Janet and James



Taken on iPhone 4S



Two of my favourite Sydney-siders play and sing jazz together tonight.
James Valentine: radio broadcaster, musician and writer, and Janet Seidel: singer, pianist, teacher.

The Ozcats

Yesterday I wrote about a photographic exhibition, From The Bandstand. The photos were all taken by musician and photographer, Ron Falson. Please do read yesterday's entry! At top is one of Ron's photographs, of Australian singer Johnny O'Keefe, taken at the Sydney Stadium in 1958.

At the time of his death last year, Ron was leader of a jazz band called The Ozcats. In fact, Ron died at a gig they were playing.

The Ozcats played at the exhibition opening. You can read all about them by clicking here. And all about Ron Falson by clicking here.

And while you're at it, why not have a listen to Ron and Gill's grandson, Sam Sparro - by clicking here , and here .

From The Bandstand - the photography of Ron Falson

This is my friend Gill Falson (right) with Sydney radio presenter, Angela Catterns, at the opening of a wonderful exhibition of photos, exhibited under the title From The Grandstand. Gill was interviewed by Angela the week before.

This exhibition showcases a unique collection of photographs that take a glimpse at and celebrate Sydney’s music scene from the 1940s to the 1970s. They are on display at the historic Sydney mint until November 6.

They were all taken by Gill's husband, Ron, who died last year, on stage, having completed a set with his band, the Ozcats. Not only was Ron one of Australia's great musicians (a trumpeter), who played in many of the great bands in Australia, and onstage with many of the top international artists, he was also a photographer. Ron's photos were taken, mostly with available stage light, literally "from the bandstand" where he was playing.

The photos include many depicting Sydney jazz venues long lost: cool jazz in nightclubs, swing
bands in surf clubs, the heyday of the Sydney stadium ‘big shows’, behind the scenes images in Sydney recording studios, and on set in the early days of Australian music TV, local jazz greats and international stars…from swing to rock & roll.

Ron began playing in a schoolboy band, and by the late 1950s was backing mega-stars like Sinatra and was involved with TV shows such as Six O’clock Rock, The Don
Lane Show, and The Midday Show

On display in the Members Lounge from Wednesday 5 August until Friday 6 November.

At left is one of Ron Falson's outstanding photos: Sammy Davis singing Mr Bojangles, Festival Hall, Melbourne, 1959.

More tomorrow from the opening night.

"You outlasted the bastards!" (One Word . . .WE!)

One Word …WE! : The songs and story of Pete Seeger and friends…a musical biography by Maurie Mulheron.

In 1993, teacher – activist – musician, Maurie Mulheron, wrote a theatrical work about the life and times of iconic folk musician – activist, Pete Seeger.

The play had a sellout season at the New Theatre in Newtown, Sydney, in 2000. It has been taken on the road to folk festivals at Maleny and Woodford in Queensland, and Port Fairy in Victoria.

Most recently it was revived for three performances (June 12, 13 and 14) at the Tom Mann Theatre in Surry Hills, Sydney. The performances were a celebration of Seeger’s 90th birthday, on May 3 this year. It contained much new material. As Bruce Springsteen said at Pete's 90th birthday concert/celebration in New York (a who's who of American folk - protest - activist musicians) : "You outlasted the bastards, Pete!"

Seeger was once America’s most boycotted, banned, blacklisted and picketed singer. But Pete not only survived and at 90, still records and performs including at the recent Obama Inauguration Lincoln Memorial Concert with Bruce Springsteen, and his grandson Tao Rodriguez-Seeger. (Springsteen and Seeger sing This Land Was Made For You and Me at Barack Obama's inaguration concert)

The title? Well, many of the old union songs of the 1930s - like We Shall Overcome and We Shall Not Be Moved – started off as gospel songs ‘Jesus Is My Captain, I Shall Not Be Moved’; ‘I Will Overcome’. Instead of singing the first person singular “I”, the unionists changed just one word … “we”.

And 'The Friends'? Maurie says: "The show is not really about one singer. It's about a tradition. A tradition dating back centuries in which singers and songwriters, 'the friends', have used their skills to galvanise others to action and to provide spiritual nourishment when things looked bleak. "

For this production I was privileged to be able to provide some technical support, and enjoyed working with the talented cast and crew. The house was packed for each performance, including on the final day, a standing ovation.

Perhaps you know some of the songs Seeger, and his bands and friends have written or sung over the years?

Where Have All the Flowers Gone? (Pete Seeger and Joe Hickerson) : sung by Pete Seeger
Pastures of Plenty (words and music by Woody Guthrie) : sung by Pete Seeger
This Land Is Your Land (words and music Woody Guthrie) : sung by Bruce Springsteen, Pete, and Pete's grandson, Tao Rodriguez-Seeger
Union Maid (words Woody Guthrie, music traditional) : sung by Arlo Guthrie & Sarah-Lee Guthrie
If I Had A Hammer (words and music Lee Hays and Pete Seeger) : Peter Paul and Mary's version, and here, Arlo and Pete.
Turn! Turn! Turn! (words and music Pete Seeger) : sung by Judy Collins & Pete. And here Pete tells how he came to write it.
Waist Deep In The Big Muddy (words and music Pete Seeger) : sung by Tao Rodriquez-Seeger
Goodnight Irene ( words and music Huddie Ledbetter – Leadbelly) : The Weavers (Pete and friends Lee Hays, Fred Hellerman, Ronnie Gilbert)

If you follow any one of those links, you risk being lost forever in great folk music, as one thing leads to another....

NSW Ambulance Band

The band plays under a beautiful tree in the grounds of NSW Government House.

Shopping music II

I was just feeling so mellow with that piano music in DJs I went back for some more! And I didn't buy a handbag either. It's a beautiful piano, so today I show you more of it.

Music To Shop By

David Jones Department Store in Sydney employs pianists to serenade shoppers. This elderly couple were enjoying a rest and the music. The piano is in one of my favourite sections - the handbags department! This painist told me she has been working at DJs for 20 years.

Have you come across any musicians in department stores or other unlikely places?

Harpist

The harpist who played at yesterday's commemoration for workers who died at work or as a result of the hazards they encountered at work.

Yagoona District Brass Band

Yagoona District Band were playing Christmas Carols at Town Hall station today.

This is our second Christmas without dad, who was a great brass bandsman. Last year I posted this pic of the NSW Fire Brigades band as a tribute. I was pleased to see another band while I was out 'n' about today.

Mural, Kogarah

Seen on the side of a now-closed shop (former music shop?) - corner Gray St and Railway Parade.

For Dad

Earlier this year my Dad died. He was always an enthusiastic player, and later conductor in brass bands. I came across these members of the NSW Fire Brigades band playing carols at my local shopping centre, raising money for the Children's Burns Unit. I said hello to them and gave a donation for my Dad. It turned out they knew and remembered Dad well. Unexpected things happen at unexpected times, don't they?

Never too young to play air guitar

Scene in Pitt St, lunchtime, Saturday 23 September. This kid was really groovin' !!