BACK IS BACK
The Backyard Backanalia, Upper Downer, Saturday Nov 7, 2009
Bic Parker, Special Correspondent
It was a beaut evening as I entered the inner sanctum of the Canberra Musicians Club hub, being the residence of one Nigel McRae, President of the Club as well as Miss Beth Tully recently returned from a sabbatical in the North West of the continent.
Almost single handedly this phenomenon of suburban backyard performance has been caressed, chiselled, sculpted and polished. Over the years it has been conducted on a monthly basis in the inner north of Canberra.
There was a crowd approaching triple figures, a good mix of parents with children and their wide eyed anticipation at the sight of the stage, instruments, plugs, chords and activity that accompanies any performance. I mingled and wandered around. I was enchanted at the transformation a few lights, tables, chairs make to a space. Did I mention everyone was happy, pleasant and relaxed and prepared for a great night and a good time.
A trio singing really sweet harmonies (Ed – The Rooftop Revellers) hypnotised and transported me along with everyone else to a place where life was much slower, people had more time for each other and life was good and simple. Sheer joy.
Following right behind this trio was Doctor Stovepipe. A rather upbeat combo, they kept the illusion of not having a worry in the world alive, as well as my foot tapping. This was truly a fantastic start to a night but I can’t tell you about everything (I can name drop Fire on the Hill, Joe Oppenheimer). You should be there and you should join the club.
There was an outfit from the Gold Coast. Anarchist Duck, a female duo and a bloke doin the banging. They played reggae, ska, funk n R n R, R n B, whatever you wanted to call it really, and the cops turned up just letting the organisers know that they (the police) were in the area and they were ready to serve in order to guarantee us a great night. And these girls from Coolangatta just turned it up, making it even better. What a cool band.
My surprise for the night goes to Big Score. The last band. Fucking brilliant. YES whoaahhhh!
This was a better night than you are likely to get at any of Canberra’s nightclubs or any other gig anywhere, from every aspect. Once again thanks to the musoes for sharing the love.
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