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.


She decided to take the short cut (across the grass) to Maccas and buy a Happy Meal.Was it happy, Nooooooooooo, not on your Nelly! She found herself 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 ..

Sludging off to Grafton Station she was informed that there were no trains tonight and to make matters worse she wasn't even 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 - NOT!

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, (side viewe of the lead guitarist, no other photos could be taken as her batteries were 'exhausted'.

Beachie stunned the crowd he has  the of 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, 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  on bass, Ali Penney showed her personality on the keyboard, 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. Sharing grand memories of the Royal George and Shane Duckham was an experience she will never forget.


Nanny 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. 


Plans are in place for The Manly Jazz Festival and The Dorrigo Bluegrass Festival in November

Jim Conway (harp), Dom Turner and Rob Hirst

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

Beachie  "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 'guitrar' Dale (guitar), Raoul Hawkins (bass guitar) and Adam Barnard (drums). Guest harmonica player is 'Harmonica Ron' Ind.

FLAKE - Dave Allen

 


















Dave 'Flake' Allen ... "Hi Lynne,I was just given a link to your fantastic blog. I lived at Darlinghurst in the early 70's, first sharing digs with Joe Lane, then when I met my now wife, a wonderful old drag queen, Rickie Daniel, was our best man at our very conventional wedding, very funny stuff.

I played in Flake and various groups in the late 60's to 70's, at Paddo Town Hall, The Mandala, Whisky etc. There are many photos from that time if you dig deep enough on my blogs. You are welcome to use anything, copy or link. best wishes Dave Allen"

Dave's blog sites are informative and enlightening ... here is an extract from Burning Studios .. lynk

Dave Allen ... "I'll never forget what was a real adventure for me!!
'Just wear something conservative.' said Dave. I took this to mean that I was not to look a Surfie, Rocker, Who-boy (Mod), or Sharpie. I met Dave at Hurlstone Park station, and away we went, via rail to St James, then straight up William St. Dave was lean, and strode with a purpose, at times getting ahead of me. He was wearing a 3 button banion shirt,( a type of collared T), Martin jacket, straight leg trousers, and desert boots. I seem to remember the whole outfit being a very neutral beige colour, except the desert boots, which were camel coloured , of course!! ... click here

BURNING MOUNTAIN STUDIO Dave's blog

and DAVE ALLEN 'FLAKE' good site for all 'old' pics

PHIL JONES PART 2 forming of the Unknown Blues and

PHIL JONES - WHERE IS HE NOW?

Flying Circus and More Flying Circus some wonderful old snaps