Introduction: What part did music play in your early years? Our house was either playing Mum and Dads musical theatre such as “Oklahoma” or “My Fair Lady” or Nat King Cole’s “Mona Lisa” or “L.O.V.E.” My brothers are 10 years older than me. When my brothers were home, I listened to Everly Brothers, Roy Orbison and Richeous Brothers with the odd Beatles song thrown in. The melodies and lyrics of all those songs are emblazoned in my memory. I love them to this day. Sometimes we would get together as a family for a sing along, we would gather around the pianola and I complained bitterly if I wasn’t able to pump the pedals and control the speed. I always saved my best effort for “The Holy City” where we let it rip. Every year on “Carols by Candlelight” they finish the show with this number and every year I cry. So music was just a thing until I can remember the very first time I actually listened to music and felt a connection. My brother Dan sent me a National Panasonic “Trannie” from Hong Kong whilst on R&R from his National Service in Vietnam. I was 12 and sitting on the front verandah at home looking into a setting sun, dreaming away, as was my want. From the radio I heard “Sittin’ in the mornin’ sun, I’ll be sittin’ when the evenin’ comes……….” Music had awakened as part of my way of thinking.
My mates and I gathered together on Saturday afternoons in a bungalow out the back of one of my mates places. His Mum, Mrs Mc, would give us cake and a cool drink. When she wasn’t looking, we pitched in 20 cents each and bought a 10 cigarette packet of Albany and had two each. It was here that my biggest execution of music happened. I learnt about chords and strumming. One of my mates, Mick, had advanced skills. He craved being a rock star. He made it to the top as a member of Rose Tattoo. He was a good mate of mine but we grew up differently and parted ways when we were in our late teens. He taught me barre chords.
So we graduated from the bungalow. Mrs Mc grew averse to the sound of electric guitar as we grew older and louder. She was an angel though. She found an old scout hall near the Fairfield Boat House and had the council agree to allowing us to practice there, for a modest fee that she paid for us. We formed a band of which I was the back up rhythm player and roadie/manager. We meet a bloke called Noel who could play and sing and he became our leader. He was good. So, all this time I’m feeling more and more freedom through music and mates whilst rebelling more and more at home. My life changed from alter boy to rebellious adolescent.
“Hey Joe” and “Sunshine of your love” were two songs I heard at my first live band concert. They were a cover band playing at a neighbouring High school. Even though I still can’t play the songs, I remember listening to the music and feeling a sense of belonging that this was my peer group and these songs were part of me. And, I was growing up.
Song 2 – THIS IS ME - key questions Introduction: How would you describe YOU – your goals, personality, attributes, challenges? A description of me and goal setting are poles apart. Not something I do. I don’t make New Year’s Eve resolutions either. I’m more of a “what are we doing now” type who gets bored very easily yet can have the patience of Jobe depending on the activity. Having gone through lots of self- development /examination experiences as a result relationship issues, I have developed a “what can I do today to be a better version of myself” attitude and “how can I assist someone else”. I have a strong sense of family that is a constant challenge for me with a son living in Scotland and a daughter living on the Gold Coast recently returned from four years in Dubai. I miss my children and grandchildren. The saving grace here is they are all well and happy.
As stated previously, “It’s just my job five days a week”. Song 3 – SHEDDING THE BLUES ( Connecting, Collaborating, Creating ) - key questions
Introduction: How did you come to be involved with Shedding the Blues? My partner Tanya and I were keen to establish relationships within our new community in Ocean Grove having shifted from Melbourne. We joined a local MeetUp group and enjoyed that activity, meeting some lovely people we now call friends. In parallel with the MeetUp group, Tan found a group of sewing ladies she identified with who sew “Boomerang Bags” that are a community resource. They meet regularly on Friday mornings. The idea is they are placed in the Pt Lonsdale IGA for people who don’t have a bag. They operate out of the Queenscliffe Neighbourhood House and are coordinated by Jane. Jane knew of the Shedding the Blues group and told Tan who told me. I went to the next available session that was held at the Rotunda.
I would say “End of the line”. One of my ideas for participation is to provide a vehicle for members who may not be forthcoming to lead a song but happy to be part of a group. So I got together a group of seven members, our version of the Travelling Wilbur’s. We met at a member’s home outside of regular Shedders time to practice, had a chin wag and managed to come up with a version we were happy with. I challenged one member with the opening and closing riff. It was a frustrating challenge for him but he conquered it. I was tickled pink about that. So I’m on the lookout for similar opportunities. b.Why did you choose this song and what is its relevance to your involvement in Shedding the Blues? I chose “End of the line” because of the logistics and simplicity of the chords. The number of artists needed and the vocals could be shared the same way, or nearly the same, as the Travelling Wilburys. So we sang a verse each, a chorus here and there then joined together for the final verses while strumming away All our practice paid off and we performed at Shedders to a rousing round of applause. I’m happy with the smiles I saw on their faces.
2 Comments
Kev
2/2/2023 11:40:53 am
Good onya Rocket. We have a lot in common you and I. Music as a connector to family, friends and new experiences ....
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Guy WERNER
2/23/2023 10:58:18 pm
Rod, Despite our early music tastes being different, I can see several parallels here. My mum starred in the Shepparton Light Music Company's production of Oklahoma as Aunt Ella. Dave Warner, who had a minor hit with 'Suburban Boy' c. 1980, also had a song called 'Oklahoma' that resonated with me due the above.
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