Peter Fogarty reviews the September Open-Mic

Spring at last! Another month and another time for an Open Mic. Down to Irish Murphy’s on September Nine – where one could still feel the good vibes from the Beatles Night of August Twenty-Seven – for a night of music from nine acts doing both standards and originals – with the world premiere of a song which I think will go far.

First on for the night were Victoriana Gaye and Geoff Raglus. Both played Guitar and Geoff was on Flugelhorn for the final song. All these numbers of Victoriana’s were originals. “Don’t Be Afraid Of Dark Places” began the set, followed by the Greek-Styled  “Summer’s Day” which merged into the standard “Those Were The Days”. She finished with “May As Well Stay” – with Geoff on Flugelhorn.

Mike Whittle came on next with two Originals. First was “Days As Rich As Chocolate” and then the first public performance of “Last Man From Donolly”. This moving song was about the aftermath of a battle on July Sixteen 1916 in which many Australian lives were lost – including most of the men of military age in one township. It was received in attentive silence and had a huge emotional impact. This is a song that deserves a wider audience and that I hope – and predict – will go far.

Paolo Silva – from Brazil via Melbourne – began with “Now That She’s Gone” and then (in Portugese) “Vento”. He then also premiered a new original: “Top Of The Hill” which gathered much applause. Let’s hope Paolo can come down from Melbourne for more concerts in the future.

Lee Adamson – a former member of “Tam Lin” – started with a Bodhran solo and then, on whistle, “Lord Mayo’s March”. His final song was an a capella rendition of “Next Market Day”. All were done and received well.

Carolyne Coope was next, accompanying herself on Guitar in three songs. Paul Kelly’s “All Them Guys” began her set which then led to “Stray Cat Strut” in which those present joined in the feline chorus! The spooky “Old Rockin’ Chair” ended the set on a spine-chilling note!

Ian Zee took the stage for “Rock ‘n’ Roll Man” and then another Paul Kelly song: “Everything’s Turning To White”. His final song was the more traditional “The Mountains Of Mourne” which brought back many memories.

Adam Parsons – who usually plays Guitar solos – now came on to sing some original songs – with Guitar accompaniment, of course! First was one he had written in Year 10 about a girl who had left his school: “Thought I Was In Love”. Another original – from the same source, perhaps – was “Another Chance”. Although these were songs of youth, they have the romantic feeling that is there before the cynicism of age kicks in – usually around Eighteen. His final song was from a forthcoming musical. The name escapes me at present, but if this song is any indication, I want tickets for that musical as soon as it’s staged!

Next was yours truly with Dwaine Chonka on Guitar. We did “If I Had You”, “I’ll Be Seeing You” and ended with “Have You Met Miss Jones?” I can’t speak for myself, but Dwaine’s Guitar playing was most impressive in both the comping and in the solo breaks.

The final act for the night was “The Suits”, consisting of Chris Canning on Sax and Kevin (Pastiche) on Guitar. “Walk On The Wild Side” began things and I still wonder how that song was on the radio – uncensored – in the early 1970’s. Perhaps the powers-that-be (Or Sir Arthur Rylah’s daughter!) did not understand some of the expressions then! It was done tonight in a slower style which brought out the lyric lines and the tune. “The Boxer” was next with Kevin on Vocals and Chris on Harmonica. “Redemption Song” finished their spot and also the show for tonight. A fitting climax to a night of great talent and variety.

Many thanks to Paula as M.C. and Co-Ordinator and to Neil for his work on Sound. Plus Irish Murphy’s for the venue and atmosphere. Don’t forget to be there for the next Open Mic on October Seven – a week earlier than usual – and the next Live And Local on October Twenty-Second.

Until Then, “Happy Listening”. Peter A.D. Fogarty.