The Negotiators played a short sharp kick arse gig at the Hackney Hotel last night. Asked along by the Mature Students Association of Adelaide University to play for their fundraiser, we leapt at the opportunity to play at this classic Adelaide pub. Three sets in three hours, in front of around forty appreciative audience members.
The 'new' lineup made its official debut and rocked right through the sets. Perhaps a bit more rock oriented than usual, we managed to draw in a few punters from outside, as well as hold the captive audience. Terry wasn't there, but we were able to use the pub's own lighting show to illuminate us. I think Terry is hoping to be able to bring his box of tricks to our next gig at the Gaslight Tavern on July 15. Would be good.
Chris slotted straight back in to the unit, his drumming keeping constant tempo and beat, with sufficient variation in both dynamic and effect to leave the ear satisfied. It's really good to be playing with him again, one always can pick out where he is at and he is quite interactive with the other instruments. Also, him and Nancy seem to be able to follow each other very well.
Barry has thrown away his written memory aids and played the whole gig through on memory and feel. This freed him up to concentrate on his performance and sound. The results were evident to the ear, and he appeared to be obvulessly having a good time. He is able to drive the music, and as time passes he will no doubt build up the ornamentation layers which seem to keep bass players happy on their instrument.
Steve confirmed that he has reached the next level on his evolution as lead guitarist, the transition was almost seamless between lead and rhythm, pace was controlled, enjoyment was plain. Some nice sounds. Keyboard playing seemed precise also.
I had a ball. I think I grinned most of the gig, and was bopping away at stage front. Barry and me played to each other a couple of times, making a solid platform. The Cort guitar continues to keep me exploring into its sound pallette, with various combinations of foot pedal, pick up selection and strum technique providing a wide range of sounds and feels to what I do.
Nancy rocked.
Audience was typical Adelaide Uni crowd, very little dancing, not much applause. If you didn't know how they operated, you'd think they didn't enjoy it. But you only had to catch their eyes, or watch for the smiles, to realise that most of them were quite drawn into the musical journey of the evening. Would have been nice to give them another set. The look of wonderment in several of them was inspirational to me as a musician. Most of the various barstaff made a point at some stage of the evening to express their appreciation - always a good sign.
Room was wooden panelled, in an 'L' shape with us in the angle. This allowed us to set up so that we could all basically hear each other at the low(ish) volumes necessitated by the small size of the venue. We only used three foldbacks, out of the main mixer rather than the separate amp we have used in past, and no kick drum mike - Chris can thump more than loud enough for a room this size.
That's sufficient rave on what was a great little gig. The lineup is going onwards and upwards. Our next public gig at this stage is July 15 from 9 pm at the Gaslight Tavern in Brompton. I'll put up a poster on this site soon.
Till then, enjoy Adelaide's winter and Go Aussie in the World Cup!
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