Kyffin, a regular guitarist singer who like me would share originals now and then and we later shared a flat. There was me of course (Ralph Graham). I was a "resident" player with my pride 'n joy, the Rickenbacker electric guitar with the Hair (the Musical) sticker, playing Beatles, blues and everything in between. Peter Knox was the other "resident" playing nifty bass and singing and we had a great old time together. Leonie (Prior?) was a strong singer with a great repertoire who performed around Sydney in later years as Leonora Jackson. Bob Dylan songs were a popular choice at the "Pants" but variety was the go and almost anything did. Many of the regular characters had a story to tell and interesting substances were sought and bought - an experimental market place and a stimulating meeting place for dropins and dropouts.

Peter Knox "Izzy Foreal"
Peter and I (guitar and bass) were part of the furniture at the Ball Pants coffee shop in Brougham Lane at Kings Cross. Peter sang and played good bass and was a humorous character on and off "stage." The pay for playing at the BP was $3.00 per night plus food, “help yourself." The only problem was that this was basically white bread and processed cheese and Peter pointed out that this was not good food and that I oughta read the labels. Chemicals, artificial colours and white bread devoid of nutrition. Hmm. I had never thought of this before. I was influenced by this good hearted health food vego and so without any nutritious tucker on offer I had to break into my three dollars for healthy food which included goats milk yoghurt at the local deli. One day, we were up at Whitty’s Wine Bar or somewhere at Taylor Square and we had to get an amplifier/speaker box down to the Ball Pants at the Cross – a mile or so? “Got no money for a taxi,” I said. Peter says “No worries. We’ll carry it.” I did a double take and off we went. Well that healthy tucker he ate showed its worth as while I struggled bravely, appealing for rests, Peter marched along as if on a Sunday walk!

Mort Fist
I didn't meet Mort in the Taylor Square days, but much later in Tamworth in the 90's where he wrote for the local paper and was everywhere during the Country Music Festival in January each year, soaking in and writing up the music scene as he saw it. I liked Mort and he would often turn up to see our band. Eureka!, playing Celtic rock (Folk Rock) and some rocky bush songs, was not your regular Tamworth fare but we went over well and Mort, who told us he loved the band was almost embarrassing in his gushing praise in print. I was so saddened to hear of yet another premature passing of a lovely man.

Ralph has also provided me with 'a cuppla links' to his bands:-

Eureka

"Folk Rock/ Celtic/ Australiana/ Bush Music. I found this site most interesting with band history, recordings etc."

Currency Lads

" is known to some as a Bush Band or for Australiana presentations. Others know Currency Lads as an Irish Band and in both cases the entertainment attitude, the musical content and the experience combine to make some magic that will make your day... and your night!"

Three Card Trick

" Sarah Dunn - Keyboards and Vocals, Ralph Graham - Guitar and Vocals, Ray Abela - Violin/Fiddle and Vocals. Three Card Trick uses professionally developed custom tracks for bass and drums delivering a tight and exciting sound and adds to the line-up where the job requires other professional players."

Ralph has also provided me with this link  to 'What will they do to Taylor Square?'

... 'Dave, who has been living in the area for almost half a century and proudly keeping the area clean and tidy for 18 years, explains, the square and the surrounding streets have undergone tremendous changes '  ..."Back in the '60s and '70s, it used to be a really rough old area. You still get a bit of trouble late on a Saturday night, say, from people coming out of the pubs. But it's really improved. .. read more  '

Keith & Co

Over the past few years I have been reunited with old friends, but have also found many new friends that were connected in some fashion or other to the days at Taylor Square; Keith Herbert, Bruce Bongers, Rob Askew and Dave 'Flake' Allen (who I  had the pleasure of meeting at the Gosford Blues Festival recently),

Keith Herbert

"The attachment called "Seabird" is part of a recent recording project that I'm involved with (called Kerf). The song relates to a whale's questions to a seabird. It's still a work in progress. Needs some tightening up in places. People seem to appreciate it. I haven't played it any whales yet. k."

Kerf "Seabird"

 Way back ...... Keith was in Fred Karniss' Army (FKA).

Here is the email I received from him some months ago.

Keith Herbert: "Wally's Song" is teriffic! Camaraderie? is the theme for sure. The Sect were my fav. Oz band of the time and we regularly saw them at Rhubarbs and Vibes. I even played at Vibes once.

Heady stuff ... I'd love to meet Danny Groves and show him my "new" drum setups. I pinched some chops from him back then, so it's only fair. Maybe it can happen. I would love the Sect to reform if possible. My other current muso mates who missed them would be astonished, I'd say.

Here's a photo of our band FKA at The Set Disco in Bexley...every Fri, Sat and Sunday afternoon for quite a while. We made $10 each for the 3 sessions each week. We became pretty tight. So many stories ... k."

Left to Right: Ross Jeffree-lead guitar (playing 335 Gibson, worth a fortune now), me (Keith Herbert (on my beautiful Slingerland kit ... I lament it's sale oooooh, Keith Hayward-bass (always played bare footed and had a goose' skull hanging off the end of his bass), Bruce Bongers-singer/harmonica, Al Prince - second guitar, out of shot.

"I auditioned for Me ‘N Mine around 1970. They were so polite! (I didn't get the gig). Too bluesy I think.

Rob Askew and I jammed at a musos party prior to Christmas with Bruce Coble of The Beatels' (the nearest thing to John Lennon still alive, according to Rob). We did 4 Lennon songs and it was very fulfilling for us both. http://www.beatels.com/ The Beatels are brilliant!

Me'n Mine 1966 Rob Askew’s first band

Patrick McMahon (lead guitar), Paul McCormack (lead vocalist), Jimmy Penson (drums), Rob Askew (bass guitar) and John McMahon (rhythm guitar). Their approximate ages in the photo range from 19 (John) to 16 (Jimmy). 

'Me'n'Mine was a little known rock band that performed around
Sydney Australia during the heady days of 1966 and 1967. That term "rock band" was uncool at the time, it implied old time rock'n'roll, whereas Me'n'Mine was a "group". For reasons which will be explained below, they were called The Limmericks for the 2nd half of their short career. was never a band of guitar heroes - Clapton and Hendrix had not yet really hit the scene. Our strong point was our vocal harmony - you can still hear it in the recordings I made starting late 2004. Jimmy went on to Blackfeather and Flake, Rob and his brother Lindsay are still going strong. (in separate projects).'

Do yourself a favour and visit Rob's site The Next Best Thing .. you will find 1967 covers of Beatles songs and then videos of the same songs done in 2004 .. what an amazing journey.

"Hi Lynette, Keith Herbert told me you’ve been listening to some of my recordings and videos of Me ‘n’ Mine. That was me who said “Wonderful!” at the end of "Happy Together". How did you stumble across my website?

The guy with the lovely voice you mentioned is Father Paul McCormack. He teaches at a boarding school in Toowoomba these days.

Me’n’Mine was active in 1966 and 67 just after we all left high school, we had a regular circuit of church youth dances that kept us in gigs. By 1971 we had all gone off in different directions and didn’t keep in contact, but that changed in about 2003. To cut a long story short, we had a reunion and I started working on music tracks so we could record some of our old songs. We only get together once or twice each year. Did you listen to the scratchy 1967 demo of "Dr Robert" ? The only member missing from our reunion was Jimmy Penson who died in 1981 – we recently located his sister and I’ve been to chat with her.

Let me know if you have any questions about the ancient history of Me’n’Mine. Regards Rob Askew"

Your videos are marvellous,  "Happy Together" made me cry .. what a lovely voice .. like an angel .. you all looked thoroughly mesmorized with it all .. and at the end someone says 'that was wonderful'. I was really moved. Loved the flourish in "Nowhere Man".

 "This Boy"  .. he has that special quality that makes the hair on the back of one's head stand up .. thoroughly enjoyable. It was a pleasure to watch your band reunite, and by gosh, you sure pulled it off!

Interesting Jimmy Penson in Blackfeather, so were two of my friends Mike McCormack (drums) and Paul Wyld (organ) .. my blog is a work in progress and I was impressed with your website, very comprehensive and I watched the vids. with great interest. Great video work, music arrangements... I was also interested to see he is in the church .. friends Keltic Ken Adams in Calif. has a Celtic Spiritual radio program, Terry Darmody has a Gospel Spiritual radio program

"Thanks for taking an interest in Me’n’Mine, it’s nice to know someone other than those directly involved is enjoying our efforts.

When I was in high school in 1965 at De La Salle Marrickville, for many classes I sat with Tony Asciak (now deceased) who was the rhythm guitarist for The Rogues. At the time they were a working band, playing such places as Beatle Village. Wayne Thomas was their drummer and Wayne “Spooky” Rountree was their excellent lead guitarist – those guys opened our eyes to the Yardbirds and The Zombies, and inspired us to have a go at it - they’re both still playing. So how cool did that make Tony? – a school chum in a working band. I used to pick Tony’s brain about all things relating to guitars and amplifiers, even borrowed his amp a few times. At the same time there was a guy from another class also picking Tony’s brain, his name was Phil Jones. I haven’t seen Phil since 1965, and he probably doesn’t remember us. Small world indeed. Regards, Rob"


Some links to John Stone and his kids. John was a keyboard player in Barnaby Rudge until about ’78 when I believe John Russell replaced him. He persevered and ended up as you see in these links – his children are amazing.You may enjoy them some time...

http://www.tallowoodharpandguitar.com.au/ www.angusandjuliastone.com/

John Russell (Mr Slide Guitar, as far as I'm concerned) and I jammed at Helen's party...twas a privilege k!

Keith Herberts Bands:

Fred Karniss' Army: Bruce Bongers, Keith Hayward, Al Prince, Ross Jeffree (Ross was also in Flake for a short time)

Syn: John "Spider" Scholtons (on to Galadriel), Steve Gard, Robbie Taylor, Dave Allen.

The Gold Tops: Bruce Bongers, Harvey Fisk, John Power (on to Jo Jo Zep and The Hippos).

The Jive Bombers: Julie Mostyn, Robert Brooks (on to The Champions), Lanky.

The Big Town Playboys: Ozzie Parker, Andrew Silver (on to The Dynamic Hepnotics), Bob Dames (ex Purple Hearts, Coloured Balls).

These days: Kerf: Helen Herbert, Trevor Deighton, David Marshall, Phil Belcher.


Dave Allen's bands:

Fred Karniss' Army (just after I'd left to go to Syn.) with Rod Jefferee, Keith Herbert, Bruce Bongers, Denise (on to Flake), Steve Kelly. Syn: as above. Galadriel: Spider Scholtens, Gary Adams...can't remember the others .. Flake: with a lot of people.

Bruce Bongers: "I have been following your blog. We have a lot of overlap in our experiences - although you started on the scene a little earlier (Surf City and Beatle Village - I was too young). My night life started at the Bowl before graduating to Rhubarbs, Beethoven's, Vibes, Here, etc. We have a number of mutual acquaintances; Terry Darmody, Peter Anson, Daryl McKenzie, Richard Rhule, Dave Allen, the King Bros - people that I've played with and socialised with over the years. I was also close to Mort and Wally in the 70's.

The website of my main current band is downhome.cjb.net .. I have some words somewhere where I attempted to record my impressions of the Sydney music scene in the sixties and the social context, including describing dress, dances and the tunes payed by the bands I saw. I can't find it at the moments but I will attempt to resurrect it (and correct it based on info from your site) some day.

I run into Terry sporadically. I am not a close friend. I did not see him perform until the early 70's in Uncle Bob's Band and sitting in with Blue Spirit/ Foreday Riders at French's. I am a great fan of his harmonica playing. He has connections to people I play with reasonably regularly like Peter Doyle, Don Hopkins and Richard Rhule.

Although I saw Peter Anson in the Id etc. in the day and later with the Unity Hall Band I did not personally know him until I played on and off with a band he was in the last 10 years. I run into him occasionally.

Dave Allen used to play in my band, Fred Karniss Army, in the 60's but I haven't met him personally since then. I follow his blog.

I played with Daryl in a soul covers band a few years ago. I know he was living in the Blue Mountains at that time. I don't have any contacts. Regards Bruce"

Tribute to Bob Dylan

Dylan recorded “Only A Hobo” on August 12, 1963 for 'The Times They are A-changing' LP. The recording was not released on the album and became an outtake The origins of Only a Hobo

How long were you all going to let me ramble without mentioning the undisputable demi-god Robert Zimmerman.

Bob Dylan was the common denominator - the link that bound us all together. He was the 'man' of our times, he put into words and music, what we, as a collective group of 'one offs', felt about love and life.

With his wry sense of humour he touched our young hearts. He wasn't a balladeer, pop, country, blues, folk or rock singer - He was, is and always be DYLAN .. God bless him.

Back to New Year's Day 1965 ... Walking into Graham's pad in Cremorne, I was greeted by the strains of Dylan

" .. she's a humdingerrr - folk singerr .. "

Blowing his harmonica and pickin' on his guitar, as clear as all heck. I thought I had died and gone to heaven.

We empathised and seethed with him in "Masters of War"

He astounded us with his astute story telling in " Talking World War 111", "Hard Rains A-Gonna Fall" and blew us away with "Oxford Town". I taught this tune to my young sister (who was 7 at the time). She still sings it, laughs and thanks me. Dylan was virtually unknown in Australia in January, 1965.

This will be ongoing

Phil Jones & Quintessence

I received this email today, it has links to a couple of old vids out of the archives of Phil 'Shiva' Jones in 1970s, thought I would pass it on for your pleasure

Dear friends and lovers of QUINTESSENCE

A veritable tsunami of new live QUINTESSENCE material is about to crash on your earshores very soon: the blistering March 1970 St Pancras Town Hall show (or at least the 38 mins that remain) and over three hours worth of Queen Elizabeth Hall 1971 recordings, from two wholly unreleased concerts recorded the same day, all superbly recorded.

These have been licensed by Hux Records from Universal/Island with substantial sleevenotes by Colin Harper. Colin also unearthed a VHS of a 1971 LWT TV show on religious music featuring Q miming to "Dive Deep" and "Jesus, Buddha"... There is apparently more film around and we are happy to announce more to come in the not too distant future.

These 2 songs I have uploaded on Youtube and they can be seen here:

God Rock TV Programme (UK) June 1971
Jesus, Buddha, Moses, Gauranga

Dive Deep

HUX Records are also going to release the KALA album with additional live tracks.


The homepage at www.mooncowhq.ch/Quintessence/index.htm has been updated accordingly, with 20 stills from these performances in the GALLERY section. Have a look an enjoy!


Have a great summer!
Love and bows Rudra

Reunions: Izzy

An excellent capture of Peter Hurcombe playing slide ..

'09 Hillbilly Blues Bandit at Lennox Point Hotel

This was a task of love, it has taken the two of us forever to put it together .. Nanny Lynne is such a diva, she didn't like any of the photos of her taken with Izzy and Lynne - even photoshop couldn't alter them to her satisfaction! The videos were 'too orange', she couldn't find her notes yarta, yarta. We sure hope we have put together a post that will satisfy her .. fingers crossed.

Nanny Lynne is travelling up from Grafton to stay with us for the weekend (she was having one of her 'reunions') .. Peter 'Izzy Foreal' Knox was playing with his band the Hillbilly Blues Bandits at our local pub .. Lennox Point Hotel that is. Peter iswas a peer from the olden days (though their paths had crossed on many occasions, at the Ball Pants, French's Tavern and Whitty's Wine Bar) they had never been formally acquainted.

Peter and his partner Lynne arrived at our house around 11 a.m., Nanny was so nervous she immediately put Izzy to work fixing Jye's guitar .. job done, introductions over .. they choofed off, arranging to meet later that afternoon for lunch at Lennox Beach Park. Lots and lots and lots of photos were taken, but as stated previously Nanny didn't like the snaps of her so we have selected what we considered to be complimentary.

Mummy and Nanny toddled off at 8 anticipating the night ahead (we went to bed). I don't have many details of the night .. list of songs would be nice. I am sure Izzy will fill in these details when he reads this post. I know they had a lovely night as Nanny was all smiles the next day.

This is Nanny's favourite photo, even though she is slouching.

This is a snap of Mummy taking a snap of Lynne Braithwaite-Sanders taking a snap of Izzy and Nanny .. notice Brianna imitating Nanny's slouch.

Nanny must liked one of the band members as here she is trying to drag him home..

'Nice' photo of the band except the drummer's head is obscured .. better luck next time Nan

I pinched this off Myspace

Scrubby Pete Hurcombe, plays white-hot guitar & vocals, he has been playing various tunings on guitars since he was a kid, & as a result he is a great slide guitar exponent. He is the alchemist of the band & has played many festivals, & shows, selling his soul too often to remember, only for the love of roots music. He has played everywhere from Sydney to Coolangatta, Birdsville & Oodnadatta via the Simpson Desert to Fitroy Crossing, Derby & Broom, & up north to Bamaga at Cape York, but he still loves the chance to play live music.

Izzy Foreal, front man, Vocalist & Bass player from the Legendary Zarsoff Brothers Band has now joined the band after the passing of Rollin D Gale & is contributing his well honed skills to the line up. You can look him up on the web in many places! The Zarsoff’s were renowned throughout the 80’s for their bizarre onstage antics. They toured extensively throughout Oz. Their album Rude Awakening reached the album charts in 1984. Prior to this he had been a member of the Original Battersea Heroes, led by Terry Darmody & then in The 69ers’ line up by 1970. The 69ers played a riotous set at the second annual Sunbury festival in January 1973. Their track ..Harry Rag' appeared on the triple live set The Great Australian Rock Festival Sunbury 1973, issued by Mushroom. Festival also issued ..Harry Rag' as a single that month, backed with ..Blood Flash' and ..Rag Mama'. A year later, Festival/Infinity issued the band's Sunbury set as the album Francis Butler's 69ers Live. Although he smells of success, he is quite a nice chap really!

Peter Jaggle, Director of DrumOz Percussion Solutions, obviously plays percussion on just about anything! He has composed film soundtracks for the ABC and NZBC, conducted workshops all over Australasia, & internationally & has played with John English, John Williamson, John Farhnam & Dionne Warwick to name a few Johns. He has played on stage and television in NZ, UK & Europe. He founded Young Drums School of Percussion, which has performed all over the Capitals of Oz & at the Aberdeen International Youth Festival in Scotland. PJ’s teaching methods have been endorsed and supported by most of the biggest names in percussion. Including:- Zildjian, PREMiER, SABIAN, MEINL, Mapex, TOCA, and ECO.

NOTE: There is another video we are working on, featuring guest Dave Rankin ..

Reunions: Gosford Blues Festival

Hi there, it's me Brianna, bringing to you the Dylan Report. Nanny's off to Gosford, what can possibly go wrong this time. Well, everything of course!

Donning her new grey tracksuit, pink and grey jumper and matching pink Ugg boots, she toddled off at 9.00 pm, deliberating whether to take the short cut to Maccas and buy a Happy Meal; (was it happy, Nooooooooooo!). She decided cutting across the grass would be quicker. The 'short cut', found her ankle deep in mud and her lovely pink Ugg boots (now black) weren't impressed .. either was the assistant at Maccas that insisted on asking her what she wanted in her McValue Meal ... THAT ONE THERE $6.25!!!! why are you charging me $7.25 Nanny wanted to know .. apparently because she had large chips and coke!!!!

Sludging off to Grafton Station she was informed that there were no trains tonight and to make matters worse she wasn't on the manifest as a passenger. An argument ensued and she was 'permitted' to board the coach. It was a painful journey as Nanny can't sit without a great deal of pain.

She was dumped at Gosford Station at 5.00 am, it was bitterly cold and she had a two hour wait until the Hotel Gosford opened. Did it open NOOOOOO! Back again at 9.00 am she was horrified to find that she was not registered for a room. It was like a bad 'mushroom trip', did she exist at all? Matter solved, it was indeed Saturday morning and NOT Friday as she had thought! Well, this explained her 'missing' train reservation.

Sleeping until 5.00 pm she hurriedly dressed and taxied off to the Gosford RSL, there she was greeted by Rod 'Beachhead' Jeffery .. had she missed much? Not really, so that was OK. Rod introduced her around and she became acquainted with Dave 'Flake' Allen (pictured to the left) and his two mates Rod and Frank (ex President of the JOK Fan Club) no less. They were chatting about the olden days when Dutch Tilders was spotted, apparently he was to be a surprise for Beachie's birthday. The guys pressured her to go over and introduce herself.

Nothing is worse than bad blues, however, highlights were 'Chase the Sun' a group of young up and comings, (here's a photo of obscured people and a side profile of the lead guitarist, no other photos could be taken as her batteries were 'exhausted'.

Beachie stunned the crowd with his 'voice like an angel', Dutch Tilders and Jim Conway (ever greats), and a pianist Ali Penney were outstanding. She had missed the Foreday Riders and Phil Colson so that was disappointing, but catching up with Dave 'Flake' Allen and Rod 'Beachhead' Jeffery made it all worth while.

Beachie along with his 'makeshift' band; the evergreen Dutch 'Keep the Faith' Tilders, Gary Dale on lead (worth a listen to, his style is unique and I was impressed), Raoul 'spit the dummy' on bass, Ali Penney showed her personality on the organ?, Adam Barnard, proved to be an exceptionally skilled drummer, (youngest son of Australian jazz trumpeter, Bob Barnard). The harp player did his thing impressively, his name as yet is unknown.

Mal Eastick next - bored with 'city' blues, she went and played the pokies and won $700!! After costs she was $200 up!!

Partying 'til all hours with 'Ghost Road', Beachie and Dutch (with grand recollections of the Royal George and Shane Duckham) she awoke feeling quite nauseated and struggled (as best a hung-over bod can) home. All up she had 4 1/2 rums - the old girl ain't what she used to be.

Did I mention that at midnight after two rums in 6 hours she was asked to leave the RSL for being intoxicated. She brought an array of bar staff to back up her 'sober' story and was permitted to stay. 'Sorry' didn't stop her heart thumping at a grand old rate. Maybe her last trip for a while. Though plans are in place for The Manly Jazz Festival and The Dorrigo Bluegrass Festival in November>p>

Jim Conway (harp), Dom Turner and Rob Hirst

A younger Dutch with his impeccable Piedmont picking “Baby, Please Don’t Go”

The use of the word Piedmont has been disputed - what do you reckon?

Beachie doing "Laid Back"

BEACHHEAD performing at Tattersalls Hotel in Goulburn NSW as part of the 2008 Australian Blues Music Festival: Saturday - February 9, 2008.Rod BEACHHEAD Jeffery (vocals/leader), Gary 'GUITAR' Dale (guitar), Raoul Hawkins (bass guitar) and Adam TREV Barnard (drums).Guest harmonica player is 'Harmonica Ron' Ind.

Lynne K: Hey Rod, still stifting through your videos from Rooster McBlurter to find the best one for here

ROD 'BEACHHEAD' JEFFERY: "Gidday Lynne, I reckon that the best vid of me from YouTube is probably doing Laid Back in Goulburn with BEACHHEAD in February 2008. LAID BACK.

Christ you went through some shit. I didn't know about the request for you to leave the RSL until just now. After I saw you into a cab on Sunday morning and was headed to a parking spot closer to the main entrance on the club for coffee before leaving I was cleaned up by some bloke in a Ford 1-tonner ute. Happy birthday me!

Just as a mention, my drummer's name is Adam Barnard, not Blanchard. He is the youngest son of Australian jazz trumpeter, Bob Barnard."

DAVE ALLEN: "Hi,hope you got home ok, what a lousy way to have to travel, hope you enjoyed it anyway, it was great to meet you. best Dave"

Berry St, Vibes and the Sect

1967- 8 Phil (photo) was a regular at Berry Street along with his brother Errol Wood, Ross J Waters and Kelly, 'Little Sue', Christine Froebel, Dave Miller and Jacquie McGarry, Judy Miller, Pete Graney, Gary Ross, Big John McEwan aka Spottiswood Eklin

Bill  Tranchitella aka'Florence Lawrence'
Tony  Robinson aka 'Merv Rabies',

Tony Fitzgerald aka 'Mort Fist' , .Frank Cayley, Tony Bahles aka Zorba

Deidree McMasters aka Nita Mann,
 Sally Brokensha and Paul Seagraves,

Leifus, Tessa and Richard, Carl, Bob Ritchie, Martin Walsh, Dutch Andy,

Andy Palace, Greg 'Bear',

Ned 'Nedrac' and Andy Carden

,

Neil Smith, Danny Groves, Michael McCormack, Mick Morphett
 Vaughan Bros,

Bob 'Newcastle' Hudson,

 Bon Scott, Wynn Milsom

The Nutwood Rug

Warwick 'Wally Mudd' and Paul 'Doggie' Wyld

The burning question and one of the great mysteries of '67, (besides 'Where was MacArthur Park and Who was Jude?')  Who were the young couple that arrived Friday nights and stayed behind when we all piled into Frank Cayley's car and choofed off to Vibes'?

I have been in touch with Sue Kielt nee Toohey, (my flat mate at the time), - she doesn't have a clue. She and her partner Danny Groves (ex Sect, Climax 5), do however, recall arriving home from a gig and finding me lying on the floor along with The Nutwood Rug and people trapsing from room to room looking very blurry eyed.

An email arrived this week from Dave 'Sons' Miller, none other than the male half of the 'stay at homes'! He said, very little privacy was had by him and his girlfriend Jacquie McGarry, (now his wife) as, 'people tended to use the bedroom window as an egress, even though the front door was in perfectly good working order!'.

Lynne, Sue, Diane (Margot Edwards not present)

Christine Froebel & Sally Brokensha

DaveMiller, Jacquie Miller nee McGarry & Judy Miller

Berry Street was a three bed-room duplex in North Sydney; bereft of carpets, minimal furniture and an empty fridge - the only thing of note was my granma's pianola. 'unaccountability' is the word that comes to mind when I recall Berry Street.

My Dad had secured the flat for me to share with my friends Sue, Margot and Diane .. 'our first real flat' .  Along with our new found freedom and rations of Vita-wheats and grated Kraft cheese came hoards of people chosen for their particular querks or talents.

Friday and Saturday nights we'd head off to 'Vibes', a discoteque ('disco') in an old office or warehouse near Central, that is of course, if I didn't medicate too early in which case I would spend the evening in the bathroom cleaning the tiles with a toothbrush and listening to old 45's.

Frank Martin would be on the door, peering at us from behind his cubicle. Paying our $2 entrance fee (or was it $1), we'd fly up two flights of stairs, by-passing the lounge and refreshment's room heading for a huge bare expanse on the second floor.

A Chicago blues style band named The Sect were the resident band, comprising of; Mick Lester (vocals and harp), Neil Smith and Paul Baker on lead, Mick Morphett (bass), Vaughan Bros on organ and drummers Michael McCormack and Danny Groves. Special guests included The Nutwood Rug (a wild looking bunch of guys from California, Dr. Kandy's Third Eye and Alison McCallum.

The empty room was soon packed to the rafters as the ear shattering sound of The Sect blasted covers from Paul Butterfield, John Mayall, Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix. Paul and Neil would hammer out "Stepping Out" which was met with gasps from the audience.

Cream's slightly upbeat “Steppin Out” from the BBC 1966

End of the set, I'd scarper down the stairs to loll and chat on the sofas Frank had kindly put there for my convenience .. over the PA the roadie (who took great pride in his record collection) treated us to the underground music of Janis Joplin's Big Brother and the Holding Company, Frank Zappa and the Mother's of Invention 'Suzie Creamcheese', Jimi Hendrix 'Experience', John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers, Fleetwood Mac and Jefferson Airplane headed by Grace Slick.

Straggling off to The Greenwood Tree to watch Peter Anson was our next port of call, then back home to Berry Street dragging half of Sydney with us. Granma's pianola that Dad had kindly given me was centre stage with performances by Doggie or the odd concerto by Margot. Phil, Merv and Mort would entertain us with their skits from Monty Python or The Goons.

Saturday arvos were spent hosing out the flat, lazing in the sun in various yoga positions listening to the radio, re-energizing for a return trip to Vibes. Sundays arvos, various bands would practise in the lounge room, they were hazy days - most drifted off to make their way in the adult world, (as did my grandma's pianola!).

.

This is an early photo taken of the MNJ Sect at the Lindfield Stomp
Danny Groves (drums), Unknown (bass), Neil Smith (lead), Mick Lester (vocals), Liam (harp)

The Valentines

Alison McCallum

I have managed to contact members of the Sect; Danny Groves, Mick Morphett and Neil Smith, to read further about the SECT

DAVE MILLER: 'Hi Lynne, I've just checked out the new photos of the Sect and the associated blogs. The venue at Lindfield looks like the famous 'Lindfield Stomp' the first dance venue I ever went to aged about 15. Billy Thorpe and the Aztecs was one of the first bands I saw there. To avoid confusion, the Dave Miller of the Dave Miller Set referred to here (the band Mick McCormack from the Sect joined) is not me.

Phil Colson apparently enjoyed the evening and caught up with his old mates including Dutch Tilders who he has recorded with, Jim Conway and the Foreday Riders (they were on when you were sleeping at the Hotel 1pm onwards). He will be playing with the 'Riders' at the Echuca Festival (on the Murray River) on the 25th and 26th July next. If you check out the Foreday Riders web site they have their performance schedule listed and you should be able to catch up with them at a convenient time in the not too distant future (actually I wouldn't mind seeing them either, its been a long time.) This reminds me of a funny anecdote. My kids bought us tickets to see Ray Charles at Wyndam Estate and he died not long after. They then bought us tickets to see James Brown at the State Theatre and he died shortly after that. Then my kids asked us if they could buy us tickets to see Madonna (wishful thinking!) Regards Dave'

UPDATE:

July, 2009 Received an email from Lex Mesker (Sect's roadie)

Sept 12, 2009 Made contact with Mick Morphett

Dec. 2009 Expecting a visit from Sue and Danny

This week has been very eventful beginning with an email from my school pal, Sue .. she will be sending photos of The Sect directly. Sue and I shared several flats together at Neutral Bay, Mosman, North Sydney, Paddington, Ultimo. Sue teamed up with Danny Groves (Climax 5) and they took off for a gig in the Snowy I haven't seen them for over 40 years!.

Sue Kielt Nee Toohey: "Hi Lynne, Danny Groves is alive and well and living in Melbourne. Haven't heard about Mick Morphett or Mick Lester for years. I have a great photo of The Sect with Dan if you are interested. Cheers Susie "

 Sue and Danny

The M'n'J Sect at the Blue Note

Unknown, JIm McCormack, Mick Lester, Mick Morphett, Mick McCormack

Sue (cont) After leaving the Sect Danny played with The Climax (line-up included Nick Dunn, Dave Fookes and Frank Galea) .. they made a recording and spent quite a bit of time at the Manly Pacific .. Dan followed up with a stint in the original Jesus Christ Superstar and toured with the production ... then, some time in the Jon English Band and various others."

Neil Smith (Lead guitar): "Hi Lynne, I haven’t caught up with Mick Morphett yet but I will soon. I don’t recall a lot about Jim Carter except for the period which started with Rhubarbs Cnr Barry St and Military Rd, Neutral Bay. I think it would have been 1965. It looked like a great venue when we auditioned for him; it had an upstairs area with the centre of the floor cut out so you could see the band. I think I remember seeing Jeff St John & the Id there. Jim loved our playing but said we looked too young, however he was opening a new Rhubarbs in about a year and to get in touch then. That was the Rhubarbs near the corner of Sussex and Liverpool Sts, down a little lane called Douglass St.

At that time the M’n’J Sect consisted of Mike Lester (vocal, harm), Mick Morphett (bass), Mick McCormack (drums), Jim McCormack guitar) and Neil Smith (guitar).

We found this little “Disco” in a double garage in Brookvale, in the Warringah Mall car park; it was called The Blue Note, run by a guy called Jerry Voermans. He had about 2 people drinking coffee there at peak time so we offered him a deal; we’d play there for half the door. Jerry looked at his 2 customers smiled and we all shook hands.

The McCormacks and other partners in crime got together a poster and plastered it around all the local girls’ schools and soon the place was full. The double garage space quickly doubled again so we filled it by throwing a “pyjama” party and leaking this too the Sunday Mirror. Next Sunday photos appeared all over Pages 1, 2 &3 of the outrageous scene. Now you couldn’t get into the Blue Note and of course Jerry wanted to re-negotiate our deal.

In the end we decided to hold a band competition to decide who would replace us in the revised deal. I think Jim Kelly may have been in the replacement band and we met a guy called Steve Kipner who had a band called Steve and the Board. His father was Nat Kipner and he ran the St Clare recording studio in Hurstville. We recorded there later with Danny Groves but without the McCormacks.

Mick Lester was Trade commissioner to India in the mid 1980s . Cheers, Neil'

NOTE: The two people Neil referred to were none other than my cousin Cheryle & myself!

Michael Lester (vocals):

NEW MANAGER FOR LWA, SOCIAL & INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH PROGRAM

"LWA recently welcomed its new People Arena Manager for the Social & Institutional Research Program, Michael Lester.

Michael is a senior executive with skills and experience across the public and private sectors, in Australia and internationally. He has worked for the World Bank and lawyers Blake Dawson Waldron. He also held a number of positions in the NSW Government during the '90s, including in Premiers and in State Development and was a Senior Executive and Trade Commissioner in the Australian Trade Commission. This breadth of experience gives Michael a great perspective from which to manage the challenges of the program." Michael can be contacted on 02 62636023 or mailto:michaellester@lwa.gov.au

When Mick left the Sect he joined the Dave Miller Band (Dave Miller Set) - later became Blackfeather). Incidently, Paul Wyld (ex SWD) was also a member of Blackfeather. I have yet to catch up with Mick Morphett.

Keith Herbert: 'Wally's song is teriffic! Camaraderie? is the theme for sure. The Sect were my fav. band of the time and we regularly saw them at Rhubarbs and Vibes.I even played at Vibes once. Heady stuff...I'd love to meet Danny Groves and show him my "new" drum setups. I pinched some chops from him back then, so it's only fair. If Lynne wants to pass on my number maybe it can happen. I'd do whatever it takes to help reform The Sect ...amps, gear etc...My other current muso mates who missed them would be astonished, I'd say. Regards, Keith Herbert'

Alex: 'Hello Lynne, It was Mike Lester who prompted me to look on line when he asked me about how we met and how did he meet Neil Smith. He is writing his musical memoirs at the moment and time does distort one's view.

Yes, I was the Vibes DJ that played all the music in the breaks. When The Sect were on, I used to sing harmony with Mike from the back room LOL.I tried to bring new sounds and hard to get music into Vibes. I was a great place.

I was introduced to Mike by Neil who I had met at a Matriculation course. Mike and I have been best friends ever since then (1966)They were playing the Blue Note at Brookvale at the time and I did the roadie work (as I had a ute).

Throughout the years, The Sect had lots of different lineups and when the MacCormack brothers left, Danny Groves came in on drums. I remember a 3 member horn section as well as the addition of a keyboard player. There was a rhythm guitar player in there somewhere too other than Paul Baker and Neil Smith... but not at the same time.

I'd like to catch up with Danny if possible.... we lost contact when the band folded. I think that he was a friend of Rodney Phillips as well and I think that they worked for the PMG or Telstra now as telephone exchange technicians. If Danny is cool to hook up, feel free to give him my email address.

Mike Lester got married in 1970 and finished an engineering degree. He had lost interest in the band, from memory, and headed to Darwin to work in Water Resources.

Even though Mike and I have been friends for all these years, we did go for some time without seeing each other (working overseas) but were always in contact.

About 15 years ago, Mike moved back to Sydney with his family and I invited him to join a band in which I was playing guitar. That band has been together and playing as a unit with Mike on vocals and harp since then...... gigging whenever and wherever. Mike still has a BIG voice and gets a glorious harp sound as well.

18 months ago, Mike and his wife relocated to New York. He often sings with a band called Small Time Leroy and they play the BB King club in NY. We, the remaining band members have continued as a trio but whenever Mike comes back to Sydney, however briefly, we get together and play .... gig if possible.

I got an email from him last night telling me that he and his wife were flying back to Sydney and arriving Friday. Yeah, he asked could we get together again while he is here.


I don't know if you remember me but I was/ am very tall 6'5" and had wavy dark hair (sometimes an afro) and moustache, as we all did then. Hair now grey. Most of my friends called me Lex but I go as Alex now. If you want some pics, let me know. I have some current band pics as well. Regards Alex '

Reunions: Back to Taylor Square

Well, Nanny Lynne is having writer's block again .. no worries! What, with the anticipation of meeting up with old friends, the travelling etc, well, that's what I'm for - Nanny's Jimmy Olsen!

On the train she teamed up with a guy who had been a camera man at Channel 7 in the '60s, he was doing a doco., on the history of Taylor's Arm as told by the locals!! Taylor Square - Taylor's Arm, well she never!

Was it a trouble free journey? .. Noooooo way, the Pete Seeger 'For Pete's Sake' Celebration had been cancelled and, Nanny Lynne forgot her mobile, so was unable to arrange a meeting with Larry Knight and Peter Gatehouse .. 'It's not the destination it's the journey' she reminded herself.

Assuming her 'Taylor Square Historian' personae cum photographer she embarked on a series of chance meetings .. Vittorio at the Piccolo Bar welcomed 'the celebrity from the bush' with open arms, well, after all, she was a friend of the famous actor Beatnik Cas (noted for his bit parts in various Aussie movies) .

"Daahling, you just missed Jeanne Lewis by 5 mins, but she will be back," gushed Vittorio, as if she had never left the place 30 years ago and handed her a book by Rowan Hagan! It was 'Darlo', set in the '80s - life in King's Cross in just the year she had left it behind. She got stuck into it and was immediately engrossed -

Gesticulating in a 'stylish' fashion (forever the gay old chap) he proceeded to pile, onto her table; postcards, posters, fairy wings, appropriately coloured pink and last but not least, a very large T-shirt with the Pet Shop Boys logo imprinted on the front. Looking up from the book, she ungraciously remarked "now I have to find a fat gay friend to give it to". Nobody was amused so she buried her head back in the book.

One of the patrons asked amicably if she was 'waiting for an Internet root' laughingly, she turned to the room and denounced the offender who then made a hasty exit.

Nan was refused entry to the photographic exhibition at the King's Cross Library, "but I used to work in this building, I am an original local", she protested. Trudging back to the Piccolo she told her woes to Vittorio. "Anyone want to take this lady to the exibit?", he yelled. A young 'un named Adrian volunteered, and off she toddled (with the judge, no less), to the judging of the exhibit! This is my good friend Gillian he announced to the lady pointing at Nanny Lynne. A quick scan of the room - yikes underdressed in her Suzanne Gray jeans and beige crocks. Nanny Lynne, did a calculation of presented photos, noted her opinions and spent her time there filming (out the window) the comings and goings from the tobacconist shop on Darlinghurst Road.

Back at the Piccolo Bar her valued opinions were listened to by noted photographer Glen L .. all was well. Glen was photographing Woolloomooloo, so much was had in common.

'Vitti' (as she familiarly called the owner of the Piccolo Bar by now,) was a hoot. "bloody foreigners" he spat in his accent with a distinct Italian flavour, (he was referring to the hapless line of people applying for a flat in Ward Avenue).

"Stop" he screamed at a local identity riding passed, "Smile, Lynne (as he familiarly called Nanny) would like to take your photo" .. the also hapless Animal as he was fondly named paused midst traffic and smiled politely for Nanny. Gosh, was there no end to her 'new found status'.

The 'hapless' Animal

Off to photograph the few remaining familiar sites.

... hobbling back to the Backpackers on Victoria Street avec blisters, what to do! Thongs, yes thongs that's what she needed. Ah, hell, where's the thong shop? A British tourist informed Nanny that thongs could be purchased in tourist shops or supermarkets - of course, silly Nanny.

Ken Adams asked Nan to take a picture of the Diplomat near the ABC so, sporting her new thongs - a nice pair, olive green suede she headed for Farrell Avenue behind the site of the old King's Cross Post Office, were short lived, trodden on by a heavy footed Asian - another thong shop was needed. Good an import shop in Oxford Street 'Thongs $5' they'll do the trick. Turns out it wasn't the Diplomat she was to photograph it was Tennyson .. ah well next time.

'09 The Village - gone, but the junkies remain

'09 The Oxford Tavern

'09 The Beauchamp

'09 The Mandala

Red had informed Nanny that "Nithsdale", written by Wally Mudd and performed by the Starving Wild Dogs had been named after a lamp post. She finally located it!

'09 French's Tavern gone

'09 Site of Rhubarbs in Douglass Street ?

Yes, The Times They're a-Changing. Seagulls at the Cross!

Victoria Street at 3.00 am! The Alamein Fountain

NOTE: Saturday night, off to Annandale Bluegrass Society monthly meeting. Nanny sang exhuberantly at the rehearsal of The Sinners chorus, (she was asked to sing as guest artist the next meeting, she declined). Then Doug DeKroo caught her eye and she was off yelling "move aside groupie coming thru'', this was met with laughter.

Sunday was spent with Terry Darmody and family, they met up with a very handsome Peter Nehil (washboard player OBH) who informed her that Peter Anson had just left - drats, oh, and that he was now married, to which she replied "Never mind, I can wait another 40 years".

Nanny has some lovely photos from the Meeting so I will put up separately tomorrow.

Very little left of 'the scene', ah well, back to good old Grafton away from fantasy world .

Dave Miller: 'Did you have a photographer following you around, there are some great shots.Dave M'

Dave 'Sons of Agamemnon' Miller

" downloaded the Wally Mudd songs and it was great to hear his soulful voice again .. Dave Miller "

"Hi Lynne, my name is Dave Miller. I came across your site on the net by accident and it blew me away as I instantly recognised nearly everyone in the photos including one of me playing in the Sons of Agamemnon at Whittys (partially obscured by Mort's Jug).

My younger sister Judy and my wife Jacquie were also part of that scene. I remember your places at Berry Street, North Sydney and Alison Road, Randwick and spent a lot of time at 294 South Dowling Street with Swannee and the crowd.

I went to UNSW with Mort, Errol, Phil, Merv etc. I was a foundation member of the 'Sons', a band we formed up at Ted Noffs Wayside Chapel, Kings Cross in late 1965. We moved to the Windsor Castle Hotel Paddington for a while, then to Whittys Wine Bar. I couldn't play fulltime with the band due to commitments, but the band welcomed me to sit in whenever I could make it and there was no shortage of good harp players frequenting Whittys including Derek Robertson, Wally Mudd, Terry Darmody etc.

I have photos of that scene and have attached some of these and a letter written by the legendary Howlin Wolf thanking some of the gang from Whittys for wishing him happy birthday. Mort Fist was my best mate who I knew from the age of 5 till his death in 1998 and also the person who introduced me to his friend Jacquie at Whittys, the girl that I have now been married to for thirty nine years. Although he's been dead for over ten years now, I still think of him and other mates from the Whitty's scene that have sadly passed away including Ross Darmody, Warwick Wyld (Wheezing Walter T. Mudd ) and his brother Paul Wyld (Starving Wild Dog).

This reminds me of another story. I noticed a photo of Jimmy Page at a local night spot on your blog.

The Story: I was arranging a night out with Mort who used to write up interviews for 'Drift' magazine and he said he had to interview someone first but would meet me at a club later. When he finished this interview he invited this 'someone' to the night spot where they were seated. When I arrived and I wandered over to them and plonked myself down. " Dave meet Jimmy" Mort said. I instantly recognised him as Jimmy Page the legendary guitarist from the 'Yardbirds' who later founded the iconic 'Led Zepplin'. After some chit chat Jimmy said he had been invited to a party up at Kings Cross and would we like to go with him. (well, does the Pope shit in the woods) Before he finished the sentence I was outside hailing a taxi. We piled in a cab and went to a unit at the Cross which was owned by a singer Dinah Lee who used to sing on a show my older sister Fran sang on 'Brian Henderson's Band Stand'. All the celebs were there and I couldn't believe how well behaved they were. To be honest it was boring, none of the hell raising pop stars are known for. We should have taken him up to Taylor Square! Regards Dave'

'The Christine 1968' photo of one of the girls you mentioned is Christine Froebel who used to ride a big motorbike and was a school mate of Judy at Our Lady of Doloures at Chatswood.

Jacquie had all the Drift Magazines until her mother had a clean up and threw them out. She could not believe it! I dont remember Ralph Graham but I have lost a few brain cells over the years. A survivor meeting sounds great. The last time I saw a group of these survivors was at my sisters 50th in 2001, a great Country and Western theme party at Balmain where I met up with Terry Darmody, Steve James, Peter Nehill, Gavick Nicholson to mention a few.'

Its fine to use the photo of Jacquie, its one of my favourites. It was taken at Paradise Beach, Pittwater circa 1967. My cousin made the mistake of loaning us her beach house in her absence. It became very crowded with our friends (some of the crew from Whittys included) and the partying raged over the weekend.You've not seen panic like it when my parents arrived unexpectedly to check up on us."

Howling Wolf's 'Thank You' note to the crew

a shot of the 'Sons' at the Windsor Castle '66, love the smile on Paul's face.

at Whittys with Bob McGowan (complete with Kazoo in harness)

A nice shot with Swannee at the Castle '66

Windsor Castle '66 The original lineup of the 'Sons'
 Les Procter-bass, Paul-piano, John-guitar, Swannee-12 string guitar, Dave-harmonica, Mort Fist-jug

Whittys Christmas get together at the Maccabeen Hall Darlinghurst

left to right Dave, Terry, Paul, Wally and Mort. '67 ?

Dennis Aubrey in Centennial Park

Dave and Jacquie Miller with their daughter

It was taken at our daughters graduation at Parliament house. Mandy has chosen to become a teacher like her mom which she was advised against doing, however it will provide a more reliable income than her initial choice for a career as a dancer / actress ( like my mum who was a 'Tivoli Girl' ) which she enjoyed doing inspite of it not being financially rewarding. I haven't got the skill to extract the shots of Jacquie and me from this photo so I'll leave it to your expertise. Thanks for taking the other photo from your site, I think you will agree this is a much better shot of Jacquie. Hope everything is fine at your end.

Dave Allen: "Great reading Dave Miller's story, his sister's partner Phil Colson is an old mate mate from bands from that era. Could you please pass to Dave, my email and burning mountain studio blog info so I maybe able to contact Phil to say hi. Dave Allen xx"

Dave Miller: the harp player in the shot is me. I think I had just turned 18 at the time so was legally allowed to be in the pub, unlike Mort who was only 17 and looked like 15. Those glasses I wore at the time were similar to the ones Terry Darmody wore and I later wore metal frame ones as seen in the photo of us at the Maccabeen Hall. Mort grew rapidly and embraced the psychedelic era as is apparent in the transformation of his appearance in the latter shot.

The Windsor Casle was chosen only as a rehearsal venue because it was always empty mid week and we wouldn't disturb anyone. After only a few weeks the word got around about this fun band and the place was packed to the rafters. The publican only paid us in all the alcohol we could drink in the breaks. It became apparent to Swannee that this guy was raking in lots of money after several months but he still refused to pay us any cash. There was this wine bar in Oxford Street around the corner from Swannee's place where no one drank any day of the week. (People who drank wine were called winos and lived on park benches, it was not as fashionable as it is today.) Swannee invited Cec Whitty down to take a look at what had happened at the Castle and he didn't hesitate offering him a more lucretive deal to move to his Wine bar. The crowd followed and the rest is history. Regards Dave"Dave Miller: "Received Dave Allen's details and passed them on to Phil Colson. Phil is keen to check out Burning Mountain Studio and catch up with Dave Allen who he remembers well. Phil was a session muso on the 'Men at Work' albums and a guitarist in the 'Colin Hay Band' in his younger days, he remembers Clive Coulson and said he was a roadie with 'Led Zepplin'."

Allannah: "Hi Lynne, Wow, thanks for the email from Dave Miller - fantastic - your site has been a portal to the past for all of us. Thanks for sharing. I only saw the Sons a few times. Does anyone have any photos of French's Wine Bar? Remember downstairs there when it opened? Love the letter from Howlin Wolf (Chester Burnett) - what a gem. Allannah"

Deidree McMasters: "That's fabuloso! So Swannee was responsible for Whitty's!! Wow! My introduction to the wonderful world of Sydney in July '68! Deidree."

Ralph Graham: "Thanks Lynne!, eventually I will write some stuff about Jim Crowley Wally, Dog, Peter Knox etc. Can't believe they are all gone ('cept you, me, Peter and Red of course :o)), I played at Whitty's and Frenches and the Ball Pants."

Phil Wood: "Fantastic Lynnie, I've thought of Dave a number of times thinking about them times. I seem to remember he was living out round Dural - Glenorie at one time (as was G'avec (Neil Nicholson)) and I think that may have been in the late 70's.
Anyhoo, could I have his email?"