THE AMC SESSIONS: NO FIXED ADDRESS.
3rd June, Goodwood Institute Theatre
The Adelaide Music Collective/SA Music Hall of Fame nights continue to grow in popularity and influence. Driven by the indomitable Enrico Morena, these nights bring together classic acts (some of whom haven’t played together for years) and newer artists, to showcase the wealth of original music talent we have in this state. They are an opportunity to celebrate, reflect and discover.
On the 3rd of June, this night took on a special significance with the induction of band No Fixed Address, widely regarded as the first Indigenous band to crack the mainstream music market. In a stroke of serendipitous luck, the night fell during Reconciliation Week, and on Mabo Day. The hall was packed with supporters and friends of the band. As more than one performer commented: “I’ve never felt so much love in the room, at one of these gigs.”
The night opened with a moving Welcome to Country from Kaurna Elder Stephen Gadlabarti Goldsmith. Usual MC Gary Burrows was joined by Gillian Hicks, and they both kept the might moving smoothly.
Opening act Vonda Last, gave us a selection of her exquisitely beautiful songs, accompanied by John Baker on guitar. Her set included the wonderful “For Love of Country”, which tells the story of the unsung Indigenous men and women who have served in the armed forces, ever since the Boer War. This song has had enormous influence, even being performed by school students at an ANZAC Day service.
Next up was Corey Theatre. Of Gunditjmara-Belgian origin (not something you find every day!), Theatre has been active in reviving the Gunditjmara language, which has not been spoken fluently for over 100 years. He is also active in the Kaurna language movement. His music-a little bit reggae, a little bit country-is full of life and warmth and politics. He is an engaging and passionate performer who we are very lucky to have here in Adelaide.
The induction of No Fixed Address was conducted by John Pemberton, elder-statesman of Adelaide radio, and he managed to pull some great stories out of the band members: Bart Willoughby, Ricky Harrison, Les Kelly Graham and Johnny Miller. The late Veronica Rankine, who was inducted posthumously, was represented by her sisters.
Highlight of the night was the performance by No Fixed Address, who are amazingly tight for a band that hasn’t played together for many years. They shredded the place up, and were called back for an encore. We all sensed that we were watching great musicians, playing great music, carried by an audience that shares their passion.
And this, more than anything, defines these AMC Sessions.
The next AMC gig will be on Sunday June 19th at The Gov at 5pm, where inductees will be Dave Gleeson and The Angels. This is a not-to-be-missed event.
Reviewed by Tracey Korsten
http://www.creativespirits.info/resources/music/no-fixed-address#axzz4AfLgmxu4
https://vondalast.bandcamp.com/
http://www.samusichalloffame.com/
Tickets to the Dave Gleeson/Angels event available at: http://thegov.oztix.com.au/Default.aspx?Event=62364
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