A visual diary of pals...

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Celebrating Gwen Byng & Brissie 60's Rock'n Roll

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Janice: Gwen, I'm guessing your first connection with the music scene was in Brisbane? If not; where and who was it that took your imagination to become involved? Gwen: Good question! It was most definitely Brisbane but not really so much in a "who inspired me" way. I was doing Psychology at University of Queensland, 1st year, and around halfway through the year I did some "prac" observations at a place called The Open Door, which was run by an ex Minister of Religion Hayden Sargent, who was on talk back radio, and was involved in many things. My plan for my degree was to work with Drug Addiction, hence the connection to the Open Door He created this venue as a "Drop In Centre" for kids who needed a place to talk. Counsellors etc were on board and he also introduced regular gigs to attract the age group he was aiming for.  Friday night was "Blues" night, Saturday night was mainstream "Pop?" music with interstate guests who the loca...
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Bruce Cale talks about working with Essra Mohawk. .

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Janice:  Bruce, I can't quite remember when you mentioned to me that you played bass on a track of Essra Mohawk's 1970 'Primordial Lovers' album, but I was blown away as it was given to me by Joy Yates when we worked together in London.  It became one of my most loved albums.  Your intro on Í Have Been Here Before' is exquisite Bruce; this track is out of this world...such fabulous vocals and musicianship from all.  Far far ahead of its time...gorgeous melodic lines, profound lyrics and a mix of genres.....I almost weep every time I hear it.  Was the session in Elektra Studios in LA?  Bruce:  Can't remember which studio. The recording date was late 1969. My connection was drummer James Zitro who was on that track.  Mike Cohen was keyboard, Kenny Jenkins was the electric bass, I was the Arco Bass player, don't remember who the others were. Essra sang while we played on that take as I recall. Essra, had me do another session with just her and I....
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MAEVE: A jazz coda by Janice Slater

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  Maeve was warm and sunny on the inside. Hard exterior when she had to be. Maeve's beauty was not her destination. Not a face that would entertain Playboy's editors or gather dust in doctors' antechambers. Her face spelled out the proverbial eye in the beholder. Round and unpretentious without makeup. Maeve was not looking for the middle way. Life more than not took her into danger. She drove a red deluxe taxi. When she did her face up for late-night rides into dives where jazz musos laid down what was below the belt and pulsed the mathematics of jazz, Maeve's beauty was in-your-face intelligence. The first woman tenor jazz player to kick ass at the Conservatorium of Music. Paid her dues playing scales on the saxophone. Long hot afternoons on a rented terrace in Newtown. Two socialite sisters owned this row of tenacious Victorian tenements. Maeve shared this jewel in the crown of bindi-eyed Newtown with two other jazz musicians. One played his horn in a padded cell to ...
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