Emails '09

Bare with me .. I am going to add emails as they arrive .. too putting them up later.  Will start with the newest arrival

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 can't 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.  cheers (Educator & Consultant)

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!"

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"

News Update

Hi guys, Rod and I are going to work on the post 'Happy Birthday from Beachie to Me"  together and I will republish directly.

News Update .. The Book

Nanny Lynne mentioned in her previous News Update that she had many more 'newcomers' and posts to add .. tonight she lay awake .. "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. She  is preparing her first chapter as I type.

Musical Notes  consists of:-

Taylor Square 60s / In Search of the Starving Wild Dogs

Terrace Houses/Growing up in Kings Cross
Mudd's Cafe /a cyberspace folkblues music cafe  in memory of Wally Mudd.

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, Nan 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' and in fact leads her into a second book.

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, Frank Dengate, Glen Lockitch, Jacquie McGarry, Jeannie Lewis, Jill Trevillian, Jim & Mic Conway, Judy Miller, Keith Herbert, Ken Adams, Lex Mesker (Sect),  Lesley Cummerford 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.

Nanny has moved near my Mummy  and us grandkids, purchased a banjo, enrolled in a website design course and 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.

Her 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. 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:-  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.

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.

Click to view

Manly Reunion slideshow .. 45 photos and more to come from Ross J Waters!.. NOT YET!!

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 
• Dorrigo Folk Blues Festival with Ian Fretwell, Errol and Phil
• Annandale Bluegrass Society
• activate the Rogue Gallery ..
• 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 (Recently discovered obit. from Australian newspapers). Adrian's obituary and the statue erected in his honour

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 '


Also 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'

News Update: 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"

News Update: 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

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 UPDATED Sep 27

MANLY JAZZ FESTIVAL

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

Lynne's Mobile No: 043-849-7618   Phone No: 02 6686-6197

The majority of people meeting Sunday, but don't stress ALL days are cool.

I will be there everyday.

60s Crew

Terry Darmody

Mick Morphett

Lex Mesker
Ross J Waters
Ralph Graham
Dave 'Sons' Miller and Jacquie

Fran Miller

Phil Colson  & Judy

Peter Anson
Tony Burkys
Deiter
Cas
Phil Wood

Terry Darmody a possible Monday Oct. 5

Tony Burkys a guest 'roving artist' playing Saturday Oct. 3 and Monday Oct. 5

Peter Anson a guest 'roving artist' Sun Oct. 4 and Monday Oct. 5. between 12-4

Deiter (Id)

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

Peter Anson: 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.  Terry 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: When you're in Manly next Fri, 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.


Link to latest PROGRAM