The latest instalment of the Adelaide Music Collective sessions and S.A Music Hall of Fame was another celebration of the amazing industry talent we have in our great state.The running format, which mirrors previous sessions is one that works well and provides a musical tasting platter of our emerging artists, inductions into the Hall of Fame as the main course, and a dessert of established and seasoned veterans who have already written the menu so to speak.
Opening the evening, Kaurna Cronin and Dom Symes gave a silky smooth acoustic collage of folk inspired tunes, which were a perfect start to the evening. The spitting image of Roger Daltrey, doppelganger Cronin played songs he wrote whilst travelling through Berlin and provided a welcome back-story to his songs and how they came to be. His song ‘Leave a Letter’ was a poignant song about death and departed loved ones, it was both moving and thought provoking.
8 piece funk/afrobeat/avant garde jazz outfit The Shaolin Afronauts brought the horns out in a totally groove laden set that made it difficult not to get up and move. James Brown himself would be rolling in his grave- this was an awesome set. They’ll be playing at Rocket Bar on October 4 so get on up and see them.
The formal part of the evening came after a brief drink break, and first to be inducted was drumming legend Mark Meyer for his contribution to music. John Freeman from Fraternity presented his award and a letter of congratulations from Richard Clapton was read out loud. Queen of Country Carol Sturztel recalled fond memories of her career as she was inducted, including a meeting with teen idol doting Bobby Rydell when she was 15 years old. Recording Industry stalwart Max Pepper was inducted for his immense contribution to recording and TV. Pepper produced many of the Master’s Apprentices albums and a plethora of TV ads that most of us would have seen. Media identity Bob Francis was next, and the man responsible for bringing The Beatles to Adelaide recalled how he started an 80,000-signature petition that led to the band playing in Adelaide and arriving to a reception of 300,000 screaming fans. The final inductee was Doug Ashdown, famous for his folk song career and the hit ‘Winter In America’ which he performed immediately following the inductions. It still sounded as vocally pristine as it did in the original track and evoked memories of an era of innocence and freedom which has long since passed us. It is a beautiful tune with a timeless quality about it and I’d urge you to listen to the original here.
After Ashdown’s songs of serenity , Rockin’ Rob Riley (ex Rose Tattoo) took to the stage with friends to perform some of his country/bluegrass songs, with Garrett Costigan masterfully working the steel guitar. Riley then proceeded to tear the roof of the Goodwood Institute with a string of Rose Tattoo songs proving he’s still one of the best Rock guitarists in the country!
Truly representing all that Aussie Rock is about, Riley and friends thrashed out the title tracks from their album ‘Scarred For Life’ as well as ‘It’s Gonna Work Itself Out, and of course the song of hope and getting on with things-‘ We Can’t Be Beaten’.What better a way to end an evening celebrating music than to finish with a true rock anthem!
If you haven’t yet been to an Adelaide Music Collective session then you really need to go not only for the musical excellence on offer, but to experience the history of our entertainment industry. The names, stories, places and happenings are recalled and shared each session and are a fascinating glimpse into where it all began and how different things used to be. AMC Founder Enrico ‘Mick Morena’ has done an admirable thing in forming a collaborative music network for South Australian musicians, and hopes to shape Adelaide into its own version of Nashville or Seattle.
The next session is on Friday October 10 and will feature Glenn Shorrock (LRB), Chris Finnen (blues great) and members of 70’s rockers Fraternity being inducted.
Shorrock will perform with Finnen, and local acts The Beggars, Brillig and Sam Brittain will also take to the stage.
Get in early, as these sessions sell out quickly- book here www.trybooking.com/101851 $35adult $30 concession
Reviewed by Darren Hassan
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