November, 2007
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Dutchman
It’s been a while since I’ve put pen to paper but, here goes. I’m not going to bore you by running through every gig and place I’ve done and been to. I’ll stick with the more memorable ones. Geoff “The Chef” Achison, Lloyd Spiegel and I did a show at the Baraki Bar in Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, which was billed as “Three Generations of Blues”. This was a huge success and I was proud to play with these two young geniuses. I declare those two are GUITARISTS!!! Geoff’s gone to the U.S. and we miss him.
Did a great gig at the Oak Tree Tavern in Forest Road, The Basin. By the way, I’ll be playing there with my “Blusicians’ (Band) on New Year’s Eve. Essential to Book table now if you want to party. $39.00 two course meal (Quality meals) or $10.00 standing. Bookings - Jane on (03) 9761 0944 or 0409 690 955. She needs to know numbers ASAP as this is a small cosy venue.
The 5th Annual Newcastle Blues Festival was a bit of a disappointment because of the heavy rain but I still had a good time, which is what matters, right? Dean Dee began an Awards Theme and has since presented two awards to me. Thank you to judges and good luck with weather for 2008 as much work goes into preparation for such festivals and with a rainy record so far the best is yet to come. ‘Warners At The Bay’ in Belmont, a Newcastle suburb, was the best.
“Sturt Street Blues” closed down unfortunately but the "Eastern Station Hotel” took over the cause. A very cosy pub. It’s the home of the Ballarat Blues Club. My Blusicians and I had a good time there on two occasions. Forget your swanky wine and jazz fests, the Beer and Blues Festival at Mildura is the real thing. Many variations of blues and of course beer!!! My old friend Barry Hills, from the Blues Club days played bass with us as Peter Beulke was otherwise engaged. Barry hadn’t played for a while, though he didn’t sound like it, and wound up with a blister on his little finger at the end of the weekend. Poor diddems.
‘Sunday Blues at The Bay’ in Mordialloc has proved to be a very good venue. I’ve soloed there a couple of times and am booked to do more. Also, had a ball with Lloyd Spiegel as a guest at the Rainbow Hotel. I turned 66 since then but I can’t remember much about it. Just another birthday, yes? Lynne reminds me we shared the night with a few friends and ‘Crosscut’ at the Barbukka Bar and now I have to recall the laser lights! Very different for this bluesman!
Canadian Cath called me up to Mackay to play at The Austral Hotel, The Kooyong Hotel (Katz Jam) and the “River to Reef Festival”. The air schedules were in absolute chaos causing two flight delays between Melbourne and Mackay and therefore I missed the Austral gig. A shame, cos’ it’s normally a very good gig. The other two went without any glitches and Cath and her husband Joe treated me like a king. Chaucers Cellars in Burke Road, Glen Iris is also quite memorable, especially my second gig there. I’d just flown back from N.S.W. and went straight there from the airport, with my guitar and suitcase, which contained my guitar stand, microphone and leads but, of course, no mike stand. Oops! Chaucers only had a short stand but no mike clip. No gaff tape, so Lynne grabbed some sticky tape from the take away next door that could hold my mike to the stand. Don’t look good but …..hey! But, guess who was there? Simon Tregear, who used to come to my jams at the Windsor Castle was there and the time before. I had run into him at different places over the years. But the guitarist, who was replaced by Geoff Achison in the Blues Club days, Martin Cooper, was a surprise. I hadn’t seen him in years. It was a real pleasure. Blast from the past!
Pub in the scrub! Dergholm Pub. It’s in Victoria near the S.A. border. This little trip was (dis) organized by my old friend David Coggin who was a drinking buddy at the Windsor Castle and a one time celebrity chef. He's getting on a bit and, therefore, can be forgiven for forgetting to organize a PA system. So I arrive at the Pub in the Scrub that has no PA. Luckily the room only holds about 25 and every seat was taken. I played acoustically and all had a ball. Next I played at the Mt Gambier R.S.L. I could’ve done without it. What with kids screaming, mums and dads shouting at the kids and everybody just ignoring me. I was underwelmed, too say the least. I was to play a couple of hours at Dave’s new restaurant, Redfingers Café Bar, Coonawarra for the Coonawarra Cabernet Festival Event, while wine tasting was going on. I started around 2.00pm and managed to put my axe away about 11.30pm. Had a great time, tho.
Good friend and music lover Kim Neate organized a little trip to N.S.W for me beginning at the Carlingford Bowling Club. Apparently it was a new idea but it was most successful. The Foreday Riders/King Bros came as guests with two of their drummers which was a great warm up for the Patonga Festival. Then Kim drove me to Lake George where the Lerida Estate Winery is situated. Lovely place, lovely people. The P.A. supplier, who I found out later, overcharged the owners and forgot to supply a mic stand! Improvise again. An easel used for holding the wine list and some gaffer tape to hold my mic turned out just the ticket. Looked interesting too. We then drove to Goulburn to play at Tattersalls Hotel that evening. Not many there but everyone enjoyed the show. Next day we drove to Canberra where we were to stay overnight at Geoff Cook and Gaye Reid’s house before catching an early morning flight back to Melbourne. Phil Manning was there, too. Went to the Southern Cross Yacht Club to see Tony Jaggers. Phil and I wound up having a sit-in. Had a ball. That evening off to the Polish Club to hear Phil play. He was at his best. Then back to Geoff and Gaye’s place and party. Didn’t wake up to catch my plane. Got one the next day. Two days holiday, I didn’t mind.
The Foreday Riders celebrated their (40) forty year anniversary at “Blues Across The Bay” in Patonga, N.S.W. This was organized by Jill Tweedie, the original vocalist with that band. Flew to Sydney and took the train to Woy Woy (the last residence of Spike Milligan’s mum). Patonga is paradise! Had a great time catching up with the King Bros and ex-foreday riders Ros Clark and Rick Lock. Rick was on my first Eureka recorded album ‘Break’. I was to play at the new pub but it was still being built. The Patonga General Store sells booze and everybody drinks on its verandah. Played there! What a hoot! It wasn’t long before I was back in NSW again. This time with Hatfitz and James T (Uncanny X-Men). James T would open the show and part of his set he was joined by Fitz. Then Fitz would do his thing and James would join him. The finale was yours truly with both Fitz and James joining me for the last (3) three songs. It was great! Gary ‘Sinkerz’ Sinclair looked after us real good. Well, that’s about it.
Keep the Faith,
Dutch
P.S. It is really appreciated when Lynne shows or tells of kind messages coming through websites or direct emails and I am sorry for not replying but I know my ego pumps up with so many good wishes and news of family, friends and followers of my journey.
April, 2007
Hi all
It’s been awhile since I put pen to paper, but then I’m a very busy man; just living, you know. Peanuts has kept me rather busy over the past two months, so I couldn’t get in too much trouble. I’ve been playing Sat nights (when not interstate) at Kat Bahloo Café and Bar in Acland St, St Kilda. Interesting gig, as some nights are like playing a concert as the patrons stay from 9 o’clock till 11 o’clock, but other times it’s been like I’m busking; a different set of patrons each break. I can sing my favourite songs more than once. The staff of course have heard them before, but their too busy to notice.
I had a great time at the Baraki Bar in Lonsdale St, Melb with Geoff Achison and Lloyd Spiegel, three generations of Blues. Love playing with those guys, as they’re not only sensational players, but to me they’re “stuff” (family). Geoff has since moved to the U.S. and I’m not sure they deserve him. Our loss though. Of course, he’ll be back. Who could resist living in Australia, if you’ve got the right to?
I’d like to see more of you at “Casablanca” in Mitcham on Sunday arvos (4.00pm) when I’m there (on a irregular basis). It’s a great bar, with friendly staff and cheap drinks and good vibes all round.
The last weekend of March saw me at the 5th Annual Newcastle Blues Festival. The weather spoiled the weekend some what. The heavy rain caused the cancellation of all open air performances, which was a shame. It’s not as if the Hunter Valley needed rain, as it would appear it’s about the only region not much effected by the drought, that I know of. I wasn’t booked for any outdoor shows, so I was not effected. It always touches me how many new fans I collect, while older folks (retired from parenting, I guess) tell me about the last time they saw me decades ago. Some times I remember those gigs, but mostly I don’t. Some people do have long memories, so watch yourself!
The Eastern Station Hotel has sort of replaced Sturt Street Blues in Ballarat and has it’s own Blues Club. Members get to see a free show once a month. I played there on the sixth of April with my Blusicians (Greg Dodd - Guitar, Peter Beulke - Bass and Rob O’Toole - Drums). If you live in that region, it’s a must go there venue. The Oak Tree Tavern on Forest Road, The Basin is another. I’ve played there, solo, on a couple of occasions and found it most enjoyable.
I flew to Mildura to play at a birthday party and was a guest of Gavin and Annette ‘lovie’ Graham. Gavin turned 40. But he’s still a boy at heart. A few weeks later I flew there again with the Blusicians, to play at the Mildura Beer and Blues festival, organised by the Mildura Beer Appreciation Club. A great festival, if you don’t think the Blues is your taste, there’s plenty of different kinds of beer to tickle your palate. Peter Beulke couldn’t make it that weekend so, we got Barry Hills out of retirement. He played beautifully, even though his fingers were a bit soft. Ah, but you’ve got to suffer for your art, Barry. One fly in the ointment: Barry was intimidated by some low-life into parting with some of his money. I was furious and came close to a violent confrontation with said low-life. Thought better of it, as it may have spoiled an otherwise great weekend. Twenty dollars wasn’t worth that. Made lots of friends instead. Organisers of the Festival treated us like royalty. Gotta do it again!
Well, that’s about enough of my Bullterrier-shitzu cross. Check out the gig list and I’ll see you there.
Keep the Faith
Hi and a belated Happy New Year! From the Dutchman.
It’s come to my ears (I’m not deaf, yet!) that some people are saying that I’m whining about Fiona Boyes Winning the Vic/Tas Awards. Well, Hell, No! Why would I? I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving!! Nor have I ever suggested that there was something going on that was wrong regarding entry conditions.
My manager Lynne Wright (Peanuts Promotions), who put a lot of effort on my behalf, was disappointed, ‘cos my entry CD’s got “lost” in the mail. Not the first time CD’s have gone astray on that route! So I missed out. I guess it made the judge’s job marginally easier.
I know that awards like Vic/Tas carry prestige and make good publicity from a management point of view, but for me, I really don’t give a guinea pigs tail, I got plenty already! I couldn’t be happier for Fiona, ‘cos I really admire her outstanding talents. The only thing I’ve got against her is that she married that irreverent, ‘stead of’ me (forgive me Reverend Steve and I ask you to pray for my miserable sinners soul).
Now excuse me, I’ve gotta go and count my awards. Ah, there they are, keeping the doors from slamming shut. Better count those in the cardboard box, too. All the best to all of you and keep the FAITH.
Yours sincerely, Dutch
December, 2006
Prior to the gig on Saturday 9th December, Dutch was asked, by Rick Montgomery (Member of Johnos Blues Band/Club Manager), to present to Johno a Special Services Award for the longetivity of the World Famous Johnos Blues Club, Cairns QLD.
Well our famously funny folklore fellow went AWOL (Japanese influences are certain) & therefore Dutch now was to present the Award on Tuesday 12th Dec to a now crowded house ready to party. Luckily, because our famously friendly Johno wasn’t stage serious long enough for Dutch to present to him.
Johno was sidetracked and left the stage joining someone in the audience while unaware, after much encouragement from stage, of any of this unsuspected surprise presentation from Johnos Blues Bar to Johnos Blues Club founder, himself. While Dutch was trying to encourage Johno onto the stage for kind words of thankyou, on behalf of all Blues Lovers in Australia, no response was registering with our favouritely funny but also very strange bluesman “Johno” well known for his uniquely eccentric behaviours over the years.
Dutch is never without words and this occasion was anything but awkward for him but he managed to put a few fun lines together which the audience appreciated and will remember forever.
Quoted by Dutch to Johno “You may have been at the Eifel Tower and you may have been at the China Wall but if you haven’t been to Johno’s you haven’t been anywhere at all.”
Message from Peanuts (31st October, 2006)
As Manager of Peanuts Promotions I would like to welcome Ellie Bronkhorst as part of my team as an agent in Victoria so please feel free to phone her on 0418 905 068 / 03 9434 5254.
Terry Lantry is our NSW Newcastle agent – EAO Entertainment 0415 634 609 (Premier Hotel)
Peter Serk is our SA agent – Ozbeat (08) 8240 5508 / 0416 100 506
Cath Ford is our Qld/Mackay agent – BluesHeart Promotions mobile 0419 174 337 A new independent agent who is also learning the industry with much enthausiasm since her first bookings ‘Dutch Solo’ in June this year.
The Music Industry must encourage new musicians of all ages along with new agents to keep them working. Be patient and helpful at all times with our rare and raw beginners as they are your future too.
Dutch Tilders & His Blusicians at Grand Central at 8:30pm on Friday 6th October
Guests are Warren Hall (Keyboards), Bronnie Gordon (Vocals) and Steve Ceprow (Harmonica)
Dinner & Show: $42 + b/f
Pre sales: $12.00 + b/f
At door: $15
Dutch Tilders is the elder statesman of Australian Blues and a beacon to the next generation of Australian Blues performers, who see in Dutch an uncompromising ambassador for the genre. He has stayed the course with his chosen musical path. His influence extends to, not only the Australian public, but also his fellow musicians who he has fostered and encouraged during his career. He is recognised for his life of songwriting, singing, performing and a career of almost fifty years travelling the high and low roads around Australia and will continue to do so while followers of his authentic style blues continue to come to his gigs.
Dutch has released a new album through Black Market Music titled Mine And Some I Adopted (BMM 307.2). The album finds Tilders recording solo with just an acoustic guitar for the first time in his extensive career.
"I had wanted to record solo ever since my first album. I have finally done this with the help of my manager Lynne Wright. I needed to do it. Just me and my guitar; this is how I love to play. Mine And Some I Adopted puts me right there in your living room," reflects Tilders.
The album presents Tilders at his best - bold and laconic with a mischievous attitude. Tilders' rich vocal timbre carries the weight of his years as a travelling Blues musician. Filled with skilled guitar work, the
album emanates warmth and humour as Tilders takes the listener with him on his adventures. Interspersed throughout his originals are Jimmy Coxs’ Nobody Knows You (When You're Down And Out), the traditional House Of The Rising Sun, Ray Charles' Them That's Got and Big Bill Broonzy classics, all exhibiting Tilders distinct style.
In August 2005 Tilders won the Allan Stafford award for Services to Australian Blues at the Victorian/Tasmanian Blues Awards. He was recently announced the official patron of the Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society (MBAS), after his association with the club near fifteen years, the beginning, alongside B.B. King.
Born in the Netherlands in 1941 Dutch Tilders immigrated to Australia with his family in 1955. At age 15 he played harmonica on the same bill as rock 'n' roll legend Johnny O'Keefe in a variety show at the Collingwood Town Hall.
Dutch made his first record in 1972 and it was released one year later. His collaborators were Brian Cadd, Phil Manning, Barry Sullivan, Barry Harvey, Laurie Prior and Broderick Smith. In 1975 he started recording for an independent label, Eureka and consequently recorded two direct to disc records with greats Jimmy Conway and Kevin Borich.
During the seventies, Dutch fronted such Blues and Boogie bands as the Elks, the Cyril 'B' Bunter Band and Mickey Finn. In 1980 he formed the 'R&B Six', a band that toured Australia extensively.
During that time, Dutch also worked solo and toured with John Mayall, Taj Mahal, Brownie McGhee and Sonny Terry.
Since then, Dutch has been honoured with many awards, most notedly for his performances with his band, 'The Blues Club'.
Nowadays he mainly performs as a solo artist, though he also has a band called The Blusicians.
Message from Peanuts (21st July, 2006)
I thought this months newsletter could be a good vessel for me to let you know some changes with my business which includes my management of Dutch Tilders and His Blusicians.
. I am looking for regular Agent to book Dutch's gigs (solo and band). All suggestions are welcome.
. After 10 years of networking, I will be on leave for a couple of months starting in September. I'll be checking my mobile and emails and will respond to both, but please be patient as I may be on the road to faraway places. I shall maintain the website with pommymike and Agent(s) and will be following up on any projects in progress
. Dutch is in a new home with plenty of rooms for privacy and a space to share when he wishes. He is in a happy place at this time
. I have just sold my home of fifteen years and have chosen to travel before settling back into the suburbs and back into the music industry again.
Thanks for supporting Blues Music and the Bluesman while many new musicians are still coming strong from all generations. A great part of loving blues music is that all ages blend easily when Dutch and others perform. Keep an eye
on our Elder Bluesman while I hop around Australia to connect with old friends.
Lynne Wright
T/A Peanuts Promotions (0419 308 781)
I wish to say that these past few months have been such a huge success for our Aussie Dutch Bluesman. After “Mine & Some I Adopted”, totally solo album, winning the Australian Blues ‘Chain’ Award 2006 and original “Smoking Woman” winning Best Male Vocalist 2006 (Two of five categories), the Grandmaster Bluesman Australia/The Netherlands/World Class Musician: Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist extraordinaire is satisfied. When one gives whole to everything learnt then we do have an enormous feeling of emotion. Emotion, is what Dutch shares on stage, performing in a fullness that can not be ignored, only admired and felt. Having been spoilt by Dutch Tilders growth over many years, now is the most pleasurable music time for devotees, fans, punters & patrons when our entertainer is peaking.
Ken Hatton, Guitarist with His Blusicians for almost a decade, is no longer with Dutch’s band and many thanks for honest dedication to your best for a long term. More recently Greg Dodd has returned to the semi suburbs after many years in the country. The time was right for Dutch’s Band to revamp and after recent concert at Theatre Royal, Castlemaine sharing the stage with His Blusicians and Kevin Borich Express shows the oldies are still astonishing others with their inbuilt skills of music.
Time is precious, to those with over fifty years of service to their career, as many never live over (100) one hundred years of age but songs on album/CD of specials are forever. May we be blessed by the best for always! Dutch is extremely satisfied after finally recording an independent album of his collected favourites, from his long term career as an entertainer. Big Bill Broonzy, said once, ‘he was so proud to have produced his own totally solo album of his favourites’ and then folks like Dutch, You and I could continue to hear and share the Dream of Blues for All Forever too.
Dutch turns the ripe and comfortable age of sixty-five this August 2006 and I hope to make sure he visits as many towns and cities as is possible before he travels afar mid next year overseas. If all goes as planned, Dutch and B B King in 2007 will share the same billing again, since1976, when B B King performed after Dutch Tilders Solo Show in Geelong, Victoria Australia. Wow to see these two old souls, of distant countries and cultures, come together again, on a similar platform in the USA, will see one thing for sure, they will be equally proud of each others style, when the Blues is being played.
Chris Franklin, Photographer, wishes to document Dutch’s tour overseas and this will be a piece of history to be shared and enjoyed by all of us later.
So good to hear from so many friends of Dutch, Elder of Australian Musicians, contributing thoughts, photos, inspiration and support all round, for pure passion and love of Blues and Truth style given us by a legend, not yet passed, Thank God, just still cruising. Dutch travels out of state frequently for gigs on plane, train, bus & friends, with ease to please, on every visiting community he arrives at. Some occasions, of late, I do not travel as management because Dutch, is so warmly received on arrival to his gigs, that I feel totally free to trust his welcoming committee. With such trust in others, within your own country of adoption, one must thank the beautiful persons that through the Blues Society provide for accompaniment. Great Country we live in.
TILDERS TALES 1
THE BOLD THE STRONG AND THE SMILING
Musician mates from “Blues Had A Baby” (1980) meet again. So Glad!
Dutch Tilders, Kevin Borich & Peanuts after the gig at Rubys Tavern April 2006 & a must do again double show
TILDERS TALES 2
Hello all,
It’s been some time since I last put pen to paper. Remiss of me. Mea Culpa, Mea culpa, me a Mexican cowboy.
I’d not seen Max Merritt for quite some years, so I was delighted to catch up with him on the 4th of February at St Andrews Pub. To say he hadn’t lost it would be wrong, ‘cos he found some more. It was great to hear him sing some new and old songs with, I thought, even more power than ever. Of course he had the packed house singing “Slipping Away”. It was magic. With Glen Suckling on bass, Jimmy Sloggett on sax, John Dallimore on guitar the ensemble cooked.
February saw me at the Williamstown RSL (Way Out West Blues Club). Always very pleasant. ( Announced at the gig was the news from Goulburn that Dutch just won two awards so the patrons shared his great news) Then the McNairs pub in Alexandra where I caught up with some old friends, including Ken “Moosh” Mc Colm and his lovely wife Jill. Then Kabah in Mornington. Fishys never fails to amaze me as it’s always packed with people from all ages, like eighteen to eighty and by their response, loving it. Then Way Out West Blues Club again. Great!
The Band ‘Blusicians’ and I went to Chris Franklins Photo Studio for a photo shoot on the 1st of March. Chris wants to document my up coming tour of the USA plus next year. I’m looking forward to that.
TILDERS TALES 3
On the 5th of March we went to the “Tatura Annual Food & Wine Festival”. A very pleasant gig we did last year too. Bob Gammage, a friend of ours from Eumundi in Queensland, was also on tour and was staying at Peanuts place for a few days. You see, Bob is an extraordinary artist who paints events like festivals, concerts and any scenes where people gather. I call his paintings “Still Animations” because the people on canvas actually appear to be moving. Bob drove Peanuts and I to Tatura and of course painted the festival.
Limelight in Geelong and the Brewery Tap in Ballarat were next. My old friend Greg Dodd drove me to Mornington on the Sunday for the Fishys gig. On the way we stopped off at Daveys in Frankston to catch the afternoon band. To my surprise Jo Galea Band was playing. I was wrapt. Put me in such a good mood I didn’t even get mad when we got to Fishys that night to find I’d been double booked. Lloyd Spiegel was playing and I was not expected. That’s what can happen when more than one person does the booking and then don’t tell each other. I accepted Peter Overton’s apology and Greg and I sat down to a delicious meal compliments of the house. Peter is the owner of Fishys and a very good man. Greg then drove me to my sister’s house in Frankston. He went home and I stayed overnight.
Next I played at St Andrews with the Blusicians. Stayed up all night, when I got home to be sure to catch an early flight to Newcastle, NSW to play solo at the Premier Hotel in Broadmeadow. Had a great time and stayed a couple of days with my old sparring partner Alan Kemp and his beaut wife Barbara. I say ‘old sparring partner’ because Alan and I used to go to the same karate dojo. I’ve long ago given up such energetic activity but Alan, being a fair bit younger than me, is still practicing the marshall arts.
The Lomond Hotel was next with my Blusicians. There’s always a good vibe at the Lomond and the bar staff looks after the musos. Very pleasant. Tony always gives us good sound too.
The senseless murder of Darren Jones was for me the most tragic event in March and I could not help feeling for his young family. So, when I was invited to appear on the Benefit program at Healesville on the 26th I just had to go. I rang Billy Kavanagh and he came, too. We played together, Bill playing his incomparable slide guitar. All the other musos were fantastic. It was a bitter-sweet day.
April Fools Day found me in Cairns and I almost was the April Fool. You see, you can’t always rely on the mail system. It seems the posters Peanuts had sent never got to Johnos. The gig was booked on short notice and confirmation was sent by email. That too, seems to have had problems. Telephone conversations also got mixed up. So Johnos didn’t expect me. My brother Bart picked me up from the airport and remarked he hadn’t seen any ads re my gig at Johnos. That worried me. When I went to Johno’s Blues Bar I saw no posters and my name wasn’t even on the board. Well, I thought, lets Bart and I have a drink (Bart drinks water. I don’t) and worry about it later. When I got to Johno’s at about 8.00pm when it opened, the staff looked surprised.
They said they didn’t think I was coming. When I was spotted by Rick Montgomery he said, surprise, surprise. We talked about all the possibilities of how the mix up came about and then told me what time I was to do my stuff. Phew! The gig turned out to be great and spending time with my youngest brother was a bonus. Bart had just beaten throat cancer. We sat up till the early hour of the morning talking and drinking (water for him, not for me) and he told me he couldn’t produce any saliva, so all he could get down was bananas and custard. He couldn’t curse Larry (cyclone) enough for the rise in price of bananas.
Peanuts decided to do a door–deal show at the Corner Hotel in Richmond. I was dubious, you see, I can’t remember doing a profitable door-deal in forty five years. Enough said?
TILDERS TALES 4
The next day, 7th of April, I flew to Adelaide to play solo at the Semaphore Workers Club. The members of this club are commos but the club building is posh. Funny that. I played there many years ago (8-10) and was always treated with generosity and respect. No different this time. House was packed, too. A bonus. Next night it was the Builders Labourers Club. Can you see a pattern here? Unlike the Semaphore Workers Club, which looked like a capitalist mansion, the BLF Club was a converted factory and resembled a bikers club inside. Bar, pool table and plenty of space. Where at the Semaphore hung pictures of Lennen and Marx, the BLF had pics of Norm Gallagher and BLF slogans. One of the members said to me that tho the place looked like a bikers club, it wasn’t, but that it might as well be because a good percentage of the members rode bikes. I made the joke that it couldn’t be a bikers club because there were no naked barmaids. He retorted ”Then you shoulda been here last night”. I did notice that most of the members had beards and tattoos and some wore Harley Davidson T Shirts. I had a ball. The next day was an arvo gig at the Joiners Arms. Now you say, I see the pattern, but no, it’s not a union pub. The Joiners is a small pub and very intimate. You can almost touch the audience physically. It was a beautiful afternoon to cap off my little SA Tour. My thanks to Brian Coff for driving and a huge thank you to Chris Finnen for letting me stay at his house. It’s always great to catch up with ‘Blind Willie Fishface’ (Chris) and I believe he’s a true genius when it comes to music. Oh, by the way, Sue Freeman nee Jarvis ex Tilders had promised to come and see me play at the Joiners but rang just before I started to say that she’d decided to open a bottle of wine and put on my latest CD. Old bluesman and good wine is not a bad combo I guess.
I’ve always maintained that a pub is as pleasant as the publican and his or her staff. This is especially true of the Mineral Springs Hotel at Spargo Creek. Bob, Mike and Sue make their pub most memorable because of their wonderful generous, helpful and friendly nature. I had the pleasure to play there for the second time on April 15th. If you’re ever in that area, do pop in and mention my name. You’ll not regret it or forget it!
After playing at Habra (New Name/Same Owners “Fishys”) on April 16th I had a lazy week. Back to work (Ha) and off to the ACT. I was invited to be part of the Canberra Blues Society Jam session and play at their new found home base, namely the Statesman Hotel, in Curtin. The CBS used to use the Spanish Club as home base. I stayed at Ruth Janzsen’s place and she drove me around. Canberra has some really fine musicians and I had a ball playing with them.
The Theatre Royal is one of the oldest theatres in Australia, Ghost and all. It’s in Castlemaine and I had the pleasure to play there on the 28th April with my Blusicians. Greg Dodd replaced Ken Hatton. Greg last played with me about eight years ago in the last version of ‘The Blues Club’. Sounded like he’d never been away. Also on the bill was Kevin Borich. John Annas and Glen Suckling made up the ‘Express’. Great! Three greats makes magnificent! As it was a good feel to get together with K.B. it was even better to jam with him. Two drummers and every time I looked to my left (bass side) there was a different base player. Glen, then Peter B, then Glen, then Peter again. Confusing but fun. The next night I played solo and opened for K.B. at Rubys in Belgrave. That was another hoot.
Well, as you can see, I’ve been pretty busy and not getting in too much trouble. Hope you all can do the same.
Keep the Faith,
Dutch
An email from Steve Studdert that arrived via the website that we thought that we'd share with you:
Dutch,
We actually shared a urinal at the Ambassador Night Club in Newcastle together once (Yr ???). I do not expect you to remember the details in fact the details should best be kept between you & my wife (only joking).
I had just watched a hot set by yourself and felt a bit taken back (i.e.) being a young buck aspiring guitar player wanting to know "how the F@#$K you did that on stage" it was probably not the best place to discuss open tunings and the like. But I think I probably mumbled something nervously, and the went off to wash my hands. You were very polite considering the circumstances.
Times change and we all move and now I am an now a Internationally recognized "aspiring" git player of great gusto and a voice that lends something to be "acquired" I have always included "All round man" in my set list & thank you some +/- 25-30yrs later for the introduction to that song, being polite at the urinal and for being and example of "blues in motion"
Regards -- Steve
January 2006
Hello to you all and a belated seasons greetings.
I had some fun gigs in the last month of last year 2005. Johnos in Cairns, for instance, where I had the pleasure of witnessing cane-toad racing. What a Hoot!!! I got to jam with the legendary Johno and Rick Montgomery. I also had the pleasure of telling legend Phil Emmanuel to turn his volume down. He, of course, ignored the order. Fun Guys, all of them. If you find yourself in Cairns, it’s a “must go to Johno’s time of day”.
The Old Canberra Inn is always great to play. Small and intimate. Gets quite crowded, tho. Mine hosts are Brian and Lahny. They are a beautiful and most generous couple, and they made me feel most at home while I was staying at their home. While at the O.C.I. I also took part in the making of a documentary by Mary May Gill. I hope it works out well for her.
On Tuesday 13th December, Bill Kavanagh and Sue drove me and Peanuts to the Dan O’Connell to catch ‘Off The Cuff’ for their C.D Launch. Our good friend Warren Hall is their pianist, and what a pianist!!!! Warren has not been very well for some time but he is, I’m glad to say, on the mend. Tho he has bits and pieces taken out of his guts, he has the intestinal fortitude to beat his health problems, in my opinion. On the night ‘Off The Cuff’ played–up a storm, and Warren was at full strength by the sound of it. But I know it must have been very tiring for him. Bill Kavanagh has since gone back to W.A. and will be missed.
I was to do a regular monthly gig at Fishys in Mornington, but they had volume problems which have since been fixed, so I’II be at the new venue on February 19th and March 12th. Hope to see you there. It’s a great Restaurant and Blues Music Venue. Peter and his beautiful wife Roberta are excellent hosts and the atmosphere is great. Bookings are essential.
Had a great time at the Sleepy Hollows Blues Club’s Bluestone 10th Festival on New Years Eve, too. Andy & wife Margie were lots of laughs as were all the committee members. Very close community in Geelong with many travellers from Qld and all over regular patrons of this well organized event. Loved Stringybark McDowell. All enjoyed recovery day too but not as much as some Hic!
The Coolart Homestead Jazz Festival was something else. Ran into a few old Jazz Muso’s, I hadn’t seen for a long time; like, Ian Orr and Bob Wetstone. Nice to see them at a festival, rather than a funeral, eh? Fiona Boyes and I did a number together, I think she made up on the spur of the moment. Something about the sexual prowess of the older male. Somehow we managed to swap guitar licks that had something to do with that and we had the audience in stitches. Don’t ask me how that worked but, it did. By the way, Fionas set was brilliant!!!
My next gig of note was on Saturday 21st January at the Mineral Springs Hotel, Spargo Creek near Daylesford. There was no power when Ken Hatton, who was my driver and sound production engineer, and I arrived there. Thunderstorms were the order of the night. I had a fair size audience waiting for me, but all of a sudden the bleepers went off and half my audience disappeared to fight fires in the Wombat National Park. Had a great night anyway, thanks to neighbours generators and the power coming back on at around 10.30. Many thanks to Mike, Sue and Bob.
On Saturday January 28th I went to play at the Eltham 7th Annual Festival. Ran into Margaret Roadnight, whom I hadn’t seen for years. She did a great performance with Little Fi, another one of my favourites. Somehow I volunteered ( Peanuts told me ) to judge an original composition contest. My co-judges were : Steve Sedergreen and veteran Brian Brown. At times I was completely out of my depth. I asked Brian, how you can tell one original contempory piano jazz piece from another and he said he didn’t know. Just play it by ear, I guess.
So, Keep The Faith. Till next we meet.
Dutch