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
(Adelaide News, 30th July 1936) From the outset this is not a drug related account about a cocaine (crack) runner. This article (for track devotees) had been written some time ago to coincide with the Tokyo Olympics and now with the opening ceremony days away, it can finally see the light of day. Running and … Continue reading Harmonica Wind
We celebrate the first of this month with Digby Richards’ Ashton County Park - the flip side of his non charting 1972 single Dirty River. This was the fourth single taken from the album Harlequin. Previous singles A Little Bit Of Peace and People Call Me Country both charted. Greg Foster provides the flavoursome harp. … Continue reading 45 Revolutions #7 – Ashton County Park
A recent addition to the Shep collection, the Hohner Echophone attachment. This is the Bakelite version that was sold in Aussie Music Emporiums after WWII. An article is in production as I type. Love this album from expat, banana bender Michael Brinkworth, who is currently based in Berlin. Michael’s tunes have a defining ambience sourced … Continue reading Echophone…..phone…hone
