Buena Vista meets Sly & Robbie
Havana Meets Kingston brings together established and emerging Cuban and Jamaican musicians in an album of mostly original songs, as well as covers of classic Cuban material. The main recording sessions took place over 10 days in June 2015 at the famous Egrem Studio in Havana, Cuba. The project was masterminded by Byron local Jake Savona (aka Mista Savona), Australia’s leading reggae-dancehall producer. Savona brought Jamaican legends Sly & Robbie, Boopee and Bongo Herman to Havana, where they joined Buena Vista Social Club musicians Barbarito Torres and Rolando Luna, alongside Cuba’s most influential percussionist Changuito (Los Van Van) and so many more.
The Havana Meets Kingston Sound System show featuring Randy Valentine (JA) and Solis (CU) will hit Australian shores to bring this ultimate fusion to life. Solis will be flying direct from Cuba to join Savona and Valentine onstage and it’s the first time key tracks from the forthcoming album will be performed as a live outfit. It’s going to be a unique and very exciting show! Miles Cleret will be getting the place jumping from 7.30pm. Miles is a world authority on Caribbean music of all genres and label boss of Soundway Records – Gilles Peterson’s label of the year in 2016. Get your tickets while you still can – this show will sell out! Miss Brown’s Caribbean Kitchen will be serving dinner from 6.30pm. Friday 27 October at Bangalow A&I hall. Tickets $35 presale or $40 on the door.
Getting flamenco Wright
ARIA nominated flamenco guitarist Damian Wright (Bandaluzia) appears in a special SOLO flamenco guitar concert tour that stops in at the Bangalow Catholic Hall. Celebrating influences from the flamenco guitar’s historical origins to the most contemporary and personal interpretations of this incredible artform. Witness the world of the flamenco guitar in all its virtuosity, depth and imagination by one of Australia’s most respected musicians.
In 2014 Damian was invited to perform as a solo artist at The Rajasthan International Folk Festival, India, and in 2016 performed at The Shanghai Fringe Festival, China. Damian was invited this year to perform at the biannual Adelaide International Guitar Festival curated by Slava Grigoryan. Show on Friday 6 October at the Bangalow Catholic Hall at 8pm for $20. Wright also presents a workshop on Saturday 7 October 11am–12.30pm.
For info email [email protected].
Uke 66
Calling occupants of interplanetary craft… Miss Amber and Stukulele’s Uke Night presents two sets of tunes so eclectic they’re out of this world! Special guest vocalist lounge lizard Phil Frea will take you for a trip down Route 66… then rising star ukuleleist and bass player extraordinaire Max Foggon is poised to light up the sky… there’s some Elvis, Britney Spears, Michael Jackson, Sia… err did someone say Iggy Azalea? Turn off the tele and get on down to Ukelectica UKE NIGHT this Thursday from 6.30pm at Club Mullum – Adults $12.50, Kids under 16 $2.50. Join the mailing list for the link to the monthly songbook.
Tyson on the Right Train
Byron Bay-based songwriter Steve Tyson does darkness very well with regret-tinged songs of missed chances and jealous-rage murder tales, but he balances these with songs with a twinkle in the eye or tongue in cheek.
Even when he’s writing about imminent climate catastrophe – see Theatre, one of the key tracks here – he never gets preachy or heavy. Tyson has not had the same profile as other chroniclers of the Australian experience such as Shane Howard or John Schumann, but the tracks on this third solo set reveal a master song craftsman with a nuanced lyrical touch and strong melodies. He is best known for his work with Brisbane folk-rock band Rough Red, but has released two critically acclaimed solo albums prior to this new release, both scoring 4-star reviews in the national music press. On this record, his gruff voice and superb guitar work – he plays every note on this album – suit his songwriting style well.
Tyson sets off on an east coast tour to launch the record later this month, with the local launch at Club Mullum on
Sunday 8 October (3pm).
He will be joined by his touring band The Train Rex, comprised of his longtime bassist John Barr and Sydney-based drummer Andy Kirkcaldie, plus Brisbane guitarist Ian Shawsmith. Ash Bell will be special guest opening the show, and no doubt jumping onstage to sing the duet with Steve. Launching his album Wrong Train Right Station at Club Mullum at the Mullum Ex-Services on Sunday 8 October.
Music with Kooii
Musicians go to Kooii gigs just to listen. Individually gifted, some might say virtuoso-like, they bond musically, in a rare phenomenon where there is no ego. The music is about subconscious performance, cosmic interpretations of the moment and ultimately attracting and engaging the crowd to move with them. The crowd is so important to Kooii that lead singer/trumpet melody-maker Peter Hunt is sacrificing profit from the gig to build a makeshift stage on the floor of the Civic Centre citing that ‘We want the ground-level stage so that we’re not so high and are more connected with the crowd. The connection and sound is everything. We have Ada Biggs on sound. He’s awesome.’ Mullum Civic Hall on Saturday at 7.30pm.
Nudging a meal
This October’s long weekend Nudge Nudge Wink Wink is raising money for local not-for-profit Mullumbimby & District Neighbourhood Centre’s (MDNC) More Than a Meal program, which is at risk and in dire need of support. The DJs providing the amazing tunes for this October are our residents Lord Sut and Dale Stephen, Byron Bay-based beloved house DJ Al Royale, and returning for his second Nudge, DJ James Scott, all playing free to support the MDNC’s Meals program. Sunday at the Billinudgel Hotel.
Go to http://www.cunningstunts.com.au/subscribe/ to get your tix.
McTavish Long Long Weekend
Wayfaring folk, dirty blues and a shed collection of surfboards by Bob and Ben McTavish. Come enjoy a wonderful curation of classic surfboards, complemented by a seductive collection of vintage guitars by Surf City Guitars. Featuring live performances by Riki Eketone, Matthew Armitage and The James Street Preachers. Blues, single fins and good coffee, this Saturday from 8am at McTavish Surfboards at 91 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay Arts and Industrial Park.
