Alford 29/1/05

Alford Gig 29/1/05

We played our third gig in Alford on Saturday night. Success, tight all the way through four longish sets and an encore of four songs. Steve comfortable and creative with his leads, has got his amp under control. Sox’s sound a seemingly endless collation of layers, able to draw a crescendo out to a satisfying climax. Terry’s fingers driving his bass around an almost melodic line. Nancy, hypnotically projecting her voice and finding inner rhthyms for us all to hear. Myself, somehow filling in the spaces with a rhythmic pulse, Steve’s old amp bucking beneath.

There was a fair bit else on in the district, so the audience was somewhere between 25 and forty adults, with around thirty being there the average in sets two and three. Bar did a busy trade. Most of the folk were locals, which was different from the last couple times. Several made a return visit, were pleased to be remembered. A local FM radio personality from Moonta was passing, stopped outside to listen (she tries to hear all the bands that pass through the area for material for her her radio show), called her mum to get on down ASAP, came in and stayed the rest of the night. May get more work here.

The pub had put up a few posters we had sent up, and ran an add in the paper for a fortnight. I think it paid off, publican said more turned up than she thought would, considering the competition.

From the first song we were tight. The wild flights into improvisation were structured and willed, extensions of songs came about due either need to draw them out, keep the dancers going, give another version of a particularly pleasing solo. The sound was loud but clear, with the instruments and voices nicely balanced. Had the floor light show, so we were probably quite a visual.

Played a few originals for the first time in ages. Very positively received. Noticed that our already powerful sound grew more powerful when we played our own songs. I think this will mean that we always play a song or two at least of our own. I know the audiences like it. As do we, I think.

The other advantage of playing our own music is that it allows us to establish our own name. For example, our mini album – ‘Origins’ - has been obtained by the radio lady, so we’ll get a bit of airplay up there. She will plug us a bit for our next gig, which is the Peterborough Rodeo. The CD and originals give her something to play. The next gig, by the way, is a biggie. Playing to between 1500 and 3000 people (!) from the back of semi trailer, from around 10 30 pm after one of the state’s major rodeos. Massive, from our point of view. Will let you know what happens…