Canadian collector Doug Dawson sent photos of a couple of exquisite Cracker Jacks recently added to his ever expanding collection. F A Rauner sent his models down under (with a little tweak to the name) to Allan & Co. of Melbourne. Sláinte Doug. Built to beat the band. Probably not ideal - better to be … Continue reading Band Beaters
I was too young for the festivals and, although the music would’ve been right up my alley, roughing it would not have been as I do appreciate the comforts of home. Many of the Australian bands that appeared at these festivals, appear in my vinyl collection and played at Pubs when I first ventured into … Continue reading BS (Before Sunbury)
Way out west where the rain don’t fall. Got a job with the company drilling for oil just to make some change. Living and a working on the land. I quit my job and I left my wife. I headed out west for a brand new life just to get away living and a working … Continue reading 45 Revolutions #10 – Way Out West
Number 20, pictured here in this Geo. Borgfeldt 1899 Catalogue, is an Aussie branded mouth organ named in reference to our world famous opera singer Dame Nellie Melba. Nellie was born Helen Porter Mitchell in Richmond (an inner city suburb of Melbourne, Victoria Australia) and while learning the ropes in London in 1886, she adopted … Continue reading Doin’ a Melba (or a Farnsy)
I stumbled across the Des Bettany Trio when researching newspapers of yesteryear. On further investigation a website dedicated to Des by his kids was unearthed. What a life! Lancashire born Des Bettany, a trained analytical chemist, was a gunner for the 88 Field Regiment in WWII. He was captured in Singapore by the Japanese and … Continue reading Des’ Sketch
This month’s 45 Revs for your aural pleasure is “Boogie (Part One)” b/w “Boogie (Part Two)” by Carson. Carson was an Australian (Melbourne) blues rock and boogie rock band, which started life in January 1970 as the Carson County Band. “Boogie” ventured into the top 30 on the National Charts in September 1972 and it … Continue reading 45 Revolutions #9 – Boogie (Part One)
I got this little girl she's quite a pictureAin't no-one anywhere ever gonna steal herMy Baby - Cold Chisel Another pick up for the Shep Collection. Just couldn’t help myself. It’s manifesting as an addiction. Haven’t seen many of these in my short fossicking career. Will sit right beside my Tiny and Tiny De Luxe. … Continue reading My Baby
Every so often a new innovation in harmonicas piques the interest of the author and Seydel keep pumping them out like no one’s business. My interest was twofold: firstly, the ability to play Irish jigs and reels by huffing and puffing and secondly, that the developer of this new tuning was an Aussie. The Major … Continue reading Tony’s Cross
45 Revolutions this month is one of my all time favourites. Released in April 1972 on the Harvest label was “Esmeralda" b/w “We Are Indelible" and performed by the (Indelible) Murtceps - Spectrum spelled backwards. This was Mike Rudd’s cost effective Pub (and radio) friendly outfit. In the lyrics of the excellent ‘B’ side Mike … Continue reading 45 Revolutions #8 – Esmeralda
Another vintage (antique?) harmonica to the Shep fish tank (empty of fish & water) situated in the Front Bar. One I hadn’t seen before, with box, in good nick and double (mouse ear) tabs. Way beyond my price range, but with a little bit of negotiation (and perhaps good fortune) I obtained this beauty at … Continue reading Masters of Jazz
