Did the stars dance over Drummond Street, Oakleigh last night?
If not why not?
The stars were out courtesy of the Caravan Music Club at the Oakleigh-Carnegie RSL last night. It was a superb night to celebrate and launch Shane Howard's new CD, Goanna Dreaming. I found the demographics of the 300 people who packed the performance space interesting. The majority were over 35 years of age with a large and significant proportion in Miss Eagle's range of antiquity. These are the generations for whom Razor's Edge and Solid Rock are anthems and these songs were the first and final numbers of Shane's performance.
The support act was Sally Dastey formerly of Tiddas. Salley's strong and clear voice was in fine form and she had us singing along to that Celtic favourite of Miss Eagle, Wild Thyme also known as Will you go lassie, go.
Sally did what all good support acts do - left us in fine form for the main act of the evening.
At interval, the lucky door prize was drawn. It was a huge framed Goanna poster. There was great amusement and merriment when the winner stepped forward. It was Tim Costello.
Shane's concert turned out to be a family and friends affair. Former partner Amy Saunders and their daughter Myra Howard were on stage most of the evening. Damian Howard, Shane's brother, was there for a couple of numbers. Kerryn Tolhurst - formerly and again of The Dingoes - was part of the band. Late in the evening Shane called for Dave Arden and he appeared. And, finally, Australian music royalty came on the stage - Archie Roach.
Archie spoke of Shane's connection to the Spirit of Place. Needless to say, there was an allusion to Goanna's historic recording but Archie meant more than that. His reference was about connection to country and how it was the true measure of a man - and Shane Howard had a true connection to the Spirit of Place.
The concert proper finished with a stirring rendition of Solid Rock As the song went on, little by little people around the room - not everyone - got to their feet, clearly to honour the spirit of the words and the music and the memory. It was moving.
Then everyone was on their feet pleading for the encore - when went on for a long, long time. Very generous, Shane.
It didn't occur to me until last night how much water came into Shane's songs: the sea, rivers, creeks, waterholes, soakages. Seems to be something there that wants to come through: humanity - survival - refreshment - spirituality perhaps.
Background: Shane Howard
Top Leftt: Sally Dastey
Bottom Left: Myra Howard, Damian Howard, Shane Howard
Top Right: Archie Roach
Chronological listing of recordings
SHANE HOWARDalbums1988 - Back to the Track 1990 - River 1993 - Time Will Tell 1994 - Live in Ireland, Australia & New Zealand 1996 - Clan 2001 - Beyond Hope's Bridge 2004 - Retrospect 2004 - Another Country 2006 - Songs of Love and Resistance 2009 - Driftwood - Rare and unreleased May 2010 - New Album 'Goanna Dreaming' due for release singles1988 - Back to the Track 1989 - Just A Feeling 1990 - Walk on Fire 1990 - If the Well Runs Dry 1990 - Here and Now 1991 - Escape from Reality 1993 - I Shall Be Released 1993 - Flesh & Blood videos1991 - The Videos miscellaneous1993 - Going Home (Various Artists) 1994 - Earth Music (Various Artists) with GOANNAalbums1982 - Spirit of Place 1985 - Oceania (LP) 1992 - Oceania (CD) 1998 - Spirit Returns singles & eps1979 - Living on the Razor's Edge (EP) 1982 - Solid Rock 1983 - Razor's Edge 1983 - Let the Franklin Flow 1983 - That Day... is comin' sooner 1984 - Common Ground 1985 - Dangerous Dancing 1985 - Song for Africa 1998 - Sorry 1998 - What Else Is A Life |
Shane Howard launching Lyrics at Readings
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Further reading, viewing and listening:
Concert line-up warrants more than the Oakleigh/Carnegie RSL.
ReplyDeleteThe Tiddas girl has a fantastic voice.
Archie Roach - a living legend. Shame about the passing of his wonderful woman, the late great, Ruby Hunter.
Many thanks for linking the John Cleary interview.
I have heard Shane Howard interviewed before, but I am really not very familiar with his music - apart from a few huge hits.
Sounds like a fantastic evening.
Thanks for posting.
Denis
The reason for the smaller, cosier venue is that this where Shane is these days. Doesn't want those huge bunfights - would rather have the smaller numbers where those who appreciate his music can turn out to support him. It was an inspirational evening.
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